There is more to making a baby ready for sleep than changing clothes. It means taking care to have the baby feel secure, warm, and comfy all night long. You might be confused because there are so many clothes and sleep items to choose from. This guide is a complete checklist on how to dress baby for sleep.
Start With the Room Temperature
Before deciding what the baby will wear, check the room’s temperature. If the room is hot, there is no need for many clothes. If you think the temperature is cold, dress your baby with one or two additional layers. Controlling body temperature is not something babies have the ability to do as adults. For this reason, the temperature in the room should be considered.
Choose Simple and Comfy Sleepwear
The ideal sleepwear for your baby is soft, doesn’t weigh a lot, and allows easy movement. A sleeper or footed pajama makes a suitable option for any time you put your baby to bed. It’s advisable to skip clothes that have many snaps, buttons, or hard seams. They may bother the baby and make it take more time to change their diaper at night. Zippers work fine, but put a soft piece on top to avoid the baby being pricked by the zipper.
Add Layers If Needed
The presence of layers allows you to deal with changing or freezing weather. It’s wise to suit the baby in one more layer than the amount of clothing adults wear. A cotton sweater or a blanket that can be worn during sleep is good if the temperature is low. When the room is feeling warm, a short-sleeved outfit or a light pajama set will be enough for the baby. Most of the time, babies don’t have to wear hats or socks at night, but only when it is very cold. Still, choose only snug-fitting caps that fit comfortably and won’t fall down. Usually, it helps the baby stay comfortable if its head and hands are kept uncovered.
Keep the Sleep Space Safe
A crib should not have loose clothes, heavy blankets, or stuffed toys because they could be problematic. Dress the baby in warm enough clothes so they don’t require any cover on top. A sleep sack that fits snugly suits them well. Be sure the baby’s face and neck are never hidden by any layer of clothing. The clothes ought to be a perfect fit that feels neither too tight nor too loose on the baby.
Check for Signs of Overheating
As babies can’t communicate, you should check their temperature from time to time. If an infant is sweating, has red cheeks, or is quite unsettled, the clothes could be keeping them too warm. Put your fingertips on the baby’s neck area. Should you feel sweaty or damp, take off some clothes and cool down. It’s fine if the baby’s hands or feet are cool, because this does not always suggest that your little one is cold. Glancing at the baby’s chest or back is the top place to look.
Conclusion
Getting a baby ready for sleep is easy. Put soft clothes on the baby. Make sure the room is not too hot or too cold. Help the baby feel safe and calm. Simple clothes with soft fabric and a few layers work well. Everyone in the home is happier when a baby is well-rested.
