Dressing babies for bed: the basics Dress your baby in layers of fitted clothing rather than just thick pyjamas. You can add or take away layers as the temperature changes. Babies cool themselves down by releasing heat from their heads and faces. Babies can quickly overheat if they fall asleep wearing hats or beanies.
Either a pair of snuggly fleece pajamas or heavier microfleece swaddle or sleep sack over standard cotton jammies should do the trick. Just remember: no loose blankets.
A good rule of thumb is to give your baby one extra layer of clothing than what you're wearing (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016). For example, if you're in a t-shirt and jumper, dress them in a vest, sleepsuit and cardigan or jumper.
The AAP recommends that your child's room should be kept at a temperature that is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult. A simple onesie in the summer and footed one-piece pajamas or a sleep sack in the winter are safe options.
As a guide, dress your baby in the same number of layers you're wearing, plus one extra layer for warmth. Although it's important to keep newborns warm, it's just as important that your baby doesn't overheat, especially during sleep.
If you can keep your room at a stable temperature of 68-70℉ (20-22.2℃), a long sleeve onesie or pajama underneath a swaddle will be suitable for most babies. If the room is warmer, try just a short sleeve onesie or diaper. For colder temperatures, add an extra layer of clothing.
In warmer weather, you can dress baby in a sleeveless and legless onesies, or just a nappy and singlet. For cooler weather, a full suit will keep baby warm. If you are using a sleeping bag, select the TOG that matches the temperature of the room.
Swaddling your newborn at night can help your baby sleep longer stretches at night. The purpose of swaddling is to help reduce the “startle or Moro” reflex. Yes, you should swaddle your newborn at night. The startle reflex is a primitive reflex that is present and birth and is a protective mechanism.
Babies don't have to be swaddled. If your baby is happy without swaddling, don't bother. Always put your baby to sleep on his back. This is true no matter what, but is especially true if he is swaddled.
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, breathing slowly and having pale, cool skin. Babies who are hot, tend to look uncomfortable. Like adults who overheat, a baby's skin will become red, and they will look flushed.
“Night one is a euphoric night,” said Jennifer Howting, a registered nurse in paediatrics based in Kingston, Ont. “But babies on night two wake up a lot more—they're more alert and are ready to feed. The second night is when the exhaustion really hits [for parents].” Night two can bring a lot of crying.
Establishing a bedtime routine
You may feel ready to introduce a bedtime routine when your baby is around 3 months old. Getting them into a simple, soothing bedtime routine can be helpful for everyone and can help prevent sleeping problems later on. It's also great one-to-one time with your baby.
When it comes down to the ideal temperature for your baby's room regardless of winter or summer months, experts recommend maintaining a temperature within the range of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, or 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Don't swaddle your baby above their shoulders – their neck and head should never be swaddled. Ensure any material is secure and won't come loose as your baby moves, to avoid suffocation (The Lullaby Trust, 2021). Use hip-healthy swaddling techniques to reduce the chance of hip dysplasia.
If it is warm outside, putting your baby in a diaper underneath the swaddle may just be enough. If however, the temperature is cold, it's a good idea to put baby in a short or long sleeved onesie or even footy pajamas to ensure that baby is kept warm.
to swaddle or not
The answer to “is it OK to not swaddle a newborn” is yes; it's more than OK to not swaddle a newborn, and there are plenty of alternatives to swaddling out there. What happens if you don't swaddle your baby isn't a make or break, and it doesn't mean that they won't sleep.
Key Bassinet Safety Rules
Still, you want to ensure you're putting your baby to sleep in the safest way possible. Remember that the safest bassinet for your baby is a bare one. Other than the swaddle blanket and possibly a pacifier, your baby does not need any extras in their crib.
Hiccups are normal and usually don't hurt your baby. In younger babies, hiccups are usually a sign that they need to be seated upright during or after feeding, that feeding needs to be slower for them, or that they need more time before or after feeding to relax.
Do not use pillows and duvets – they're not safe for babies less than a year old because of the risk of suffocation. Duvets can also make your baby too hot. Sheets and layers of blankets tucked in firmly below your baby's shoulder level or a baby sleeping bag are safe for your baby to sleep in.
While it might sound surprising to some, babies and especially newborns, still need long sleeves in their layette, regardless of what time of the year they are born. Babies' ratio of skin surface area to their body weight is much greater than adults' and they are not as good at maintaining body temperature as we are.
Newborn hospital hats help infants conserve heat and regulate body temperature. As hospital temperatures are much lower than temperatures inside the womb, infant caps are instrumental in helping babies adjust to a sudden drop in temperature.
Newborn Swaddles or Gowns
You're not responsible for bringing outfits for your baby to wear during your hospital stay. Most hospitals prefer to dress babies simply, either in just a diaper and swaddled in a flannel blanket, or in a side-snap bodysuit or basic gown. (All of these items will be provided for you.)