Getting your baby ready for bed may seem like a simple job, but there's a lot to consider. It is important to choose the right type of sleepwear, consider the type of fabric, and determine how much clothing the baby needs to put on before bed. Once your baby is dressed, you should also make sure that the environment and the bed will keep him safe and comfortable throughout the night.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Preparing the Baby
Step 1. Choose sleepwear that suits the weather conditions
Overdressing in cold weather is a common problem. Likewise, letting the baby wear clothes that are too thin in hot weather. During the transition season, sudden changes in temperature can also make you wear clothes that are too thick or too thin for your baby.
- Try not to overdress in cold weather. If you have a newborn and are still swaddling him, you can wear a long-sleeved cotton onesie with a toe or sock before swaddling. For babies who are no longer swaddled, a thick cotton onesie with long sleeves and leg covers or socks can be a good choice.
- Wear clothes that are warm enough in hot weather. For a newborn baby, swaddling with a light cotton blanket will suffice, but you can feel the baby's skin to be sure. Babies can be put on a thin, short-sleeved onesie before being swaddled if the weather is not too hot. Babies who are no longer swaddled can wear short-sleeved pajamas.
- Check your baby's skin often during the transition season. During the transition season temperature changes can occur quickly and that means you should check your baby's skin frequently to see if the baby is comfortable or not. Try layering your baby during the transition season so you can only add or remove layers if needed.
Step 2. Choose a nightwear made of natural fibers
Natural fibers are more effective in hot and cold climates. In warm climates, natural fibers can absorb sweat better and remove moisture from the baby's body. In cold weather, natural fibers will provide more effective insulation and make it easier for you to add layers of clothing. Natural fibers also attract less static electricity than synthetic fibers. Some great natural fibers you can choose for your baby include:
- Cotton
- Silk
- Wool
- cashmere
- Hemp
- Linen
Step 3. Feel the baby's skin
A baby's skin is a good indicator of whether he is cold or hot. Touch the baby's skin in a few different places to be sure. The baby's skin should be at a comfortable temperature.
- For example, if your baby's toes are cold, he or she is probably cold and you may need to put on baby shoes or socks. If your baby's skin feels too hot under his clothes, he may be so hot that you need to remove the layers of his clothes.
- You can check your baby's skin in any area, but the nape of the neck is a good indicator. The nape of the neck should feel slightly cool to the touch and should not sweat. Sweating can be a sign that the baby is overheating.
Step 4. Put on baby tight sleepwear
You can start wearing tight sleepwear for your baby after about three months or less if you don't swaddle him. Choose overalls and avoid those that have accessories like ribbons, string, twine, or anything else that could entangle the baby.
Step 5. Wear layered clothes for the baby
Layering your baby will make it easier for you to adjust the sleepwear as needed. For example, you can remove one layer if the baby is hot or add another layer if the baby is cold.
Add one more layer of clothing than you are wearing. Babies tend to be cooler than adults. So, as a rule of thumb add one more layer for baby than you are wearing. For example, if you're comfortable in a t-shirt, your baby may need a light shirt and long sleeves
Step 6. Decide if you need to add a hat and baby shoes
Babies lose a lot of heat through the head and feet. Check the skin on the baby's head and feet. If the skin in this area feels cooler than the rest of your body, it's a good idea to add a hat or socks.
- Make sure the hat is not too long and covers the baby's mouth and nose so it doesn't obstruct breathing.
- Check the baby's head and feet frequently. If your baby's scalp is sweaty, remove the hat. If baby's feet are sweaty, take off his socks.
Method 2 of 2: Creating a Comfortable Sleeping Environment
Step 1. Use a light blanket if necessary
If the weather is warm, the baby may not need a blanket, but a light blanket may be the best option. Choose light blankets made of natural materials, such as cotton, wool, silk, or hemp. A thick and soft blanket can pose a risk of suffocation for the baby. So, it should be avoided.
- Tuck in a blanket so it doesn't shift if you decide to wrap the baby. Make sure the blanket reaches the baby's chest (under the armpits) then tuck the ends of the blanket up the sides and under the mattress.
- Instead of using a blanket, you can put your baby in a sleeping bag for babies. In addition to making the baby comfortable, sleeping bags reduce the risk of suffocation.
Step 2. Consider swaddling the baby
Swaddling is a technique of wrapping a baby in a blanket so that only the head is exposed. Swaddling can help newborns sleep better and longer because it simulates the mother's womb. You can swaddle your baby until he is between three and four months old or more in some cases. To determine when you should stop, swaddle the baby and leave one arm out. If your baby is sleeping soundly with one arm out, you may not need to swaddle him again.
- To swaddle a baby, spread a light blanket made of natural fibers in a diamond shape from your perspective. Fold the edge of the blanket at the top down.
- Then, place the baby in the center of the blanket with his head resting in the folded corner.
- Pull one side of the blanket over the baby's chest.
- Then, fold the bottom of the blanket over the baby's feet and tuck it over his or her shoulders.
- Finally, fold the other side of the blanket over the baby's chest. Make sure the swaddle is tight enough, but not too tight.
Step 3. Keep the room temperature around 18 °C
A room with an ambient temperature of 18 °C is ideal for sleeping. So, try to keep the baby's room temperature within this range. If you have a thermostat, set it to 18 °C.
- If you don't have a thermostat, consider buying an indoor thermometer for the nursery. This tool can help you decide whether to close or open windows, increase the room temperature, or turn on the air conditioner.
- Do not place the baby near air conditioning vents or windy windows.
