Whether you’re a new parent or you have been through parenthood before, every mum and dad knows that getting your baby a good night’s sleep is important for everyone. There is endless advice on how to make sure your little one is getting the best sleep possible, and choosing the right bedclothes can make quite a difference. Here’s how to dress your baby for bedtime. The appropriate dress will depend largely on the weather and the temperature of the nursery. It is important to consider that the ideal temperature for the baby’s room is between 16ºC and 20ºC according to the NHS. You should start by dressing your baby in a vest, then, if it’s particularly warm, you can pop them in a swaddle or light sleeping bag to make sure they’re cosy in just their vest and a nappy. If the temperature is below 20ºC, layer up with a sleepsuit. However, it is important to remember not to dress your infant in a hat or gloves for bedtime, even in cold weather. The tog of the baby blanket needs consideration, depending on the temperature. If the temperature is over 26 degrees, they should sleep in just a vest Between 24 and 25 degrees, a vest and a light blanket or sleeping bag with a tog of 0.5 If it’s between 22 and 23 degrees, a vest alongside a sleeping bag or blanket with a tog of 1 will suffice If it’s between 18 and 21 degrees, add a sleepsuit to the vest and 1 tog sleeping blanket. When the temperature starts getting colder than this, then introduce sleeping bags with a heavier tog. When the temperature is between 15 and 17 degrees, a vest, a sleepsuit and a blanket with a 2.5 tog will do. Anything less than 15 degrees, pair the vest and sleepsuit with a blanket or sleeping bag with a tog of 3.5. Check your baby’s temperature then select the sleepwear Before you decide on the type of sleepwear for your baby, you need to stay apprised of the baby’s temperature. Acknowledging just the room temperature without focusing on your baby’s body temperature may not keep your baby comfortable at night. Suppose that your baby is feeling too warm, but you’re making him sleep in a heavy blanket or a sleeping suit, he might get irritated. To check if your infant is too hot, place two fingers on your baby’s tummy, neck, or back to see if they’re sweating, feeling hot, or clammy. Other signs include: Damp hair Flushed cheeks Rapid breathing Heat rash You may also touch the belly of your baby to know the temperature. Although some people suggest checking the baby’s hands and feet, it isn’t a reliable method to check the baby’s temperature. Conversely, if your baby is too cold, signs could include them becoming more lethargic or slower to be responsive. How to decide whether or not your baby is comfortable in the bedwear? Babies can’t speak but they give us signs or clues by their coo and cries. Although sometimes it is difficult to make sense of their cries, most of the time parents decode what their baby is trying to say. If your munchkin is already fed and is in its vest or sleeping bag, but still seems troubled, signs are the temperature is not apt. Either the baby is still feeling cold or is experiencing potential overheating. If the baby is overheated, he/she must be having rashes, increased heartbeat, fever but isn’t sweating, is lethargic, is vomiting. On the other hand, if the baby is too cold, his/her chest, back, and tummy would be cold. However, if only your baby’s hands and feet cool, then you need not worry, as it is normal. Once you observe these signs, immediately give a check to the room’s temperature, and then make your baby dressed in appropriate bedclothes to adjust his/her body according to the temperature. Some Pre-Bed Time Tricks To Help Your Baby Sleep Faster In addition to the perfect bedwear, you may consider some pre-bedtime tricks to help your baby have a good night’s sleep: Researches indicate a gentle massage before bed may catalyze your baby’s sleeping process. It is observed that a gentle massage helps in the production of the melatonin hormone which induces sleep. Did you know? Warm water has sleep-inducing capabilities. You may give a warm water bath to your baby before bedtime to help him/her relax and sleep faster. A sweet song or especially the lullaby or cradle song from the mom’s mouth sets the perfect sleeping ground for the baby. Don’t forget to end your baby’s day on a happy note by saying love words like “Good Night Baby, Mumma Loves You”, with a kiss on the forehead. Be Wary of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Unfortunately, thousands of babies fall to death every year due to SIDS. In this syndrome, a baby dies in their cot unforeseen while sleeping. It mostly affects babies between 1 to 4 months. It is also seen to affect premature babies and babies born with lower birth weight. Moreover, SIDS is also known to target babies that are wrapped up inappropriately during bedtime. Babies with heads covered are at potential risk of SIDS. Experts suggest that parents can reduce the risk of SIDS from their babies by making them wear the right clothes and setting a safe sleeping zone at night time. Here are some tips that can prevent your baby from SIDS: Always make the baby sleep on the back unless it starts to roll on his/her own. Never let your baby overheat as overheating increases the risk of SIDS. Regularly check signs of overheating in your baby. Never share a bed with your baby but give a space to your baby’s cot in your room. Breast Feed your baby as it reduces the risk of SIDS Place your baby in the feet-to-foot position, where the feet of your baby touch the cot’s end. Don’t sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. Do not smoke and don’t let anyone in the family smoke Also Read: How to keep your baby cool this summer If you’re looking for bamboo baby blankets or swaddle bundles, visit our online store today.
