Dress Your Baby for Comfortable Sleep

How do you dress your baby so they’re comfortable for sleep? I know that this can cause parents so much stress. Why? Well, we know that overheating a baby isn’t safe and that cold babies don’t sleep well. Let’s talk about how to dress your baby for sleep and how to know if they are comfortable. 

Is there a perfect temperature for sleep?#

You may see recommendations for room temperatures between 68℉ and 72℉ degrees for sleeping. Before you adjust your thermostat, I want you to consider this: We know that different homes have different temperatures. The recommended range doesn’t always happen, yet babies can still be comfortable and safe.

So where do I start?#

First, you’re going to dress your baby for sleep how you’re dressed.

Let’s think about how YOU are dressed for sleep. Are you wearing flannel pajamas under a heavy comforter? Dress your baby like you. Maybe you need to use fleece-footed pajamas and a sleep sack or swaddle. Let’s say you’re wearing a t-shirt and a sheet when you go to bed. Dress your baby like you. Your baby might wear a onesie and a lightweight swaddle or sleep sack. 

If you’re comfortable, your baby most likely is comfortable too.

How do I know if I got it right?#

Here’s my trick: Assess. Don’t obsess.

What does that mean? Feel your baby’s core, chest, neck, back, and tummy. You aren’t going to use her hands or feet as indicators. You’re always going to feel the core. Does her core feel warm, but not sweaty? Not cold? Ok, you’ve nailed it!

Let’s say you assess, and he is a bit sweaty or his cheeks are flushed. He’s probably too warm. You need to take off a layer. If he’s in long-sleeve jammies, he might need short sleeves or a lighter sleep sack or swaddle.

If your newborn runs warm, but still needs a swaddle, here are a few options to keep your baby comfortable:

What if she feels cool? You’re going to add a layer. Consider using thicker jammies, a onesie under pajamas, or maybe a thicker sleep sack or swaddle.