How to Dress Baby for Sleep – 8 Guidelines to Follow

There are a few basic guidelines to follow when dressing a baby. A few key tips to keep in mind are things like putting one more layer on them than you would yourself or keeping the room temperature comfortable. Below we'll go over what all these entail.

Knowing the right temperature for your infant can be tough; they're much smaller than adults, and we want to be sure they're cozy and warm. However, keeping a room too warm can increase the risk of SIDS as well. So how hot is too hot, and how cold is too cold?

There really isn’t some “perfect” temperature to keep your room at, but some experts recommend somewhere between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If your baby is preterm, it's a good idea to keep the temperature on the warmer end of this spectrum, as preterm infants aren't able to regulate their temperatures as efficiently. Keep in mind that this is just an average; every baby is different and may be comfortable at a colder or warmer temp. A good rule of thumb is to check their chest. If they are warm but not hot, you’re good to go.

Get More Info: The Ideal Room Temperature for a Baby

When checking on your tot's temperature, you'll want them to be between 98 to 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything that's above 100.4 is technically considered to be a fever. You can feel if they're running hot by gently pressing the back of your hand to their tummies if you're concerned.

Underarm and oral readings for an infant are typically about a full degree cooler than their actual temperature, so it's best to obtain an accurate reading rectally so you can properly ensure your reading is accurate.

While you want your child to be warm and cozy, it's wise to use a swaddle only. If you choose to use a blanket to swaddle them, it's critical to ensure the ends are snuggly tucked. The reason for this is so that your infant doesn't choke or get twisted up in loose bedding as a result.

Learn More: Sleep Sack or Swaddle Blanket

Knowing the appropriate temperature for your child can feel tricky, which is why we've drawn up a chart for easy reference. Have a look below when you're concerned about sleepwear and room temperature so your tyke can be dressed appropriately.

Naturally, as a parent, you don't want your tot running too hot or too cold, but figuring out how to make them feel comfortable in their new home isn't easy. We'll detail how to make sure they're ready for anything.

“TOG” stands for Thermal Overall Grade, and it lets the user know about how many blankets a sleep sack is equivalent to. Knowing how warm or cool a sleep sack is will be crucial when dressing your little one so they're comfortable.

While pulling a warm hat over your child's noggin sounds like a wise idea if it's the chilly months of winter, using a hat or a beanie could actually be harmful for your baby. They can overheat more easily, and If it falls off them in the middle of the night it can become a hazard.

Swaddling may sound like a nicer version of a straight jacket for infants, but for them, the sensation of being wrapped up like a burrito is comforting. Your little one has been snuggled up inside a warm belly for nine months without much wiggle room, so being held tightly mimics the sensation of being held securely.

The feeling of being bundled up helps your newborn to relax and feel secure in their surroundings, and it can help minimize the effects of the Moro reflex, when their little arms suddenly jerk up while asleep. This should help them snooze more soundly.

Sleep sacks are a great alternative to swaddling once your child has learned to become mobile. If your little one has reached the point where they can now roll over and is not suffering from the Moro reflex any longer, they can transition to a sleep sack. These sleep sacks allow you to bundle up your baby safely and prepare them to sleep with a blanket without making a big jump all at once.

They can still feel safe and secure in their sack but with their arms free. The sack also should stay securely wrapped around their body in a way that won't shift so they don't get tied up in a compromising position as they could in a loose blanket.

Knowing how to discern what's best for your infant with the endless amounts of information and advice out there can be challenging. Fortunately, there are many resources to help in your parenthood journey. However, when thinking about how to keep your tyke safe while sleeping, keep it simple.

You don't want to have too many unnecessary objects or sleep aids in the crib, as these can serve as choking hazards—loose blankets are a no-no. It's important to swaddle your tot to keep them secure and safe.

Additionally, keep toys out of the crib during the night. Not only do you want to teach them to fall asleep unaided if possible but they could suffocate or choke on something in the night as they sleep. It's wise to keep their crib limited to necessities only.

Want to know more? Check out our safe sleep practices for babies here.