How can we help our babies get into a comfortable sleep routine? There is a misconception that your baby should be bundled up in layers before going to sleep. However, this actually increases your baby’s risk of getting SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In this article, we will review how to dress your baby to sleep, including a guide to baby sleepwear.
Baby sleep temperature guidelines
Before getting into the details of baby sleepwear, let us review the importance of the temperature of the room in which your baby is sleeping in. The temperature should always be between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If your baby’s room has air-conditioning, do make full use of the monitor display to check the temperature and give yourself a peace of mind.
What do newborns wear to sleep?
Dressing your baby to sleep depends on his or her age range.
For newborns, you really only need a onesie or a swaddle. Swaddles may come in the form of a swaddling blanket or Velcro swaddles, which are easier to put on. For swaddling blankets, a very popular material used is muslin, as it is highly breathable. Underneath the swaddle, your baby can wear a short sleeve onesie.
If your baby is too big for swaddling, consider a body sleep suit which is great for transitioning out of the swaddle or for switching the baby to a crib. These are perfect for your baby’s sleep at 3-6 months old.
Sleepwear after 6 months old
After 6 months, it will be time to transition to another type of sleepwear. We recommend the baby sleep sack or sleeping bag. Baby sleeping bags are garments designed to keep your baby warm, comfortable and safe. They’re a lot safer than loose blankets which can be an unsafe option for crib use.Wearing a baby sleeping bag prevents your toddler from climbing out of the crib. It also prevents your toddler from trying to take out their diaper.
Some sleepsacks are short sleeved, so you can opt to dress your baby in pyjamas, or a long sleeved or short sleeved onesie under the sleepsack. Stay away from fleece or heavy material under a sleepsack as you don’t want your baby to overheat while sleeping.
Fabric choice
Typically, the best fabrics for baby sleepwear should be lightweight, non-irritating, and easy to move around in. In addition, they should also be easy to wash and quick to dry. Here are some of the top choices:
| Fabric | Properties (all are suitable for sleepwear) |
| Cotton jersey | A very soft, cooling and stretchy material, allowing baby to wear with ease. With some spandex, it keeps its shape and wrinkles less than pure cotton. |
| Microfibre | Suitable for babies with sensitive skin, and allows for easy movement. It is synthetic and has all the properties of cotton jersey. |
| Bamboo rayon | A hypoallergenic and environmentally conscious choice. It’s soft and a good choice for babies with easily irritated skin. With thermal properties, it helps a baby to stay cool. |
| Cotton gauze | An airy, soft and lightweight fabric that is very breathable. If you don’t mind the slightly crinkled look, it’s a good choice for a baby’s sleepwear in hot climates. |
Guide to baby sleepwear
| Newborn | Short sleeve onesie or swaddle blanket |
| 3-6 months | Socks, short sleeve onesie or body sleepsuits |
| 6 months+ |
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We hope this guide has been helpful for you! Not only are these gear useful for safe baby sleep, but it is also key to getting your baby to sleep on her own.
all are suitable for sleepwear