“Help! How do I dress my baby for sleep?”

“What’s a TOG rating?”

“What should my winter baby wear to bed?”

“Pajamas? Footies? What’s best for sleep?”

We get tons of questions like these from parents. And we get it - It can be seriously confusing on how to dress your newborn baby comfortably for sleep. In addition, newborns haven’t yet developed the ability to regulate their body temperature, so dressing them appropriately is especially important.

Luckily, we’re here to help. Read on for tips and a chart that makes it easy (yes really!):

Understanding Baby's Sleep Environment

Understanding a baby's sleep environment is essential for determining how to dress them appropriately for sleep. The sleep environment directly impacts a baby's comfort, safety, and quality of sleep. Here are some key factors to consider when dressing a baby for sleep based on their sleep environment:

1. Room Temperature: The room temperature is a crucial factor in deciding how to dress a baby for sleep. If the room is warm, opt for lightweight and breathable sleepwear to prevent overheating. In contrast, if the room is cooler, choose slightly warmer sleepwear to keep the baby comfortable.
2. Seasonal Changes: Different seasons call for different types of sleepwear. During hot summer months, dress the baby in light cotton or muslin clothing. In colder months, opt for warmer fabrics like fleece or layered clothing to keep them cozy.
3. Sleepwear Material: Always prioritize soft and gentle fabrics for a baby's sensitive skin. Fabrics like organic cotton and muslin are excellent choices for sleepwear as they are breathable and comfortable.
4. Monitoring Baby's Comfort: Pay attention to cues from the baby to gauge their comfort level. Check if they feel too warm or cold by feeling their chest or back. A baby with cold hands or feet might need an extra layer, while sweating could indicate they are too warm.
5. Personal Preferences: Every baby is different, so take into account their personal preferences and comfort levels when dressing them for sleep. Some babies may prefer a swaddle, while others might be more comfortable in sleep sacks or looser clothing.
6. Room Ventilation: Proper air circulation is vital in a baby's sleep environment. If the room is stuffy, opt for lighter sleepwear to prevent the baby from becoming too warm.

Choosing the Right Sleepwear

Choosing the right sleepwear for your baby is crucial to ensure they stay comfortable, safe, and content throughout their sleep. One of the most important factors to consider is the fabric of the sleepwear. Opt for soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic materials to prevent skin irritation and discomfort. Natural fabrics like organic cotton and muslin are excellent choices as they allow air circulation, keeping your baby cool in warm weather and cozy in cooler temperatures.

Look for sleepwear with convenient features like snap or zipper closures to facilitate easy diaper changes during the night. These functional designs ensure minimal disruption to your baby's sleep and make nighttime diaper changes a breeze.

Avoid sleepwear with loose buttons, strings, or embellishments that could pose choking hazards. Opt for snug-fitting sleepwear to prevent fabric from bunching up, but ensure it allows your baby to move comfortably. Always adhere to safe sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related accidents.

For younger babies, sleep sacks or swaddles can be excellent options for a safe sleep environment. These products provide the coziness of a blanket without the risk of covering the baby's face. Swaddling can help soothe newborns by replicating the feeling of being in the womb and prevent them from startling themselves awake.

Our “What to Wear For Sleep” Chart combines the above recommendations and makes it easy to pick the right sleepwear and sleeping bag or swaddle. Just remember these are general guidelines and it’s always best to pay attention to your baby’s individual needs and consult your pediatrician with specific questions.

6 Tips to Help Dress Your Baby for Sleep

Dressing your baby for sleep is an important aspect of ensuring their comfort and safety during bedtime. Here are six tips to help you dress your baby for sleep:

1. Adjust The Room Temp: The recommended room temperature for baby’s sleep is 68 - 72° F. Keeping it in this range helps prevent them from getting too cold (which can result in wakeups) or too warm (which can lead to overheating, a risk factor for SIDS.)
2. Dress Them in Layers: Start with a onesie as a comfortable first layer and add additional long sleeves and/or footie PJs as needed. A good rule is to dress them in one more layer than you would need to feel comfortable.
3. Use Swaddle or Sleeping Bag: Our Easy Swaddle Wrap is great for younger babies (0 - 3 months) because it can help prevent the startle reflex, which can lead to wakeups. They’re also super easy to use! Just remember to stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling.
4. Consider the Fabric: For cooler nights, velboa can provide extra warmth and snuggliness. And for warmer summer evenings, there’s nothing better than lightweight, breathable cotton or cotton muslin for easy, breezy sweet dreams.
5. Check the TOG: TOG (or thermal overall grade) is a unit of measurement for warmth. Every Sleeping Bag has a TOG rating depending on fabric type; the higher the TOG the warmer the material and vice versa. For example, a cotton Easy Wrap Swaddle has a 1.0 TOG rating, while a Velboa one has a 1.5 rating.

Tips to Keep Them Comfy and Safe While Sleeping

Now that you’ve got them dressed, here’s a few tips for making sure they stay comfy and safe:

• Monitor their temperature: Gently touch their chest or back to make sure they’re at a comfy temp. If they feel chilly, consider adding a layer. If they feel extra warm, are sweating, or have a flushed face, you might remove layers or cool the room. Note: Baby’s hands are often chilly even if they’re at an okay temperature. Their chest or back are a better indicator of overall temperature.
• Keep their head uncovered: Bows, barrettes, and hats are adorable, but not safe for bedtime or naptime. Save them for daytime and keep their head uncovered for sleep.
• No loose clothing or blankets: Avoid dressing your baby in clothing with loose parts that can pose a safety risk. Accessories like bracelets and necklaces are also a no-go because they can be a strangulation or choking hazard. Loose blankets should be avoided until your baby is at least a year old. Use a sleeping bag instead to make sure they stay safe.

We hope you’ve found this helpful. If you have concerns or challenges, check with your pediatrician or a sleep expert for personalized advice!