How your baby is dressed for sleep plays a huge factor into not only the safety of your baby, but how well they sleep for naps and bedtime. Being overheated can pose a risk for SUIDS for our youngest infants, so be sure to adhere to safe sleep guidelines to help keep your little one safe and sound. As a trusted baby and toddler sleep coach based in British Columbia, Canada, I’ve guided countless families through the journey of nurturing healthy sleep habits for their little ones. Today, I’m excited to share some insights and tips on dressing your baby for a restful night’s sleep.
Tips for Dressing Your Baby for Sleep:
As we head into the warm summer months, it is important to asses what the temperature of baby’s room is. Making sure that it is comfortable and cool plays a key factor into their quality of sleep and also their safety. In these warmer months opt for breathable fabrics and lighter sleep sacks and pajamas. Sleep sacks are rated by tog, opt for a lower tog for the warmer months. Here are tips to help:
- Choose a sleep sack with a tog of 0.5 or 1.0 for the warmer months, avoid fleece. Per the AAP’s recommendations, avoid using weighted sleep sacks, as they pose a safety risk for your child.
- Avoiding overdressing or underdressing by regularly checking room temperature and baby’s comfort. If you have a video monitor, check on the temperature of baby’s room. The ideal temperature is 18 – 22 degrees Celsius (68- 72 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Choose lighter fabrics for pajamas in the warmer months.
- Download my Dressing Guide here to have a handy guide right at your fingertips.
Common Dressing Mistakes, Safety Sleep and Navigating Special Circumstances
Safety is always are number one! Below you will find tips on how to keep your little one safe and sound and getting the restful sleep that they need!
- Baby’s crib should be free of any blankets or pillows. There should be no blanket use until at least 18 months of age……… Sleep sacks are a great replacement for blankets, offering a safe alternative.
- Baby’s crib should have only a crib mattress and a fitted crib sheet. Make sure that there are no gaps around the mattress.
- Maintain a consistent sleep routine and follow the appropriate awake windows for your baby. Want my handy awake windows cheat sheet? Click here!
- Make sure that baby’s room is dark to promote sleep both for naptime, at bedtime and in the early morning hours!
Additional Tips for Enhancing Baby’s Sleep Environment:
- Follow a bedtime routine and a naptime routine. Try soothing bedtime rituals, such as a warm bath or gentle massage, which can help promote relaxation for your baby.
- Using white noise machines to create a calming atmosphere and to drown out any environmental noise.
- Demonstrate consistency and patience as you navigate the ups and downs of your baby’s sleep journey, and reach out for more support if you are struggling or have questions.
Knowing how to dress your baby for sleep, impacts both your baby’s safety and the quality of your baby’s rest. With a little guidance and preparation you can help your little ones enjoy nights of restful sleep. Following the dressing tips, as well as the other safe sleep guidelines for your infants sleep will establish healthy sleep habits that they will benefit from long term. Ready for my Baby Dressing Guide? Sign Up Here for this handy guide shown below and take the guesswork away!!
Missy Morrison Charko is a Certified Baby and Toddler Sleep Coach, based near Vancouver, BC, Canada. A mom of two herself, she believes that safe and healthy sleep is an absolute necessity and supports families to achieve their sleep goals. If you are curious about what her support looks like, book a free sleep evaluation here or signup for her newsletter for more tips and information here.