How you can safely keep your baby warm at night.
As the leaves change and the days get shorter, the crisp night air encourages us to enjoy cozy evenings inside. If you are navigating the change of seasons with your baby for the first time, you may question how to keep them warm at night.
We know the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleep guidelines state that blankets should not be used in your little one's crib until around their second birthday.
So, how can you safely keep your baby warm at night as the temperatures drop?
Thankfully, many options are available, and we have gathered all the information you need to keep your little one safe and warm.
How to know if your baby is cold
A normal body temperature for an infant is between 96.8 and 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. If it drops below the normal range, their body must work much harder to regulate, causing stress. But, how can you tell?
Simply touch them. Feel their head and hands. Your little one should not feel cold to the touch, but it is equally vital to ensure they are not sweating.
Options for keeping baby warm
Many parents feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of maintaining their baby's goldilocks zone of temperature. However, there are lots of great options available to help you keep your little one warm and safe.
Sleep Sacks
A sleep sack is like a wearable blanket for your baby. Not unlike a small sleeping bag, they help regulate your little one's body temperature while avoiding the need for a potentially hazardous blanket in the crib. Sleep sacks are suitable for newborns through to toddlerhood.
Swaddles
When done correctly, swaddling can effectively keep your baby warm and has been shown to promote improved sleep quality in infants. Unfortunately, traditional swaddling takes practice and may feel like an unachievable art form at 2 am when you are up feeding.
Thankfully, there are many great swaddles on the market that make it easy, and the AAP recommends using these over the traditional wrapping method.
Note: It is essential to stop using a swaddle when your little one starts to show signs of rolling over, as they need freedom of movement at this stage of development to return to the supine position safely. This is normal during the 3-4 month mark.
Layers
Layering your baby's clothing is a great option to keep them warm. Heat is trapped between the layers providing insulation, and you have the flexibility to add or remove layers as the temperature changes. Dress your baby in layers of fitted clothing, starting with a thin sleeper onesie and then adding layers as needed.
Keeping them warm and safe
Just like the seasons, a newborn baby brings a world of change to our lives. With so much advice being offered at every turn, parents can quickly become overwhelmed. That’s why it’s important to lean on experts as they can provide accurate and relevant information tailored to your unique baby and family circumstances.
At My Sweet Sleeper, we are certified sleep consultants and offer one-on-one personalized coaching and the opportunity to connect with other parents so that you are surrounded with the support you need.
We are here for you through every season and developmental stage, so contact us today to explore how we can help your growing family.
Related Articles:
What should never be in your baby’s crib for safe sleep and why.
