What should babies wear to sleep?

Babies spend a huge chunk of their days sleeping. Therefore, you want to do everything you can to make sure that they are comfortable as they sleep. This is essential if you want them to sleep better and get all the health benefits that come with getting lots of sleep. 

So, what should babies wear to sleep? Well, as a rule of thumb, the first thing you want to do is make sure that they are dressed in at least one more layer of clothing than you have on, no matter what the weather is like. Next, you want to prioritize comfort over style especially as they sleep. 

Here is a detailed guide to help you dress your little one appropriately for sleep. 

Dressing your baby for cold weather sleep

Babies are delicate little things. They are not yet able to regulate their body temperature properly. To help with this, you need to dress them in clothing that covers their arms, legs, and feet. In cold weather, they need all the help they can get to help to maintain their body temperature.

Footed pajamas are always good option when dressing your baby for cold weather sleep. The best fabric for an outfit that will keep them warm in the cold is fleece. You can also use lighter cotton fabric for layering. This will help prevent the baby from getting too hot.

Dressing your baby in layers instead of thick pajamas is important. With layers, you are able to add or remove layers depending on the temperature changes.

Dressing your baby for warm weather sleep

On warm nights, go for lighter clothes. For instance, a short-sleeved onesie or t-shirt would do just fine.

The pajamas you choose should also be comfortable enough for your baby to sleep in. Go for lightweight outfits to keep your baby cool as they sleep.

The best fabric for warm weather sleepwear is cotton. It is both comfortable and breathable, making it the best of both worlds for your little one. 

Swaddling

Swaddling is an age-old practice that involves wrapping your baby in a sheet or thin blanket to help them feel safe and secure. It is comforting because it reminds your little one of the womb, which was their first home, making them feel safe as they adjust to life outside the womb.

Newborn babies usually respond well to being swaddled. This is why most parents use swaddling as a method to help their babies sleep.

The material used to bundle your infant should be lightweight and breathable. A good choice is muslin or cotton. It should also allow for easy wrapping, ample flexibility, and tucking. If you are not too sure of your swaddling skills, there are also swaddle suits available that offer zippers and Velcro for easier swaddling.

Swaddling, however, should only be done during the first months. As soon as your baby starts to roll over, you should lose the swaddle. Some babies start rolling over as early as 2 months. Swaddling past this stage is not safe. 

Once your baby starts rolling over, graduate to a wearable blanket or sleep sack to help them sleep better.

Onesies

Onesies should be at the top of your list of the clothes your baby should wear to sleep. Although basic, onesies are one of the most convenient clothing available for your baby.

Most parents prefer onesies to shirts because they snap at the groin area. This helps to protect your baby’s belly tummy from the cold as they sleep.

Onesies are available both as short-sleeved and long-sleeved. Long-sleeved onesies are good for cool weather as they keep the baby’s body warm by protecting their arms and legs warm. Short-sleeved onesies are good for warm weather or when putting your baby to sleep on a hot summer day.

The best material for onesies is cotton. Cotton fabric is breathable. It absorbs the sweat from your baby as they sleep, preventing irritation. The fabric also allows for more flexibility. This allows the bay to move more freely as the baby grows and become more agile.

Onesies are also a relief for most parents. The numerous diaper changes as the bay sleeps are much easier. Most onesies snap at the groin area, making diaper changes a lot easier. 

Onesies are available in many different designs. There are onesies that incorporate mitts and socks in one outfit. These footed onesies are especially effective when putting your child to sleep in cold weather. They are convenient since they keep your baby’s fingers and feet warm at the same time, so you won't have to get mittens and socks separately. 

Avoid beanies and hats in bed

You should avoid putting a hat on your baby as they sleep. Babies release excess body heat through their faces and heads to cool off. When you put them to sleep in a beanie or hat, there is an increased risk of overheating.

If your baby’s body temperature rises, they’ll need to lose the excess heat through their head. This is why it's important to keep your baby’s head uncovered as they sleep. Beanies and hats in bed can lead to overheating, and increased risk of SIDS, and they can also be choking hazards. 

Final thoughts

What babies wear to sleep is essential to the quality of sleep they'll get. Comfortable pajamas provide the best sleep experience for your baby.

In addition to the clothes, the temperature in your home should also be adjusted to levels that are comfortable for your baby. You should also make sure that your baby's bedding is comfortable and of good quality. 

As your baby sleeps, be on the lookout for physical indicators that might tell you whether or not your baby is uncomfortable. Signs such as rapid breathing, rash, perspiration, and red cheeks indicate that your baby may be overheating. On the other hand, if their fingers start turning slightly bluish, they are likely cold.

With the tips outlined here, though, putting your baby to sleep in the most comfortable clothes should be quite easy. Good luck!