Here you are, a parent, and like all parents, you ask yourself an essential question: how to dress your baby at night so that he sleeps well, without getting too hot or too cold? It’s a real puzzle, especially when temperatures vary with the seasons or the whims of the weather. Don’t worry, we’re going to break it all down together to help you find the perfect clothing balance for your little one. You’ll see, it’s not that complicated, and with a few tips, your baby will sleep like an angel.
Why is it important to dress baby well at night?
When it comes to sleep, dressing your baby is crucial. An overdressed baby risks overheating, which can disrupt his sleep and even, in the worst cases, increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Conversely, a baby not dressed warmly enough can feel cold, which can also disrupt his sleep.
The impact of room temperature on sleep
Before even asking yourself what to dress your baby in, it’s important to check the temperature of his room. Ideally, it should be between 18°C and 20°C. This is the recommended temperature for optimal sleep. If the room is too hot or too cold, it can directly impact the comfort and quality of your baby’s sleep.
Risks of an overdressed or underdressed baby4>
A baby who is too hot may sweat, be restless, and wake up frequently. A simple sign that your baby is too hot? Check his neck. If it’s moist, it’s too hot for him. On the contrary, if you touch his hands or feet and they are cold, it may be a sign that he needs a little more warmth.
Dressing baby according to temperature
Now that you know why it’s important, let’s move on to practice. How to dress baby according to seasons and temperatures? Here are some simple tips to dress him properly.
Outfits for summer: when nights are hot
Summer is often when parents ask themselves the most questions. With hot nights, it’s crucial to choose clothes that allow the skin to breathe.
- Opt for a light bodysuit, ideally in cotton. It’s a natural, soft, and breathable material.
- If the room temperature exceeds 24°C, simply leave him in a diaper or a short-sleeved bodysuit.
- For very hot nights (above 26°C), a single layer and a lightweight sleeping bag (TOG 0.5 or 1) may be enough.
Tip: If you’re not sure, always think about your baby’s comfort. It’s better to have a little less clothing than too much, because a hot baby is a baby who sleeps poorly.
Transitional seasons: how to adjust clothes
Autumn and spring are often tricky when it comes to dressing baby. In the morning, it’s cool, but the temperature can rise during the day. How do you manage?
- For these periods, opt for a cotton pajama or slightly thicker material (but still breathable).
- Add a TOG 1 or 2 sleeping bag depending on the room temperature. These sleeping bags are perfect for keeping baby warm without the risk of overheating.
- If you notice the temperature dropping at night, add a long-sleeved bodysuit under the pajamas.
Winter: protecting baby without overdressing
Ah, winter! When nights are cold, we all tend to want to overprotect our babies by layering them with several clothes. But beware, too many layers can disrupt baby’s temperature regulation.
- Choose a velvet or merino wool pajamas, two perfect materials for winter. They insulate well and keep baby warm without the risk of overheating.
- Add a TOG 2 or 3 sleeping bag, specially designed for rooms where the temperature drops below 18°C. No need for more, really! Even if you think your baby is cold, overheating can pose risks.
- A little hat for babies under 3 months can also be useful, as they lose a lot of heat through their heads.
Safety tips to avoid overheating
Now that you know how to dress your baby, let’s talk about safety. The sleeping bag is the key element of nighttime safety, but there are other points to watch out for.
The importance of a suitable sleeping bag
The sleeping bag is a bit of a star of baby nights. It replaces the blanket, which can be dangerous for a baby, and keeps baby warm without the risk of suffocation.
- Choose it according to the room temperature, as explained above. Sleeping bags are classified by TOG (thermal insulation index). The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleeping bag.
- Make sure it fits well. An oversized sleeping bag could disturb baby during the night.
How to check if baby is too hot or too cold?
We mentioned it earlier, but it’s really the key tip to remember: check your baby’s neck to see if he’s too hot. For cold, check his hands and feet. If you see that baby is sweating or shivering, adjust his clothes accordingly.
Here’s a summary table to help you choose clothes based on the temperature:
Room Temperature | Recommended Clothing |
---|---|
26°C and above | Short-sleeved bodysuit or just a layer |
22-24°C | Short-sleeved bodysuit and lightweight cotton pajamas |
18-20°C | Long-sleeved bodysuit, pajamas, and TOG 2 sleeping bag |
Less than 18°C | Long-sleeved bodysuit, warm pajamas, and TOG 3 sleeping bag |
FAQ: Common questions from parents
Let’s end with some questions that all parents ask themselves at some point.
What is the ideal room temperature?
As mentioned earlier, the ideal temperature is between 18°C and 20°C. This is the best range for your baby to be well covered and sleep peacefully.
How do you know if baby needs a lighter sleeping bag?
If you notice that baby sweats a lot during the night, he is probably overdressed. In this case, you can opt for a lighter sleeping bag or remove a layer of clothing. Don’t hesitate to adjust according to the weather and room temperature.
In summary
Dressing baby for the night isn’t an exact science, but with these few tips, you should be able to manage like a pro. The key is to adapt his clothes according to the temperature and always check his comfort.
Feel free to share this article with other parents who have the same questions. And if you’re looking for sleeping bags or pajamas suitable for your baby, we offer a selection of the best options available online. Good night to you and your baby!