What should my baby wear to bed?

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If you are a Mum or Dad, you might wonder what your newborn should wear to bed. Dressing your newborn baby for sleep can be super simple. A swaddle or sleep suit is not only warm, but can be a great option for keeping your little one covered through the night. Baby sleep bags and sleep suits allow your baby to be snug, warm, and secure. Picking the right sleep suit for your baby to wear to bed will depend on the weather, the age of bub, and how they respond to different coverings. At the end of the day, each little one is unique, and you and your baby can use what works for you, so that your precious one can have a cosy and restful night’s sleep.
reviewed by Genevieve Titov, Sleep Angel
5 min read |
16 September, 2022

Dressing your baby for bed after a bath can be a super relaxing routine that they will love. Having the perfect sleep garment will help them to sleep better, to feel comfortable, and stay warm. Progressing beyond the traditional tightly wrapped swaddle is our Love To Dream™ range of swaddles, including the award-winning SWADDLE UP™. These swaddles allow movement so that your baby can bring their hands to their face for self-soothing. These swaddles also allow movement around the hip area which is supportive for your growing bub.

Some other key considerations when dressing your baby for sleep…

Setting the right room temperature

Having the perfect room temperature will allow your baby to drift off into a relaxing and restful sleep. To keep bub cosy, it is recommended to have the room set at around 20-21 degrees (c). You can then add layers including singlets, jumpsuits, PJs and of course their swaddle or sleep garment. Whatever makes your baby feel super snug and warm.

Choosing the right fabric for sleepwear

Keeping bub super comfortable and cosy is easy with the right fabric. Your swaddle or sleeping garment should be chosen for the season. Fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo and wool not only feel soft to touch, but are durable, sustainable, and warm.

Bamboo as a material is a natural temperature regulator thanks to the tiny gaps between the fibres. Not only is bamboo super soft and silky, but it helps your baby to stay cool and comfortable during warmer temperatures. Bamboo is breathable and absorbent, absorbing up to four times more moisture than cotton! It is a sustainable fabric, kind to the environment and kind to your baby’s skin. LOVE TO DREAM’S range of bamboo swaddles and sleeping garments can be found here.

Cotton is a durable and natural choice of fabric that supports your little one’s delicate skin. Cotton is hypoallergenic and odour-free. It is very low maintenance and naturally sustainable. LOVE TO DREAM’S range of premium organic cotton sleepwear includes swaddles, sleep garments and sleeping bags. Try our organic cotton and Australian Merino Wool blends for warmer wearing nightwear. Cotton provides a soft and smooth feel to the skin, without clinging to the body. And is perfect for that natural yet snuggly sensation.

The wool in LOVE TO DREAM’s sleepwear is the famous Australian Merino Wool. Known for its rich, truly warm and nurturing feel, Australian Merino Wool is organic and luxurious. The lightweight and superfine fibres are spun together to create wool from the thick coats of merino sheep—giving bub the most relaxing and settling sleep.

Dressing baby during summer

When temperatures are between 24-27 degrees, you’ll want to lean towards a lighter swaddle for your baby to wear to bed. Our light sleep garments ideal for bub in the summer. Remember to adjust room settings when the weather changes. And always keep an eye on your little one’s temperature. 

How to know if your baby is too hot?

Flushed cheeks can be the first sign that bub is a little too warm. Also, the nape of their neck being sweaty or moist can indicate being over warm. If they are fussing or unsettled, it could be time for a temperature check. Removing or adding layers can help your baby to be more comfortable.

Dressing baby during winter

For cooler temperatures of between 16-20 degrees, our warm and extra warm swaddles will be perfect for your baby to wear to bed. You’ll want to notice the cues your little one gives when getting them ready for sleep. This will help to determine how many layers they need to keep them warm without making them hot. As a guide, your baby will generally need one extra layer than you do.

How to know if your baby is too cold?

Feeling their torso will give you a good idea if bub is too cold. If their tummy is still warm and they are settled, then they are probably comfortable and warm enough. If they have very cold hands and feet, don’t seem interested in feeding or are irritable, then they could be cold.

Swaddling, sleepwear, and the natural startle reflex

Swaddling provides your newborn baby with the comfort, warmth, and security that helps encourage a deeper sleep. But it also addresses behaviours that may cause your little one to frequently wake.

Have you ever had a dream where you feel like you’re falling, and you jolt awake? Newborns experience something similar called the startle reflex which is an involuntary extension of their arms and legs that interrupts sleep. Swaddling can reduce the startle reflex infants experience by keeping them snug and secure, while also preventing them from instinctively scratching their delicate faces.

The benefits of skin-to-skin contact

Studies have been conducted on the benefits of skin-to-skin contact, a warm bath, and nurturing cuddles. Research discovered that skin-to-skin contact could be beneficial for your baby even up to 3-6 months post birth. Because of these nurturing practices, your baby is more likely to drift into a restful, settled and blissful sleep.

Should you swaddle your baby for sleep?

Swaddling can be a soothing, safe, and secure sleep experience. Responding to your baby’s cues when they are sleeping or awake will ensure they are more comfortable and settled each time. When your baby show signs of starting to roll, it’s time for them to transition to an arms free sleep garment. As they grow and develop, the type of swaddle or sleep garment used for when your baby sleeps will change. If they begin to resist being swaddled or become unsettled when being swaddled, it may be time to move to the next step of their sleep phase. An arms free garment for baby or sleep suit for your toddler might be next.

How to dress a newborn baby for sleep with a swaddle

Step 1: Temperature

Our provides a guide you can use to select the best sleep garment for your baby. Ensuring the room is not too hot or too cold can reduce the risk of SIDS*. Adjust room heaters or air-conditioners, drafts and windows as needed so your baby will sleep soundly.

Step 2: Safety

Avoid loose items or blankets in the cot or bassinet and make sure nothing can come up above your baby’s face to cover their nose or mouth. Remove hanging cords, including electrical and blind cords. Ensure your baby has a firm surface to sleep on; either a cot, bassinet, or portable crib with a tight fitted sheet.

Step 3: Choose Your Swaddle

You want to ensure your baby is not swaddled too tight and full hip flexion is possible as this is recommended for healthy hip development. You need to use a sleep garment that works well for your baby, from when they are a newborn, to when they begin to roll and will need to transition to an ARMS UP swaddle (about 4 – 6 months), right through to when they are able to walk and are on the move.

Step 4: Time to swaddle

Lay your swaddle down on a flat, safe surface then gently place your baby on top. Zip up the swaddle to ensure there are no loose ends or open parts, with their arms inside the wings. Now place your baby down to rest in their cot. It’s important to have your baby sleep on their back. Do not place them on their sides or tummies. This is for the prevention of SIDS*.

Taking special care with the tips above should allow you to perfect the technique of swaddling your baby. With practice, you'll master your own swaddling routine that works for you both.

Shop Our Latest Swaddles for Newborns with Love to Dream

Safe sleep guidelines

You must follow safe sleep guidelines. From choosing the right sleep garment to swaddling, follow the below steps to ensure a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your child.

1. Carry out a thorough safety check before sleep

Always put your baby to sleep on a flat, firm, and clean mattress with a tight fitted sheet that is the correct size for their cot/bassinet. Never use pillows, mattress padding, heated blankets, or excess blankets. Remove any loose items, toys, and blankets from the cot before sleep. Your baby should always be put to sleep on their back. Once your child can roll over (at approximately four to six months), put your baby to sleep on their back, then allow them to find a comfortable sleeping position of their own.

2. Maintain a safe room temperature

Monitoring the room temperature will ensure your child is comfortable and safe during sleep. You can check your child’s temperature by touching their back or tummy which should feel warm.    

The right sleepwear is also crucial to maintaining a safe temperature. To make it easier for parents and caregivers to find the right sleepwear depending on the season, we’ve created a handy Clothing Guide. If concerned about your child’s temperature, please contact a medical expert. 

3. Create a hazard-free space    

Always ensure there are no hanging cords or appliances, such as curtains, blinds, and electricals, within reach of your child’s cot/bassinet. Your child’s cot/bassinet should also be free of choking hazards such as loose objects, toys, and blankets.    

4. Sleep in the same room as your child     

Red Nose Australia strongly recommends sleeping in the same room as your child for the first six to 12 months. This will reduce the risk of SIDS. You can use a cot or bassinet and place it beside your bed for feeding and safe monitoring throughout the night.     

5. Choose the right sleeping garment    

Our award-winning Swaddle-Up™ can be used from birth and is designed to encourage your little one to sleep in a more natural arms-up™ position. Its unique wings will encourage your child to safely self-soothe and has a comfortable hip-healthy design.  

Once your child starts to show signs of rolling over or pulling up onto their hands, you must stop swaddling. Our Transition Suits and Bags will move alongside them on the journey towards more independent sleep as the wings can be removed one by one.   

6. Back to sleep    

Always put your baby to sleep on their back. Side and tummy positions are not safe. 

7. ‘Feet to foot’ position    

Always place your baby in the 'feet to foot' position, with their feet at the rear end of the cot.    

8. Transition away from swaddling     

As soon as your baby starts to show signs of rolling or pushing up onto their hands (usually between two to six months old), you must not swaddle them. It’s now time to transition your child to an arms-free™ sleeping position.    

Our Transition Suits and Bags are designed to ease your child into more independent sleep, as the wings can be removed one by one.  

9. Seek expert advice  

If you’re unsure about any of the above safety recommendations for newborn sleep, please contact your GP. If your baby is irritable, excessively crying, or unable to settle, it’s recommended that you seek support from a sleep health expert.    

Our Love To Dream™ Swaddles are made for comfortable and safe sleep    

Our award-winning sleep range includes essentials such as the famous Swaddle Up, Transition Sleep Bags and Suits, and sheets. Our garments are suitable for newborns, babies, toddlers, and children up to four years of age.  

Our Swaddle Up™ is loved by parents and caregivers around the world, all thanks to its unique arms-up™ design. Made to be used all year round, it’s available in a range of TOG ratings and colours. There is a dual zipper that can be zipped from the top and bottom of the garment for smooth nappy changes without waking your little one.  

When your child starts to show signs of rolling over or pulling up onto their hands you must stop swaddling them. Our Transition Bags and Suits™ are designed to help your child slowly adapt to more independent sleep, as the wings can be removed one by one over time.

Winter Swaddles to keep your baby warm at night

Our Love To Dream™ range of winter sleep garments are specially designed to cater for newborns to toddlers right up to four years of age. For newborns, right from day one, there is the Swaddle Up range. This swaddle allows your baby to sleep in a natural arms up position whilst keeping bub snug and feeling secure. For a winter option we have the Warm and Extra Warm range. Check our table to select the ideal fabric for your room temperature, including undergarments.

For little ones from six months old right through to four years of age we have Sleep Suits and Sleep Bags. The Sleep Bag is a premium and spacious wearable blanket, and the Sleep Suit is also an all-in-one wearable blanket with sections for the legs. The winter swaddles, sleep bags and sleep suits are made from organic cotton which is perfect for room temperatures below 20˚. Keeping your little one snug and warm during winter nights is easy in one of our sleeping bags or suits.

Summer Swaddles to keep your baby light and cool

Our Love To Dream™ summer sleeping bags are light yet snug and cozy. If you are looking for the perfect summer sleeping bag for your baby, our swaddles might just be the perfect option. See our latest LOVE TO DREAM range to find the perfect sleep suit for your little one. They range from a super light to a moderate option for temperatures ranging from 20 - 27 degrees. When your little one is ready to transition to a more grown-up sleeping bag, we have our summer Sleep Suit and Sleep Bag options. In the warmer months, these lightweight sleeping bags will ensure a restful and cosy sleep without getting too hot.

Nappy changes are easy with the twin zipper design. Swaddling your little one takes only seconds, and there are no complicated folds required when sleep is near.

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