HOW TO KEEP YOUR BABY WARM AS NIGHTS GROW COLDER

ORIGINALLY POSTED: 2 November 2021

As the seasons start to change and temperatures start to drop, many parents are left wondering how to keep their baby warm in winter at night. This is a challenge for many parents because young babies struggle to regulate their own body temperature. This makes them prone to easily becoming too cold or too hot. If either is the case, it can make sleep difficult for them (and as a result difficult for parents, too!).

Not only does it improve sleep, keeping baby warm also makes your child less vulnerable to catching a cough, cold, or the flu. A combination of knowledge and the right safe sleep products will help you decide how to keep your baby warm and safe this upcoming winter!

SHOP SWADDLES

HOW TO PRACTICE SAFE SLEEP HABITS IN THE WINTER

We understand that keeping baby warm is a top priority for parents in the colder months, especially at night while they are sleeping. After all, the coldest part of the day is often 7pm-7am!

With that being said, it is critical to continue to practice safe sleep habits:

  • Keeping baby warm in a crib or bassinet is best. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends all babies sleep in their own space, such a cot or bassinet. Whatever your baby is sleeping in it needs to have a firm mattress and be free of loose blankets, sheets, or toys.
  • Back is best. Regardless if it is for a nap or nighttime sleep, always place your little one down on their backs. This is especially critical for children who are unable to roll over easily. Sleeping on their backs helps to keep airways clear.
  • Maintain a safe room temperature. Keeping baby warm is just as important as keeping your baby cool! To help with both of these, the recommended room temperature is between 20° – 22°C.

How to Dress Baby for Sleep in Winter

Since it is not recommended the use of regular or loose blankets in a cot or bassinet, many parents are left wondering how to keep their baby warm at night, especially in the cold winter.

Learning how to dress your baby for sleep in winter months is key to keeping baby warm! Here are some basic guidelines to follow:

  • Don’t overdo it. Think about how you dress yourself at night when you’re cold. It wouldn’t be comfortable for you to sleep in four layers anymore than it would be comfortable for your baby to sleep in that many layers.
  • Use a swaddle. For little ones who haven’t started to roll over yet, using a swaddle is a great first choice to keep your baby warm and snug. Swaddling also mimics the cosy, secure feeling of being in the womb and can be very helpful in getting little ones to sleep!
  • Layer appropriately. When it comes to keeping baby warm, an additional layer underneath the sleep sack or swaddle is often necessary. Some options for parents to choose from include: short-sleeve onesies, long-sleeve onesies, pyjamas , or footie pajamas.
  • Hands & feet. If your baby’s hands or feet feel cold, that is not necessarily a cause for alarm! Especially when baby’s are brand new, their blood circulates in more “important” parts of the body that need development such as the brains and lungs. A good rule of thumb is to check their core temperature (their chest, neck, or stomach). As long as these areas are warm and pinkish, your baby is fine! If they feel as cold as well, you might consider adding socks or mittens to help keep them warm.

How to Keep Baby Warm at Night Without a Swaddle

Once your little one has outgrown the swaddle, there are still a variety of products out there for keeping baby warm and safe! Just like with a swaddle, your child will most likely need an additional layer under the sleep sack. Some options include:

  • Short sleeve onesie
  • Long sleeve onesie
  • Short sleeve onesie &pyjamas
  • Footie pyjamas
  • Socks as needed

This will all depend on the temperature of your child’s room and their personal preference! Discover baby clothing with our partner aden + anais.

The truth is that if you are a parent wondering how to keep your baby warm at night in the winter the best thing you can do is educate yourself and watch your little one for cues on when they are too hot/too cold. Use your safe sleep knowledge and trust your intuition to help you make the decision for your baby!