To dress a baby for bed safely and comfortably, consider the following guidelines:
- Room Temperature: Aim for a comfortable room temperature between 16-20°C (60-68°F). If the room is within this range, your baby will likely be comfortable with light sleepwear
- Sleepwear: Use simple, fitted sleepwear such as a onesie or sleepsuit made from breathable, natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo. Avoid daywear with hoods, straps, or loose parts that could pose safety risks
- Sleeping Bags: Instead of loose blankets, use a well-fitting baby sleeping bag (wearable blanket) with an appropriate tog rating according to the room temperature. This reduces the risk of suffocation and keeps the baby warm without overheating
- Layering: Dress your baby in layers of fitted clothing rather than one thick layer. This allows you to add or remove layers easily depending on temperature changes
- Avoid Overheating: Check the back of your baby's neck to gauge if they are too warm, rather than their hands or feet. Avoid hats indoors since babies lose heat through their heads and hats can cause overheating or slip over the face
- Seasonal Tips:
- In warm weather (above 24°C/75°F), a short-sleeve bodysuit or just a nappy may suffice, possibly with a lightweight sleeping bag (around 0.5 TOG)
* In cooler weather, use a long-sleeve onesie or footed sleepsuit with a sleeping bag of higher tog rating (e.g., 1.5 TOG or more) to keep baby warm
- Avoid Outerwear: Do not let babies sleep in outerwear like snowsuits or jackets indoors, as these can cause overheating or suffocation
In summary, a typical safe and comfortable bedtime outfit for a baby is a fitted onesie or sleepsuit paired with a well-fitting sleeping bag suited to the room temperature. Adjust layers as needed and avoid loose blankets or hats to reduce risks associated with sleep