Dec 13 min read

Newborn to Infant: What To Wear to Sleep?

Swaddles are an essential item for newborns, providing a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. They are designed to mimic the tight comfort and warmth of the womb and replace loose blankets in the crib/bassinet, which can pose a risk of suffocation. Here's what you need to know about using swaddles for babies up to 12 weeks old or until they begin to show signs of rolling or discomfort when swaddled.

Benefits of Swaddles

Safety: Swaddles reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by eliminating the need for loose blankets that could cover a baby's face.
Comfort: They provide a cozy and secure feeling, similar to what your infant is accustom to in the womb, which can help soothe and calm, promoting better sleep. All while also eliminating the startle reflex from waking your child during their sleep. Movement during sleep is normal and expected- it is also known as active sleeping.
Temperature Regulation: Swaddles are designed to keep babies at a comfortable temperature, preventing overheating or getting too cold.

When to Transition Out of a Swaddle

While swaddles are beneficial for newborns, there comes a time when transitioning out of them is necessary:

Signs of Rolling: If your baby shows signs of rolling over, it's time to stop using a sleep sack with arm restraints. Transition to a wearable blanket (Sleep Sack) that allows free movement of the arms.
Discomfort: If your baby appears uncomfortable or restless in the sleep sack, it may be time to switch to a larger size or a different sleep solution.
12 Weeks Old: It is recommended by this age, the transition is made to the next level of safe sleep alternatives.

Choosing the Right Sleep Sack

When selecting a sleep sack for your infant, consider the following factors:
- Size: Ensure the sleep sack is the appropriate size for your baby, with enough room for movement but not too loose.
- Material: Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin for warmer climates, and fleece or wool for cooler temperatures.
- Design: Look for sleep sacks with adjustable features, such as snaps or zippers, to accommodate your growing baby and ease of use.
  - Note: sleep sacks come in different TOG ratings that determine in what temperature they are best for. Some Sleep sacks will come sleeved vs sleeveless. From preference, Sleep Sound recommends the sleeveless due to its versatility as to what you can dress your child in underneath to avoid it being to hot or cold for your child.

What To Wear With The Sleep Sack

Temperature: This will differ based on room temperature. An ideal temperature for a child's sleep environment is 68-72 Degrees Fahrenheit.
- A good rule of thumb is to dress your child in no more that one extra layer than you are wearing to bed.
  - Examples of what to wear may include: Long sleeves footies under a sleep sack during winter months and a sleeved onesie under a sleeveless sleep sack during mild-warmer months.

Conclusion

Swaddles are a practical and safe choice for newborns up to 12 weeks old. They provide comfort, security, and help regulate temperature during sleep. However, it's important to monitor your baby's development and comfort level to determine when it's time to transition to a different sleep solution such as as sleep sack. Always prioritize safety and comfort to ensure your baby gets the restful sleep they need. Never use blankets for sleep on a child under 12 months old as it is not recommended or advised.

We are happy to provide sleep wear suggestions- send us a message for any questions you have!