How to Dress Your Baby for Safe Sleep…

You’ll often hear sleep coaches (me included!) say that your baby’s room should be cool-ish, dark and quiet for optimal sleep. And that’s all true…but how you dress your baby for sleep is also important! 

Babies that overheat during their sleep have an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SIDS), so it’s important you know how to dress your baby for safe and optimal sleep. 

Primarily, babies regulate their temperature through their head (particularly their face) hence why it is recommended that babies sleep on their back with their head and face uncovered with their feet at the bottom of the cot. 

While a specific room temperature hasn’t been scientifically proven to prevent sudden infant death, it is generally recommended that their room or sleep space be a comfortable temperature - 68° and 72°F (20° to 22.2°C). 

What should baby wear?

I typically recommend adding one layer in addition to what you’re wearing so that your baby is not too hot nor too cold.

Sleep sacks, also known as sleep bags, are ideal for your baby because unlike blankets, they can’t ‘come loose’ and they will help to regulate your baby’s temperature. Additionally, sleep sacks can become an excellent sleep association tool making life just that little bit easier, particularly when you’re on the go. 

Most parents will begin using a sleep sack around 8 weeks or whenever their baby shows signs of rolling, but sleep sacks can be used earlier than that if they fit. 

What should be in their crib?

Nothing but your baby (ideally in a sleep sack) should be in their crib. Soft toys or additional bedding can block the baby’s breathing increasing the risk of SIDS. 

If you do use a blanket instead of a sleep sack, make sure the blanket is a lightweight fabric such as muslin or cotton. And never use additional items such as lambswool or overlays, as these items can increase the risk of overheating. 

Remember, a comfortable room, ideally a sleep sack, baby on their back and nothing else in the crib is all your baby needs for safe sleep, but click here to read more about optimising their sleep environment.