Red Nose Australia - How to dress baby for sleep (2024)

Research shows a clear link between overheating and an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy, so it is important that parents and carers know how to dress baby for sleep.

Red Nose Australia - How to dress baby for sleep (1)

Babies control their temperature predominantly through their head and face. This is why we recommend that you put baby to sleep on their back with head and face uncovered.

Always remember to remove head coverings for sleep and ensure baby is positioned with their feet at the bottom of the cot – and if you’re using sheets or blankets, make sure they are firmly tucked in to prevent baby from wriggling down and overheating.

Room temperature

Red Nose does not recommend a specific room temperature for baby’s sleep. This is because there is no evidence to show that maintaining a specific room temperature prevents sudden infant death.

As long as baby is put down to sleep on their back, and that baby is dressed appropriately for the room temperature – not overdressed or under dressed – with their head and face uncovered, you can feel reassured that you are protecting baby from overheating.

We don’t believe that it’s necessary to use a room temperature monitor, or to leave the heating or cooling on all night, as long as baby is dressed appropriately for the temperature of the room – not too hot, not too cold.

To check, feel baby’s tummy, which should feel warm. Don’t worry if baby’s hands and feet feel cool – this is normal.

If your baby shows signs of heat stress, such as flushed and clammy skin, remove some bedding or clothing and offer fluids such as breast milk for young babies or water for older children.

An oscillating fan positioned away from the cot can help during the hotter months. Fans circulate the air and also provide white noise for baby, which can help them sleep more soundly. Research has demonstrated that oscillating fans can help to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in some circ*mstances.

What should baby wear?

Dress your baby as you would dress yourself for the temperature of the room – comfortably warm, not too hot, not too cold.

The right sleepwear can help keep baby comfortable and safe. A good option is Bonds Wondercool – the only baby clothing approved by Red Nose for safer sleep.

In warmer weather, you can dress baby in a sleeveless and legless onesies, or just a nappy and singlet. For cooler weather, a full suit will keep baby warm.

If you are using a sleeping bag, select the TOG that matches the temperature of the room. Use the manufacturer’s guide, which usually comes with the packaging, to select the right TOG and underclothes. Also make sure your sleeping bag is safe – it should be fitted around the neck, and baby’s arms fully out of the bag.

For younger babies being swaddled or wrapped, we recommend lightweight, fabrics such as muslin and cotton.

If you are using sheets and a blanket, make sure they are also lightweight and muslin or cotton fabric. But never place soft items in the cot such as lambswool or overlays, as these increase the risk of overheating.

When dressing baby for sleep, remember to dress baby for the temperature of the room – comfortably warm, not too hot and not too cold.

Check out our Safe Sleep Advice Hub for more information about safe sleeping, or you can ask our Safe Sleep Educators a question.


Last modified: 29/1/24

Red Nose Australia - How to dress baby for sleep (2024)

FAQs

Red Nose Australia - How to dress baby for sleep? ›

Dress your baby as you would dress yourself for the temperature of the room – comfortably warm, not too hot, not too cold. The right sleepwear can help keep baby comfortable and safe. A good option is Bonds Wondercool – the only baby clothing approved by Red Nose for safer sleep.

What safe sleep practices are based on recommendations from red nose? ›

Baby should always be placed on their back to sleep, with their feet at the bottom of the cot. Sleeping on the tummy or side increases the risk of sudden infant death. Baby on back • Feet at bottom of cot • Blankets firmly tucked in • Only pulled up to chest • Safe cot Meets Australian standard AS/NZS 2172:2003.

How should a baby be dressed for sleep? ›

Aim for lightweight clothing such as a onesie and a sleep sack to help the baby feel secure and cozy without over-bundling.” According to experts, wearable blankets or sleep sacks can be safe and effective. View Source types of sleepwear. However, these products require certain precautions.

What is the best sleeping position for a baby with a stuffy nose Australia? ›

First things first, you may find that your baby's congestion seems worse at night when they're lying on their back, but don't be tempted to put them down to sleep propped up or on their side. You should always put your baby to sleep on their back, even when they've got a blocked nose.

How do you swaddle a baby's red nose? ›

When wrapping a baby. Ensure that baby is positioned on the back with the feet at the bottom of the cot, that he/she is wrapped from below the neck to avoid covering his/her face and always sleep baby with face uncovered (no doonas, pillows, cot bumpers, lambswool or soft toys in the sleeping environment).

Do you dress up for Red Nose Day? ›

So, dust off your old ruby slippers, pop on your lobster suit or simply don some scarlet socks - it's up to you! The charity is encouraging secondary-aged children to pick a theme, dress in red or simply come as they are.

What is the safe sleep position for infants? ›

Studies have found that the side sleep position is unstable and increases the chance that infants will roll onto their stomachs7—the sleep position associated with the highest SIDS risk. The AAP Task Force recommends that infants be placed wholly on their backs to sleep—for naps and at night.

How to dress a baby for sleep in Australia? ›

Dress your baby as you would dress yourself for the temperature of the room – comfortably warm, not too hot, not too cold. The right sleepwear can help keep baby comfortable and safe. A good option is Bonds Wondercool – the only baby clothing approved by Red Nose for safer sleep.

What happens if a baby is too cold at night? ›

Babies that are too cold will not exert the energy it takes to cry, and may be uninterested in feeding. Their energy is being consumed by trying to stay warm. A baby that is dangerously chilled will have cold hands and feet and even baby's chest will be cold under his or her clothes.

Should baby sleep on stomach or back when congested? ›

Some babies suffocate when pillows or blankets block their mouths or noses. Based on what research shows are the safest sleep practices, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies always sleep flat on their backs on an even, firm surface.

When can you stop worrying about SIDS? ›

After 6-months old, babies are typically able to lift their heads, roll over, or wake up more easily, and the risk of SIDS decreases dramatically. However, 10% of SIDS happens between 6 and 12 months of age and safe sleep recommendations should be followed up to a baby first birthday.

Why does SIDS peak at 2-4 months? ›

Why Does SIDS Peak at 2-4 Months? The widely accepted explanation for the SIDS peak has to do with the timeline of brain development. “Up to 4 months old, the part of the brain that controls breathing and wakefulness is under a lot of development,” Juliet explains.

What is Red Nose Day for SIDS? ›

Red Nose Day was the first ever national fundraising day of its kind in Australia. This much-loved and iconic event began in the hope of raising awareness and funds for SIDS research. The first campaign was a huge sucess, raising over $1.3 million and selling over one million red noses!

When to stop swaddling in Australia? ›

Because of the likelihood of rolling onto the tummy, current advice for excessive crying in infants, suggests babies should not start wrapping after the fourth month, to un-swaddle as soon as the child signals they are trying to turn over, and always to stop swaddling before the sixth month, because after this age ...

Is it better to swaddle or use a sleep sack? ›

Swaddles are typically suitable for newborns and young infants, while sleepsacks are more appropriate for older babies and toddlers who have better control of their movements. 2. Safety: Safety should be your top priority. Ensure that the sleep accessory meets safety standards and guidelines.

What are the safe sleeping practices recommended by SIDS? ›

Creating a Safe Sleep Area for Babies

Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times—naps and at night. Use a firm, flat (not at an angle or inclined) sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet.

What are the NSF recommendations for sleep? ›

Seven to 9 hours is recommended for young adults and adults, and 7-8 hours of sleep is recommended for older adults. The self-designated basis for duration selection and critical discussions are also provided.

What do people do to help Red Nose Day? ›

YOU HAVE RAISED AN INCREDIBLE £40,055,914...

But we can't stop there. There's still time to make a difference. Give what you can this Red Nose Day to help put food on plates, roofs over heads and keep little ones safe. Donate now.

What are the sleep recommendation guidelines? ›

Adult Sleep

Sleep requirements stabilise in early adult life, around the age of 20. Individuals vary in their sleep needs, but most adults require between 7 and 9 hours a night to feel properly refreshed and function at their best the next day. Many try to get away with less sleep.

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