What Should Baby Wear Under a Swaddle? (2024)

FAQs

What Should Baby Wear Under a Swaddle? ›

Dressing a baby in a short sleeve bodysuit and cotton sleepsuit can be just right under a swaddle during colder nights, while just one long sleeve vest or sleepsuit is commonly worn underneath swaddles in milder temperatures.

Should babies wear anything under a swaddle? If your child is warm and comfortable, they do not need to wear anything but their nappy underneath a swaddle. However, it's important to dress your child according to the temperature.

The importance of layering with swaddles and sleep bags

A swaddle, sleep bag, and sleep suit count as one layer. You can then layer a lightweight romper, bodysuit, or PJs underneath depending on the temperature and season. When choosing sleepwear, consider the Temperature rating to ensure it is suitable.

If your baby is too cold at night, the core of their body (chest, neck, back, and tummy) would feel cool to the touch. It's important to know that your baby's fingers and toes are not a good indicator of warmth. Your baby could be dressed perfectly yet still have cooler fingers or toes.

Think, lightweight breathable materials for the base layer. Cotton muslin onsies are soft and super breathable, making it the perfect layer under a swaddle. Also, if you baby tends to run on the warmer side (just like some adults so), there is absolutely nothing wrong with just swaddling your little in their diaper!

Swaddling can increase the chance your baby will overheat, so avoid letting your baby get too hot. The baby could be too hot if you notice sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash and rapid breathing. Consider using a pacifier for naps and bedtime.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents keep their babies swaddled for 12–20 hours per day for the first few weeks after birth. This relaxes babies. Swaddling a baby correctly also protects her from overheating, injuries and sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.

50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit: Use a swaddle with a 2.0 to 3.5 TOG and dress your baby in long-sleeve cotton PJs with or without a cotton bodysuit.

Babies are more likely to cry if they are cold at night, than if they are hot.

You don't want your baby's room to be either too hot or too cold. It's recommended that the best temperature for babies is between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 to 22 degrees Celsius. Babies are more sensitive to changes in room temperature because they're so small and their bodies are still growing.

What is the best temperature for a baby to sleep? ›

Key Takeaways for better baby sleep

One of the key ways to help your baby sleep better and longer is by maintaining a temperature of 68-72°F. Multiple studies, and our own experiences, show this is the ideal temperature for nurturing your baby's sleep. It's not too hot and not too cold – the Goldilocks number.

Dressing a baby in a short sleeve bodysuit and cotton sleepsuit can be just right under a swaddle during colder nights, while just one long sleeve vest or sleepsuit is commonly worn underneath swaddles in milder temperatures.

Swaddle with one arm out#

Swaddle snuggly like you have been doing but leave one arm out. This gives your baby a chance to adjust slowly. Do this for 1-2 weeks; then, when your baby is adjusting well with one arm unrestrained, allow both arms free and transition to a sleep sack.

Swaddling in Room Temperatures Under 70°F

If your room is chillier, aim for a combined TOG value of 2.5 or higher. Think long-sleeved onesies or even footie pajamas as a base layer. Consider swaddles with a higher TOG rating to keep your baby warm.

Do not place any additional material on top of a swaddled baby, for example a blanket which could cause them to overheat. Follow safe sleep guidance, laying your baby on a firm, flat surface clear of any other items (The Lullaby Trust, 2021).

What Should My Baby Wear to Sleep? You should dress your baby one-to-two layers to sleep—make sure they don't have any strings or ties—and never cover baby's head.

Assess your baby's dress.

This may mean they're wearing a light onesie or even just a diaper underneath the swaddle. On the other hand, if your baby's chest or back feels cool or clammy, you may need to add an extra layer. This may look like a onesie, socks, and footed pajamas underneath the swaddle.

If you're using a sleep sack, you can put your baby in footie pajamas, for example. If the sack is quite thick, choose pajamas that are on the thin side to avoid overheating. Check to see if your sleep sack has a TOG rating and then dress your baby appropriately.