Brrr… It’s getting cold out there. It feels that suddenly, winter is upon us and the smell of home fires is in the air! If you welcomed a new bundle of joy over the last six months, you might be worrying whether your baby is warm enough during the night, especially if you have recently put him into his own room. But it’s important to remember too that overheating your baby is linked to a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS.
Room temperature
Firstly, take a look at the temperature in your baby’s room. Ideally, it should be between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius, which is a comfortable living temperature. Avoid heating the room at night if possible, and if your heating system comes on in the morning, make sure your baby’s bed is away from any radiators or direct sunlight. Don’t ever be tempted to use a hot water bottle or electric blanket.
What kind of pyjamas should baby wear?
A soft, cotton sleepsuit with built-in feet will keep your baby warm during the night. On cold nights, a cotton short- or long-sleeved vest can be worn underneath. There’s no need for your baby to wear a hat when sleeping.
Bedding
In terms of bedding, use a fitted sheet on the mattress and layers of cellular blankets to keep your baby warm rather than a duvet, which can overheat your baby. Alternatively, a sleeveless baby sleeping bag is a great way to ensure your baby stays warm throughout the night.
Check-in
Finally, check on your baby often to ensure that he is comfortable. Feel your baby’s tummy to see if he’s too hot or cold; it’s normal for a baby’s hands to feel a little chilly, so don’t base your judgement on that. Add or remove layers as needed. Signs that your baby might be overheating include sweating, damp hair and a heat rash.
maternity&infant
Originally posted 2017-12-07 14:08:07.