Every parent wants their little one to feel as comfortable as possible at bedtime. However, finding the right sleepwear for them can be a challenge. You may not know what to look for in baby sleepwear or what’ll keep your infant feeling snug. Our guide details what babies should wear while sleeping in their crib so you can ensure your child gets a good night of rest.
Choose Cozy Apparel
Selecting the perfect pajamas for your baby can be more complex than it seems. When choosing pajamas, consider factors such as your baby’s age, the season, materials, and fit. By noting this information, you can narrow your search for baby pj’s that keep your little one cozy and safe through the night.
Age of Your Baby
Infants lack the ability to regulate their body temperature. If your baby is younger than six months, consider adding a layer of clothing to keep them warm. For example, you may dress them in a onesie and then place appropriate pajamas over it.
For toddlers, prioritize easy-to-remove designs to simplify diaper changes or bathroom visits. Sizing is crucial; opt for pajamas that offer comfort and room for growth without being excessively bulky.
Parent Tip
Once your baby is old enough to regulate their body temperature, usually around 11 weeks, dress them how you’d dress yourself for the season.
Seasonal Variations
The season affects which pajamas are most appropriate for your baby. In colder months, your little one will need long-sleeve pajamas and warm fabrics to keep them warm. During warmer months, lightweight pajamas made from breathable materials will prevent overheating.
When choosing your baby’s pajamas, consider the room temperature. If the bedroom or your house is usually hot, you may dress your baby in cooler pajamas. Pay attention to how your baby sleeps and adjust their pajamas accordingly.
Material Matters
Material choice is essential for your baby’s comfort and health. Shop for breathable, gentle, and non-allergenic fabrics to prevent skin irritation. Viscose bamboo is among the most popular options because it’s incredibly soft and temperature-regulating. This means that pj’s made with viscose bamboo will keep your baby warm in cold weather and cool when it’s hot.
Fit
Always dress your baby in snuggly-fitted sleepwear to reduce the risk of suffocation. When pajamas are too loose, they may tangle around your baby’s limbs or feet.
Keep in mind that snug is not the same as tight. Your baby should have enough room to move comfortably, stretch, and kick their legs while wearing pajamas.
Type of Pajamas
There are various types of baby pajamas, and understanding your options can help you make the best choice. Footie pj’s are great for lounging but not ideal for bedtime since your baby may overheat; covering the feet can make it harder for the body to regulate temperature.
Two-piece sets are another option that offers more flexibility. With a two-piece set, you only have to remove the pants for diaper changes. However, this is not ideal for newborns, as the elastic waistband can irritate the healing belly button.
Rompers are the best option for babies of all ages because they cover the entire body but leave the feet open, allowing the body to regulate temperature easily. This pj option is also easy to remove, usually with snaps or a zipper, making it easy to change your little one.
Use Baby-Safe Blankets
On cold nights, your baby may need added warmth. However, loose blankets pose suffocation risks. Instead, use a sleep sack as a safe alternative to traditional blankets.
Evaluate the material used to make the sleep sack, ensuring it is breathable and comfortable for your baby. Bamboo sleep sacks are ideal as they are soft, hypoallergenic, and help regulate temperature. Additionally, bamboo fabric won’t irritate your baby’s sensitive skin since it is natural and free from harsh chemicals.
Before buying a sleep sack, you should also evaluate its size to ensure it fits your baby correctly. If the sleep sack is too large, it can pose similar risks to a loose blanket, and if it is too small, it can restrict movement and be uncomfortable for your baby.
Avoid Sleeping Hats
While sleeping hats may seem like a good way to keep your baby warm, they can pose hazards such as overheating and suffocation. Your baby’s head is one of the main areas where they lose body heat, but sleeping in hats limits their natural ability to cool down. In turn, your baby may overheat and become fussy due to the discomfort.
Prioritize Functional Clothing
Your baby should feel cozy as it drifts off to dreamland and should not be too constricted or uncomfortable. Avoid clothing with a lot of buttons or embellishments that could come loose and become a choking hazard. Instead, buy pj’s made of soft materials, and that have zippers so you can easily dress and undress your baby.
Parent Tip
As you shop, consider what type of pj’s will make nighttime changes easiest. The more efficient diaper changes are, the quicker both of you can get back to sleep.
Consult Their Doctor
If you feel unsure of what your baby should wear while sleeping, consult their pediatrician. Your baby’s doctor can offer personalized advice based on your little one’s specific needs and conditions, such as allergies or temperature regulation issues. Every baby is different and may require different sleepwear for a comfortable and safe night’s rest.
How To Know if Your Baby is Uncomfortable
In the early days of parenthood, it can be tricky to understand what your baby needs and when. Infants can only communicate to us through cries, making it hard to determine if they’re too hot or cold in their crib.
Your baby may be too hot if:
- Their face is flushed or sweaty
- They’re breathing rapidly
- They’re fussy and irritable but don’t seem to be in pain.
On the other hand, your little one may also cry or appear irritable if they’re too cold. Your baby may be too cold if their hands and feet feel cold to the touch; likewise, they may not sleep well if they’re shivering or their body appears tense.
Check on your baby throughout the night and adjust their sleepwear as needed to ensure their comfort. Trust your instincts, and remember that every baby is different, so what works for one may not work for another.
Shop for Comfort Essentials
Dream Big Little Co has a wide collection of bamboo baby clothes, sleep sacks, and blanket perfect for babies and kids of all ages. We have rompers for your newborn, two-piece sets for toddlers, and more! Tuck your little one in for a good night’s sleep with our cozy and breathable.