If you’re like me, and live in the northeast, then you’re currently freezing your @$$ off! And if it’s cold for us, then it’s cold for your baby too.
One thing that I am really passionate about is safe sleep. Anytime you are putting your baby down to sleep, whether it’s in a bassinet or crib, there should be NOTHING in there but the baby. No lovies, no blankets, no pillows, JUST baby. This may pose the question, “Then how do I keep my baby warm while they sleep?” The answer to that is, temperature control and layers!
Contrary to popular belief, babies prefer to be cool so they are typically the most comfortable in a room that is between 68 – 72 degrees fahrenheit. However, if your house is like mine, sometimes the bedrooms can be colder than the rest of the house. This is where the layers come into play.
The best rule of thumb is to dress your baby in 1 more layer than what you’re wearing. For example, if you’re in sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and warm socks, dress them in a fleece pajama with a short sleeve onesie underneath. Never put a hat on your baby while they’re sleeping as it could fall over their face or come off and become a hazard to their safety.
Never judge if your baby is too hot or too cold by feeling their hands or feet, since they are always going to feel colder than the rest of their body temp. The best place to feel is either their chest or their back. If you’re still concerned they may be a bit chilly, put them in a wearable blanket or a swaddle (depending on their age).
Here’s a list of my favorite swaddles and wearable blankets (one thing to note, swaddles are best for babies who cannot yet roll over independently. Once they can, you’ll want to transition them into a wearable blanket where their arms are free):
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- Swaddle Me Swaddle: The cozy fit helps your baby rest more comfortably by preventing the startle reflex that can wake your infant. – Order Here
- Love to Dream Swaddle: This swaddle is so nice and easy. It keeps baby snug, but allows their arms to be in the “over the head” position” – Order Here
- Dreamland Baby: This swaddle acts as both a traditional wrap swaddle and a transition swaddle/sleep sack. This is so your baby can wear this for a longer period of time (and so you can get your monies worth, honey!) It’s gently weighted throughout to help your baby relax. (They also sell plain sleep sacks, and weighted blankets for toddlers) – Order Here
- Magic Merlin Sleep Suit: This sleepsuit helps transition babies from the swaddle by providing them with a cozy, secure feeling, plus helps them manage the startle reflex that is still present in the first few months of life. This should not be used, however, once a baby can roll over independently; as they are unable to use their arms for support while wearing the suit. Use code MOONLIT15 for 15% off! (Magic Merlin also sells transition sleep sacks!) – Order Here
- HALO Wearable Blanket: This is a great option to ensure your baby is safe and cozy for sleep. They come in both cotton and fleece and also have a wrap and transition swaddles available. – Order Here
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I personally have used every single one of these products (mostly because I was a new mom just trying to figure out what the hell worked for my baby – I know y’all feel me!), but my personal faves were the Magic Merlin Sleepsuit and the Dreamland Baby Sleep Sack. The Merlin was an amazing transition for my daughter (once she was the proper weight for the suit), because she liked having her arms out when she slept. It’s also open at the arms and legs, so her body was still able to regulate its temperature. I even upgraded to the next size up once she grew out of the small, because we loved it that much! When she wore the Merlin, I usually dressed her in a long sleeve onesie and warm socks for the colder months, or a short sleeve onesie and warm socks for the warmer months. Once she rolled over, around 5 months old, I put her in the Dreamland Baby Sleep Sack, and I plan on keeping her in that for as long as possible! She’s always been a super active baby, so the weighted sack helps to reduce her movement, but does not restrict her. So she’s still able to roll around and stand up with ease.
I hope this has helped answer your questions around dressing your baby for the winter. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my newsletter, so we can stay connected! I post a new blog topic every week as well as hold free Q&A’s & Trainings in my Facebook Community: Love You to the Moon & Back to Bed
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