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.
If it is warm outside, putting your baby in a diaper underneath the swaddle may just be enough. If however, the temperature is cold, it's a good idea to put baby in a short or long sleeved onesie or even footy pajamas to ensure that baby is kept warm.
What Comes After the Swaddle? Once you have stopped swaddling, baby should sleep in any type of pajamas. Footed sleepers, two piece pajamas, or a even a onesie are perfect. Babies overheat easily, so always err on the side of baby being cooler rather than warmer.
You can actually swaddle your baby in just a diaper if the weather is too warm, and using a swaddle like our Zen Swaddle Premier made from breathable, moisture wicking bamboo can help baby feel cool while still keeping them comfy and secure.
Here are some indicators a baby is too hot: Warm to the touch. Flushed or red skin. Rapid heartbeat.
Dress your baby similarly to how you're dressing for bed and then add an additional layer. Think about it this way: you probably use sheets or comforters at night, but your baby is too young to have a blanket in the bed. Adding a layer like a swaddle or a sleep sack is a great substitute for a blanket.
It is most common to use a onesie, footie, romper, or two-piece pyjama sets under a baby sleep sack. Usually one layer of clothing under the appropriate TOG of the sleep sack is sufficient!
Babies don't have to be swaddled. If your baby is happy without swaddling, don't bother. Always put your baby to sleep on his back. This is true no matter what, but is especially true if he is swaddled.
Unswaddle during “awake” time
Don't leave the baby swaddled all the time, simply use it as a signal for sleep. Allow some room for free movement when they are awake and you're playing. By keeping the swaddle for sleepy times you're creating associations that'll help your baby sleep better.
If your baby is swaddled, keep them swaddled throughout their night feeds. Or if your baby is older, keep them in their sleeping bag. If you need to do a diaper change before or during their feed, re-swaddle them again or put them back in their sleeping bag as soon as they are changed.
If you can keep your room at a stable temperature of 68-70℉ (20-22.2℃), a long sleeve onesie or pajama underneath a swaddle will be suitable for most babies. If the room is warmer, try just a short sleeve onesie or diaper. For colder temperatures, add an extra layer of clothing.
Can babies sleep in onesies? Yes, when dressing baby for sleep, you can opt for a onesie. Consider what the temperature in the room is ‒ if it's colder, a thicker onesie or a layer underneath could be a good idea, and if it's warmer, a lightweight onesie is best.
If the top layer extends to the feet, socks aren't necessary. But if it stops at the ankle, a pair of socks under the swaddle will ensure their toes stay as ward as the rest of their bodies. In warmer weather, socks may not be necessary underneath a swaddle.
So, do babies wear onesies under sleepers? The answer is yes, they do. However, it is not necessary to put an onesie under a sleeper. It is up to you to decide when you include all the factors that come into play.
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.
Researchers have found that an infant who is swaddled – wrapped tightly in a blanket or cloth with their limbs restricted – while placed on their front or stomach to sleep faces a higher risk of SIDS.
In fact, some newborns prefer being swaddled with one or both arms free from the very beginning. - whattoexpect. This is also a great swaddling technique for babies who roll earlier than 4 months, as the American Academy of Pediatrics state that you should stop swaddling when your little one can roll independently.
After ensuring baby can move freely in whatever sleep sack they're wearing, families should next ensure that baby cannot overheat due to wearing a sleep sack. Indeed, babies are at much higher risk of overheating than being too cold.
Dress your baby in layers of fitted clothing rather than just thick pyjamas. You can add or take away layers as the temperature changes. Babies cool themselves down by releasing heat from their heads and faces. Babies can quickly overheat if they fall asleep wearing hats or beanies.
Q: Do babies' arms get cold in sleep sacks? A: It's possible, depending on the room temperature. If you need long sleeves in the bedroom or your baby's arms feel cool to the touch, then ensure your baby has long-sleeved pajamas underneath the sleep sack.
Swaddling protects your baby against their natural startle reflex, which means better sleep for both of you. It may help calm a colicky baby. It helps eliminate anxiety in your baby by imitating your touch, which helps your baby learn to self-sooth.
When to Stop Swaddling Your Baby. You should stop swaddling your baby when they start to roll over. That's typically between two and four months. During this time, your baby might be able to roll onto their tummy, but not be able to roll back over.