New parents can feel confused about many things when raising their first baby, especially with a swaddle. What should baby wear under swaddle? Swaddling is a time-tested method for making newborn babies feel safe and comfortable, just as they were in the womb. But how do you decide what to put on your baby underneath that swaddle? It’s all about striking a balance so that your baby is comfortable and safe throughout the night.
This guide will take you through why swaddling is an important part of an infant’s sleeping, why it’s important what they wear under the swaddle, and how that changes with the seasons. After finishing this practical how-to guide, you will know how to dress your baby for a sound in 2024 properly!
Why Do Babies Need To Sleep With Swaddle?
Swaddling is very ancient and has been used for centuries to make babies sleep properly. Newborns are naturally given the startle reflex, where the arms flail about and can wake them up during sleep. A swaddle wraps them snugly and prevents sudden movements, helping them feel secure. It imitates the cozy environment within the womb and thus helps babies to settle down and sleep much more soundly.
In addition, swaddling can be effective for soothing a fussy baby, reducing overstimulation, and significantly extending sleep stretches. Many parents can attest that a good swaddle may spell the difference between their peacefully sleeping babies and waking up in the middle of the night. However, it is critical to provide the correct dressing beneath the swaddle for comfort and safety.
Why Is It Important to Consider What Should Baby Wear Under Swaddle?
This is very important because dressing your baby for a swaddle hugely relates to both their comfort and safety. Babies cannot regulate body temperature as well as adults do, so being dressed appropriately will help avoid overheating or overheating while sleeping. Overheating is a constant concern that raises the possibility of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)1. Alternatively, dressing the baby too lightly may make them cold and restless.
The key is to find that point of balance when they get warm but not uncomfortably so. How you dress your baby will be determined by the room’s temperature, the fabric of the swaddle, and the season.
What Should Baby Wear Under Swaddle?
The question of “What should baby wear under swaddle” greatly depends on the season and the room temperature. Herein comes the ways of dressing your baby during both winter and summer seasons to keep them cozy and safe.
Dress Baby In Winter
For colder months, it’s just fitting to have your baby wear enough layers under the swaddle. Choose a onesie with long sleeves or a footed full-length bodysuit in muslin, cotton, or bamboo to keep your baby warm. If the temperature is extra cold, you could add one more layer of lightweight clothes underneath his swaddle. Just be careful with over-bundling your baby as too many covers can result in overheating of the baby.
Dress Baby In Summer
Your ideal choices in warmer weather conditions are a light, short-sleeved onesie, a legless bodysuit/ romper underneath the swaddle, or even just a diaper. Light and breathable fabrics like cotton remain popular because they permit the passage of air and will help keep your baby from being hot. Keep the room cool with a fan or air conditioning to create an appropriate sleeping environment for your baby.
Useful Tips To Dress A Baby Under Swaddle
It’s all about thoughtful attention to comfort and safety when dressing your baby underneath a swaddle. Following are some helpful tips to keep him cozy and well-regulated during his sleep.
Consider The Temperature
Room temperature is very important in how you dress up your baby. If the room is cold, then layer with something warm and soft. If the room is warm, then go for lightweight and breathable clothes.
Select Breathable & Soft Clothes
Always opt for fabrics that are gentle on your baby’s skin. Cotton and other natural fibers are great, as they feel soft on the skin, allow good ventilation, and reduce the chances of overheating. Avoid baby clothes with rough or thick materials to save sensitive skin from getting irritated.
One important thing you need to consider is TOG ratings. TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade. It is a measure of thermal insulation. This grade will let you know how to dress your baby underneath a swaddle or sleep sack.
The rule states that a cloth with a higher TOG rating is warmer and contrary. Hence, a 0.5 TOG rating will be most suitable for hot summer days; a 1 TOG rating is ideal for moderate temperatures; and a 2.5 TOG rating will be best for cold winter months.
Adjust If Your Baby Is Too Hot or Cold
Watch your baby’s comfort level. If they are sweating and have red cheeks, remove a layer, use lighter fabrics, or loosen the swaddle. Conversely, if your baby is shivering and you feel their skin cold, add a layer or tighten the swaddle.
What Shouldn’t Baby Wear Underneath Swaddle?
There are a couple of items of clothing you need to avoid when dressing the baby under a swaddle. Those will make your baby uncomfortable or unsafe when sleeping, especially at night.
Bulky or Loose Clothing: Never put your baby in thick, heavy clothing such as a puffy jacket or heavy fleece under the swaddle. This can lead to overheating and movement may be difficult. Always select sleeping clothing that is the correct size, weight, and height for the baby.
Synthetic Fabrics: Synthetic textiles, such as polyester, trap heat and might cause the infant to sweat. Prioritize breathable, natural fibers such as cotton for healthy skin temperature.
Swaddle & Sleeping Bag: Do not double-layer the swaddle or wear a sleeping bag under a swaddle. This enhances the possibility of overheating or smothering.
Hats, Bonnet, or Beanie: The baby’s head should not be covered while sleeping, owing to babies regulating the temperature through the head and face. Besides, hats always have the potential to slip off during the night, which might lead to a risk of suffocation.
A Word From Babies Parent
After all, you have learned “What should baby wear under swaddle”. It is not so difficult to dress your baby under a swaddle appropriately when you know what they need. Always apply breathable and soft fabrics to the baby, taking into consideration the room temperature and TOG rating. In winter, add an extra layer; in summer, lightweight to avoid overheating. Also, avoid bulky outfits, hats, and multiple layers to create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your darling baby.
Source
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. (2023, July 19). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352800 ↩︎
