How to Keep Baby Warm at Night
As the weather gets colder, one of the main concerns for the parents is how to keep baby warm at night. Although it is important to keep the baby warm 24/7, keeping them warm at night is important for a sound sleep.
Keeping them warm must not be difficult, right? No, just putting on some extra clothing or increasing the room temperature doesn't help—it can cause overheating. Eventually, your baby will be uncomfortable and unable to sleep.
So, how to go about it? How to keep baby warm at night without overheating? Here is what you need to know.
What is Meant by Overheating in Babies?
Overheating happens when the body gets too hot. This can be dangerous, especially for babies. When the temperature increases to an extreme, their body temperature rises higher than it should, and this can cause serious harm.
Our normal body temperature is between 98°F and 100°F. This is the range where our bodies function best. When the temperature rises above this for too long, it can harm organs, tissues, and cells. It may even lead to death in some cases.
Why is Excess Heat Dangerous for Babies?
Babies are generally more vulnerable to overheating as compared to adults. You may have heard about babies or young children who have died after being left in hot cars, especially during the summer. Babies can still become dangerously overheated if they are not cared for properly. Their bodies cannot always adjust to temperature changes like ours can.
What are the Signs of Overheating?
If an adult gets too hot, they can take action by removing extra clothes, finding a cooler place, or drinking water. Unfortunately, babies cannot do these things on their own. Instead, they might show signs of discomfort, like a red face. This happens because their blood vessels expand to release heat through the skin. They may also start to breathe faster and more deeply.
It is important to note that not all babies can sweat to cool down. Babies under 2 months old, or premature babies, may not have fully developed sweat glands. So, they cannot cool themselves the same way older children or adults can.
Why is it Important to Keep Babies Warm at Night?
Keeping your baby warm at night is important for some obvious reasons. For example, warmth (neither cold nor overheating) allows babies to sleep peacefully.
Babies are unable to adjust their body temperature like adults can. They cannot shiver to stay warm, so they rely on external help to keep their bodies warm. If a baby gets too cold, it can affect their sleep and growth. Cold temperatures can cause the baby to use up body fat instead of shivering, which can interfere with normal development.
How to Keep Baby Warm at Night—Handy Tips for Parents
Right, the following are some useful tips for keeping your baby warm at night and safe as well.
1. Avoid Using Loose Blankets
It is not just about keeping baby warm at night; you need to ensure their safety as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advises not to use loose blankets in your baby's sleep space during their first year. This includes not only covering your baby with a blanket but also avoiding placing blankets under or over the crib or bassinet.
Soft objects like pillows, crib bumpers, comforters, and toys can pose serious risks. They increase the chance of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation and can even contribute to SIDS.
The AAP also warns against bed sharing with your baby. For your baby's safety, it is important to follow these guidelines and avoid any loose bedding in the crib.
2. Use Cotton Bedding and PJs
It is advisable to stick to 100% cotton for their bedding and pajamas for your baby's comfort and safety. Cotton is breathable, which helps keep your baby warm without causing them to overheat. Natural fabrics like organic cotton allow air to flow, reducing the chances of sweaty, uncomfortable sleep.
It is better not to use synthetic fabrics such as polyester or spandex. These materials do not allow air to circulate, which can increase the risk of your baby getting too hot during the night. Be careful with jersey sheets, too. While they might seem like cotton, many are actually made from a mix of materials like polyester and spandex. Always check the label to be sure.
3. Use the Swaddle Carefully in Winters
A swaddle, sleep sack, or wearable blanket are all safe and effective ways to keep your baby warm at night. These options are better than loose blankets, which can be dangerous. Swaddling your baby not only keeps them warm, but it can also help soothe them. Swaddling activates a calming reflex that makes babies feel secure and can help them sleep better.
When swaddling your baby for winter, consider the following tips to keep them safe and comfortable:
a. Choose the Right Swaddle for the Temperature
In colder weather, pick a lightweight and breathable cotton swaddle that offers some insulation. This is ideal for rooms that are around 68°F or lower. Avoid using fleece or other synthetic fabrics, as they can cause your baby to overheat.
b. Avoid Weighted Swaddles
Do not use weighted swaddles or blankets. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that these can put too much pressure on a baby's chest, which could be dangerous.
c. Check the Room Temperature
Always choose a swaddle based on the room's temperature, not the outdoor temperature. A cooler room requires a slightly warmer swaddle.
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d. Know When not to Use a Swaddle
Once your baby is able to roll over, it is time to stop swaddling. At this point, switch to a wearable blanket or sleep sack. However, if you are using a specially designed swaddle, like one that keeps babies safely on their backs, you may be able to use it a bit longer.
e. Switch to a Sleep Sack
If your baby is rolling over and weighs 33 pounds (14kg) or less, you can convert their swaddle into a sleep sack. Simply undo the shoulder snaps to allow your baby to sleep with their arms free while still staying warm and cozy.
4. Maintain the Room Temperature
The best room temperature for your baby is between 68°F and 72°F. This range helps keep your baby comfortable and safe while they sleep. As a general rule, babies need one extra layer of clothing compared to adults. For example, if you are wearing long sleeves and pants, dress your baby in regular pajamas plus a sleep sack. You can also check out our latest pajamas collection for boys and girls.
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a. Use Space Heaters with Caution
If you are considering using a space heater to warm up a cold nursery, it is not the best choice, especially when your baby is sleeping. Space heaters can be a fire hazard, and they can easily overheat the room. Even if your baby is not mobile yet, space heaters can create an unsafe environment.
If you do need to use a space heater, turn it on before your baby goes to sleep. Be sure to turn it off once your baby is in bed to prevent overheating.
b. Warm Your Baby Sheets Safely
If your baby's sheets feel cold, you can warm them up before bedtime. Use a microwavable heating pad (not electric) or hot water bottle. Place it in the crib for a few minutes to warm the sheets. Also, remove the heating pad or bottle before putting your baby down to sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to tell if my baby is too warm or cold?
If you want to check if your baby is too cold, look for signs like pale or blotchy skin and cool arms, legs, or cheeks. The back of their neck or chest may also feel cold if they need an extra layer. Other signs include being unusually sleepy, hard to wake, or fussier than usual. If your baby is too warm, their skin may feel damp or sweaty, especially around the neck or ears. Flushed skin or a heat rash may also indicate overheating. Remove a clothing layer or adjust the room temperature to keep your baby comfortable if the bay is overwarm.
Do babies overheat at night?
Adding too many layers of clothes on your baby, even in winter, can cause them to overheat while they sleep. Your home's thermostat might not show the correct temperature in your baby’s room. It is a good idea to use a baby monitor that tracks the room temperature for a more accurate reading.
Conclusion
So, here is our quick wrap-up on how to keep baby warm at night. Dress them in breathable cotton pajamas and use a cotton sleep sack or swaddle to keep them cozy without overheating. Avoid loose blankets, pillows, or crib bumpers, which can pose safety risks.
Ensure the room temperature stays between 68°F and 72°F. Generally, babies need one more layer than adults to stay warm. Be careful when you use space heaters because they can create fire hazards or cause overheating. If sheets are cold, warm them with a heating pad or hot water bottle, but remove them before placing your baby in the crib. Let us know in the comments if this guide was helpful.
