With all of the worries that first-time parents have, their baby’s sleep may be one of the more notable. Are they getting enough? Is your baby sleeping too much? While these may be some of the larger questions, there are a few other things to consider.
Perhaps the most notable is figuring out what your baby should wear to sleep. After all, you’ll want to make sure that they’re warm and comfortable without being too hot. With your first child, this could be difficult to figure out.
Parenting experts and studies have agreed on quite a few things. You’ll want to make sure that you consider certain things when dressing your child for bed.
What Should Your Baby Wear To Sleep?
The Basics
In general, you should dress your baby in layers. That also applies to when they’re going to sleep. Typically, you should use the number of layers you’re wearing, plus one. Many people have found that sleep suits are most comfortable for sleeping in.
That could aid your child’s sleep significantly. How you should dress your child for sleep can depend on many factors. How hot the room they’re sleeping in, for example, will play a major role. If it’s warm, your baby wouldn’t need too many layers.
If it’s cold, then warmer clothing is recommended. That’s why layering can be the most appropriate route. You can add or remove a layer as needed. It could be worth having a thermostat in the room and checking that regularly.
That could help you determine whether your baby needs more or fewer layers. In time, this should become instinct.
Should You Swaddle?
As a first-time parent, you might be unsure about swaddling. In most cases, this can be recommended, as your baby will respond positively to it. Typically, this makes them feel safe and it could remind them of being in the womb.
If you do plan on swaddling your child, you should dress them in lightweight, breathable materials. Flexibility is also key, as this will help with wrapping and tucking.
What Are The Best Sleeping Positions For Babies?
One of the larger worries you might have is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). You’ll want to make sure that you reduce the chances of this occurring. Choosing the right sleeping position will help with that.
Most studies suggest that placing your baby on their back when they start sleeping significantly reduces the risk of SIDS. You should stick with this as much as possible, unless your doctor advises you otherwise for medical reasons.
You might have multiple other questions about your baby’s sleep. One of the more notable is whether or not they should have a pacifier when they do so. Typically, this should be a ‘yes,’ although you’ll need to make sure that everything else is looked after too.
If so, you’ll drastically cut down on the likeliness of SIDS while also making sure that your baby is comfortable when they’re asleep. When you’re doing so, it’s worth keeping in mind that sleep suits are most comfortable for sleeping in.