How to Dress Your Baby and Toddler for Optimal Sleep
DISCLAIMER: This blog is sponsored by Ergobaby and contains affiliate links that bring in a very small commission to help support our mission of educating and empowering parents in their sleep journey.
Did you feel this way…
As a new parent, ensuring your baby or toddler sleeps through the night can feel like a distant goal. You’ve likely read countless articles and tried various techniques to improve your baby’s sleep, but one factor often overlooked is how you dress them for bed.
The right sleepwear, such as baby sleep sacks or toddler sleeping bags, plays a crucial role in creating the ideal environment for sleep. In this blog, we'll explore how to dress your baby and toddler for optimal sleep, keeping them comfortable and cozy throughout the night. Plus, we’ll highlight the benefits of Ergobaby’s baby sleep sacks and toddler on-the-move sleeping bags, which come in a variety of weight options to help maintain the perfect sleep temperature all year round.
Why Proper Sleepwear is Important for Babies and Toddlers
Babies and toddlers have difficulty regulating their body temperature. Overheating or being too cold can lead to restless nights, frequent wake-ups, and discomfort, affecting not only your child’s sleep but also your own. According to the Sleep Foundation, temperature plays a significant role in sleep quality. Maintaining an optimal sleep temperature not only supports healthy rest but also ensures your child sleeps more soundly for longer stretches. Over-bundling or underdressing can lead to problems like overheating or night waking due to being too cold, which is why choosing the right sleepwear is so important.
Additionally, dressing your child in appropriate sleepwear can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends dressing your baby in sleep sacks rather than using blankets for babies under 2, which can pose a suffocation risk. Baby sleep sacks, also known as wearable blankets, allow your baby to stay warm without the risks associated with loose bedding.
Which Ergobaby Sleep Sack is Right for Your Baby
One of the best options for safe, comfortable sleep is a sleep sack, and Ergobaby’s line of sleep sacks offers a range of choices to suit your baby’s needs. They come in three different weight options—light, mid-weight, and cozy—so you can easily find one that helps your baby maintain an optimal sleep temperature, no matter the season.
Lightweight sleep sacks are perfect for warmer nights or homes that tend to stay warmer. These sleep sacks allow for breathability, keeping your baby cool and comfortable. Think the Arizona heat or Florida sunshine kind of weather.
Mid-weight sleep sacks are ideal for in-between seasons, offering just the right amount of warmth without overheating. This a perfect 75 degree LA day.
Cozy sleep sacks are perfect for cooler nights, ensuring your baby stays snug and warm throughout the night. Perfect for fall and winter seasons for that added warmth especially if you live in the midwest.
The genius behind these options is that Ergobaby gives parents the flexibility to choose what’s best for their child’s specific environment and needs. Whether it’s a hot summer day or a snowy winter night, Ergobaby sleep sacks help your baby stay at a comfortable temperature, reducing the risk of overheating and night waking.
How to Dress Your Baby for Sleep
When dressing your baby for sleep, the key is to avoid over-layering. It’s essential to consider the room temperature and the weight of the sleep sack you’re using. A general rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you’d wear to bed.
For example, if the room is on the cooler side, you could dress your baby in a long-sleeved onesie underneath a mid-weight or cozy sleep sack. If it’s warmer, a lightweight sleep sack with a short-sleeved onesie may be more appropriate. Always feel your baby’s neck and chest to check if they feel too hot or too cold. The Sleep Foundation states that there have been studies that state optimal room temperature is typically between 68°F and 72°F.
Please reference the graphic displayed below for more tips on how to layer your baby for optimal sleep.
The Importance of Toddler Sleep Sacks
For parents of toddlers, the need for the right sleepwear continues. Toddlers are often not quite ready to sleep with blankets, as they tend to kick them off or may become entangled, waking up frequently during the night. This is where Ergobaby’s toddler sleep sacks—also called ON THE MOVE SLEEP BAGS—are invaluable. These sleep sacks are designed with legs, allowing toddlers the freedom to move around safely without tripping or falling. The walking sleep sacks are particularly great for toddlers who have transitioned to a toddler bed but may still need the security of a sleep sack to stay warm and comfortable through the night.
Other Sleepwear Considerations
In addition to using a baby sleep sack or toddler sleeping bag, here are a few other tips to ensure your child is dressed appropriately for sleep:
Avoid overheating: Always opt for breathable materials like cotton for underlayers and avoid bulky or fleece pajamas that can trap heat. Overheating is a known risk factor for SIDS, so it’s crucial to monitor your baby’s temperature regularly.
Check for comfort: Make sure your child’s sleepwear isn’t too tight or restrictive. Comfort is key to uninterrupted sleep, so check that there are no tight waistbands or seams that could cause discomfort.
Adjust based on seasons: Be mindful of the changing seasons. As temperatures fluctuate, so too should your baby’s sleepwear. Ergobaby’s different weight sleep sacks make it easy to adapt as needed.
Footed pajamas for babies: If you’re using a lightweight sleep sack, footed pajamas can be a great option for babies to keep their feet warm without needing extra layers.
As a parent, it’s natural to worry about whether your baby or toddler is too hot or too cold at night. By using baby and toddler sleep sacks, you not only provide a comfortable and cozy sleep environment but also reduce the risks associated with loose bedding and overheating. Ergobaby’s range of baby sleep sacks and toddler walking sleep sacks offers the perfect solution, giving parents peace of mind and ensuring your little one stays at the right temperature all night long. Whether you need a lightweight option for summer or a cozy, warm sack for winter, Ergobaby’s sleep sacks have you covered.
Dressing your baby or toddler for optimal sleep can be challenging, but with the right products and a few simple layering techniques, you can create a comfortable, safe, and restful sleep environment that allows you and your child to sleep through the night and wake up feeling well-rested.
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