My favourite thing about every day is putting my pyjamas back on. I LIVE for it!!! I'd like to think I'm passing on my love of pyjamas and all things cozy to my son so that one day, I can live the dream of staying in our pj's all day doing fun stuff like making a fort, watching a movie or reading some books. It's like my number one fantasy about motherhood. Speaking of all things cozy, babies have a really hard time regulating their body temperature (their base is about 37º -37.5º C). They are also quiet sensitive to variations in temperature both cold and hot. So, what should baby wear to bed?
Here are some products I found useful for keeping my little guy comfortable during sleep:
Swaddling sleep sack: We loved using the Ergo Cocoon for a transitional sleep sack. It allows you to keep baby's arms in while still in the swaddling stage (first 8 weeks) and then allows you to unbutton at the shoulders to transition to arms out.
Lightweight sleep sack: For warmer weather I absolutely ADORE the Aden & Anais sleep sacks. The breathable muslin is so dreamy and they get softer and softer with use!!
And finally, because I believe in promoting safe sleep for babies, here are Health Canada's guidelines:
The safest place for your baby to sleep or nap is in a crib, cradle or bassinet that meets current Canadian safety regulations. When babies sleep in places that are not made for them, such as on an adult bed, sofa or armchair, they can become trapped and suffocate. The risk of suffocation is even higher if a baby shares the same sleep surface with an adult or another child.
Safe Sleep environment.
Other than a firm mattress and a fitted sheet, there is no need for any extra items in the crib, cradle or bassinet
Soft bedding, such as pillows, comforters, quilts and bumper pads, can increase the risk of suffocation
Soft surfaces, such as adult beds, sofas and armchairs, can increase the risk of suffocation
Safe crib, cradle or bassinet
Check for a label that shows the date it was made. If it does not have a label, it may not be safe
Check regularly to make sure that the hardware is tight and not damaged
Health Canada only recommends cribs made after 1986 and/or no more than 10 years old
To learn more about crib, cradle and bassinet safety, please visit Health Canada Consumer and Product Safety.
Baby swings, bouncers, strollers and car seats are not made for unsupervised sleep. Sleeping in a sitting position can cause your baby's head to fall forward which can make it hard for your baby to breathe. For this reason it is important to move your baby to a crib, cradle or bassinet to sleep or when you arrive at your destination.
Overheating is a risk for SIDS
Your baby is safest when he or she sleeps in fitted one-piece sleepwear that is comfortable at room temperature and does not cause your baby to overheat. If the room temperature is comfortable for you, then it is comfortable for your baby. Babies do not need extra blankets because a baby's movements can cause their head to become completely covered, which can cause them to overheat.
Reminder: If a blanket is needed, your baby is safest with a thin, lightweight and breathable blanket.
Aden & Anais also makes wonderful muslin swaddling blankets that fit this criteria!