A baby should wear lightweight, breathable sleepwear that keeps them warm enough without causing overheating, such as a onesie with a sleep sack or wearable blanket. It is important to avoid blankets in the crib for safety reasons and dress the baby in one more layer than what an adult would wear comfortably in the same room. The baby’s head and face should never be covered during sleep, and hats or head coverings should be avoided indoors to prevent overheating. The room temperature should be kept between about 16-22°C (60-72°F), and the baby should be dressed accordingly in layered clothing that can be adjusted based on the temperature. For warmer months, a short-sleeve bodysuit or even just a diaper can suffice, while in colder months, layering a longsleeve onesie or sleeper with a sleep sack is advisable. Always check the baby's neck or chest to ensure they are comfortably warm but not sweating. In summary:
- Use a onesie or bodysuit as a base layer.
- Add a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead of loose blankets.
- Dress the baby in one extra layer than an adult would wear in that room.
- Avoid covering the baby’s head and face.
- Dress in lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo.
- Adjust layering based on room temperature (ideal range 16-22°C or 60-72°F).
- Check the baby’s neck or chest to confirm warmth and comfort.
This approach promotes safe and comfortable sleep for babies while minimizing risks like overheating or SIDS.