Dressing Babies For Sleep In Air Conditioned Rooms

Babies are sensitive to temperature changes and find it difficult to regulate their body heat, so it's important to know how to dress them appropriately when they sleep in an air-conditioned room. The ideal temperature for a baby's room is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 degrees Celsius, and it's recommended to dress them in a similar number of layers to what you would wear in the same room. It's crucial to avoid overheating, as this is linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Therefore, lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton and wool are recommended, and it's best to avoid socks, hats, and mittens, which can be a choking hazard if pulled off during sleep. Instead, consider a swaddle or sleep sack to keep your baby warm and comfortable.

Dressing in layers

When it comes to dressing your baby for sleep in an air-conditioned room, layering is key. Here are some detailed tips on how to dress your baby in layers to ensure they stay comfortable and safe:

Understanding the Importance of Layering

Babies are sensitive to temperature changes and have difficulty regulating their body heat. As a result, they are at risk of both overheating and catching a cold. Layering their sleepwear allows you to easily adjust to their needs, adding or removing layers as necessary.

Determining the Number of Layers

A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear yourself in the same room. Consider the temperature of the room and how many layers you would need to be comfortable. If you find yourself reaching for an extra duvet or a fleece jacket, your baby will likely need additional layers too.

Types of Layers to Consider

You can opt for a combination of a long-sleeve or short-sleeve onesie, depending on whether your baby tends to run hot or cold. Footed baby pajamas or a long-sleeve onesie with pants can provide extra warmth. For the ideal room temperature range of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, a short-sleeve onesie with a sleep sack or swaddle blanket is usually sufficient.

Using Sleep Sacks and Swaddles

Sleep sacks and swaddles are essential for keeping your baby warm and comfortable. Sleep sacks are wearable blankets with armholes and zippers, providing warmth without the risk of tangling in blankets. Swaddles, on the other hand, are blankets that wrap around your baby's body, giving them a feeling of being held and making it easier to stay on their back. For newborns under two months who can't roll over yet, swaddling is an effective way to keep them cozy and warm.

Avoiding Overheating

While layering is important, be cautious not to overdress your baby. Overheating has been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Stick to breathable materials like cotton and wool, and avoid socks, hats, and other accessories that can cause overheating. Check your baby's temperature by feeling their skin; they should feel warm but not hot.

Adjusting Layers as Needed

Remember to monitor your baby's comfort throughout the night. They may be too cold if they are shivering, and you may need to add more layers. On the other hand, if they are sweating, have red cheeks, or are breathing rapidly, they may be too hot, and you should remove a layer or two.

Keeping the head uncovered

Keeping your baby's head uncovered is important for their safety and comfort. Here are some reasons why:

Prevent Overheating

Babies are sensitive to temperature changes and can struggle to regulate their body heat. Keeping the head uncovered helps prevent overheating, reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Overheating can also make it harder for your baby to sleep and make them more vulnerable to illnesses.

Avoid Choking Hazards

Items such as hats, mittens, and socks can be pulled off accidentally during sleep and pose a choking hazard. Keeping your baby's head uncovered eliminates this risk.

Facilitate Heat Loss

The head is an area of the body through which a significant amount of heat can be lost. Leaving the head uncovered can help your baby regulate their body temperature and prevent overheating.

Monitor Temperature

By keeping the head uncovered, you can easily monitor your baby's temperature by feeling their skin. This helps you determine if they are too hot or too cold and adjust their clothing or the room temperature accordingly.

Promote Comfort

Covering your baby's head may cause discomfort and restrict their movement. Keeping the head uncovered allows for better airflow and a more comfortable sleep.

Checking the baby's temperature

Checking your baby's temperature is an important part of ensuring they are comfortable and healthy. Babies are sensitive to temperature changes and can struggle to regulate their body heat, so it's important to monitor their temperature to avoid the risk of overheating or catching a cold. Here are some detailed instructions on checking your baby's temperature:

Choosing a Thermometer

Digital thermometers are the recommended choice for taking your baby's temperature. They are quick, accurate, and widely available. There are several types of digital thermometers to choose from:

• Regular digital thermometers: These are straight with a temperature sensor at the tip and a digital display. They can be used for rectal, oral (mouth), or axillary (armpit) temperatures.
• Ear digital thermometers: These measure heat waves from the eardrum and are suitable for children aged 6 months and older.
• Temporal artery digital thermometers: These measure heat waves from the temporal artery on the forehead. They are suitable for all ages and are as accurate as rectal thermometers but less uncomfortable.

Taking the Temperature

The best method for taking your baby's temperature depends on their age and ability to cooperate:

• Babies younger than 3 months old: A rectal temperature is recommended as it is the most accurate.
• Babies 3 to 6 months old: A rectal temperature is best, but you can also use a temporal artery or axillary (armpit) thermometer.
• Children 6 months to 3 years old: A rectal temperature is still best, but you can also use a temporal artery, ear, or axillary thermometer.
• Children 4 years and older: An oral temperature is suitable if the child can hold the thermometer under their tongue. Otherwise, you can use any of the other methods.

Tips for Taking the Temperature

• Avoid taking the temperature right after a bath or if the baby was wrapped in blankets or multiple layers, as this can affect the reading.
• Stay with your baby throughout the process.
• Label your thermometer according to its use (e.g., rectal, oral) to prevent any confusion or cross-contamination.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for taking the temperature and wait for the alert/beep indicating the reading is complete.

Interpreting the Temperature

A fever is typically indicated by an elevated body temperature. Here are some guidelines for determining if your baby has a fever:

• Rectal, forehead, or ear temperature: 100.4° F (38.0° C) or higher.
• Under the arm (armpit) temperature: 99° F (37.2° C) or higher.

Please note that these guidelines may vary, and your healthcare provider may give you different numbers to follow for your child. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if your baby shows any signs of illness.

Adjusting clothing, not room temperature

If you can't control the air conditioning in your baby's room, you can adjust your baby's clothing to keep them warm. It's easier to add layers to warm them up than to cool them down.

A good rule of thumb is to add one extra layer to your newborn than you are comfortable wearing yourself. If you're reaching for a fleece and an extra duvet, your baby will probably be cold if they're not given enough layers.

It's better to add a few warm layers underneath a sleep suit or warm baby pyjamas than to add loose blankets or sheets on top of your baby. Loose items are known to increase the risk of SIDS, and your child will likely be perfectly comfortable with a warm romper and suitable sleep suit made from the right material.

You can also opt for items that keep your baby's limbs contained, such as an all-in-one sleepsuit. These items trap warm air in and prevent your baby from getting a chill.

If your baby is under two months old, it's safe to swaddle them, and this is often the best way to keep them cosy and warm at night. Make sure you follow all the ABCs of safe sleep for babies, such as putting your baby to sleep on their back, removing all accessories and soft bedding from the crib, and not wrapping them up too tight (especially around the hips), which can lead to hip dysplasia. Stop swaddling after two months or when your baby shows signs of rolling over.

If you feel your baby is still too cold, you can add layers underneath the swaddle or use a swaddle made from a thicker material than standard cotton, such as fleece.

Signs your baby is too hot or too cold

Check your baby's temperature by feeling the skin on their tummy or back. They should feel warm but not hot or sweaty. Your baby's hands and feet might feel cool, but this isn't a good indication of their body temperature. If your baby's core (chest, neck, back, and tummy) feels cool to the touch, you should add a layer.

Safe sleep reminders

• A safe sleep environment is a separate sleeping space, free of loose bedding, clothing, or any other items (other than a pacifier).
• Your baby should always be placed on their back for sleep.
• Transition your baby out of the swaddle when you see signs of rolling.
• Dress your baby appropriately for the temperature of the room.
• Keep your baby's space clear of all bedding, including blankets and other coverings, when co-sleeping.
• Never wrap your baby if you're co-sleeping. You can use a safe infant sleeping bag or suit.

Using a swaddle or sleep sack

Swaddling is the practice of gently wrapping a light blanket around a baby to help them feel calm, snug, and secure. It mimics the womb environment, providing a sense of comfort and safety. Swaddling can help calm a crying or fussy baby, soothe colicky babies, and limit the startle reflex, helping them sleep more peacefully. It also helps newborns, especially those under 8 weeks, regulate their body temperature.

If you're dressing your baby for sleep in an air-conditioned room, you can put them in a swaddle if they are under 2 months old and cannot roll over yet. Make sure to follow safe sleep practices for babies: put your baby to sleep on their back, remove all accessories and soft bedding from the crib, and don't wrap your baby too tight, especially around the hips, to avoid hip dysplasia. Stop swaddling once your baby is 2 months old or shows signs of rolling over.

If your baby is over 2 months old and can roll over, you should transition to a sleep sack, also known as a wearable blanket. Sleep sacks are sleeveless garments that go over your baby's pajamas and have armholes and a zipper for easy use. They are safer than loose blankets because they are not loose in the crib and are designed to stay on babies without covering their faces. Sleep sacks can be used for as long as needed and allow babies to move around more freely.

Frequently asked questions