There are many elements that go into how your baby falls off to sleep. Baby sleepwear is just one of those elements. In general, letting your baby sleep unencumbered is your best bet. Infant sleepwear should fit snuggly but by no means tight. There should be no drawstrings, ribbons or anything else that might get caught or cause stangulation. All snaps and buttons need to be safely secured. Both snaps and buttons are perfect choking hazards.
Is Your Baby To Hot Or To Cold?
Next, get to know your baby's body temperature. Cold little hands and feet indicate that she needs more warmth and that another layer of clothing is needed. However, hot, moist skin indicates that she has overheated and indicates the need for less clothing and a cooler sleeping environment. Always remember that babies overheat easily. New research by the Academy of Pediatrics on babies six months of age or younger has shown that overheated babies may not be able to arouse easily from a sound sleep. Keep your baby's room at a comfortable and consistant 68 to 70 degrees and practice safe sleeping habits.
Do not cover your baby in blankets or comforters while she is in the crib. She will quickly overheat. Put your baby in light weight, cotton sleepwear. Cover baby in as much or as little clothing as you would wear yourself. Of course there is always an exception to the rule. If your baby was premature, weighing in under eight pounds, born with less fat, or if she is small for her age, then you may need to add an additional layer of clothing until her body weight catches up.
Cotton sleepwear is best because it absorbs body moisture and it allows air to move freely around your baby. Bedtime baby sleepwear should consist of either sleepsacks or blanket sleepers. Sleepsacks are for the very young baby. They are very cozy, fitted snuggly at the neck, wrists and feet and can be worn over regular pajamas. The bottom remains wide enough for your baby to move their legs freely. Please note: The rules for flame resistance or snug fit do not apply to sleepwear for sizes 9 months and under because infants that wear these sizes are insufficiently mobile to expose themselves to an open flame.
When buying a blanket sleeper, look for one that allows room for layering underneath yet is still comfortably snug at the neck, wrists and feet. The goals of the sleepsack and blanket sleeper are the same. They are used as a wearable blanket that keeps baby safe, warm and yet still roomy and comfortable enough to be able to wiggle and kick around freely.
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