What Should A Newborn Wear To Sleep In The Summer?
When the temperatures begin to rise and summer arrives, parents may wonder what should a newborn wear to sleep in the summer while keeping comfortable.
Babies need to sleep a lot, especially in the first few months of their lives. This is one of the reasons why they should be kept warm and comfortable during their sleep.
One of the duties of the parents is to ensure that their baby is sleeping comfortably and safely. Further in this article, you will find the needed information on what you should do, as a parent, to ensure just that.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Andrii Orlov
What Should a Newborn Wear to Sleep in the Summer?
Summers can be quite hot and humid, so you should dress your baby in light, breathable clothing to help regulate their body temperature.
Lightweight cotton onesies or sleep gowns are an excellent choice because they are soft and comfortable and allow air to circulate through your baby’s body.
You should avoid synthetic fabric, which can trap heat and cause discomfort in the baby. You should also avoid clothes with too many buttons or zippers, which can irritate the baby’s sensitive skin.
If you need some ideas, take a look at our top choices for newborn baby girl clothes!
Fabrics Good for Summer
Choosing the right fabric for your baby’s clothing is important, especially in summer. The heat and humidity can cause infants to become uncomfortable and anxious, resulting in rashes and other skin irritations.
What should a newborn wear to sleep in the summer is important in choosing the right fabric.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the fine fabrics for summer. Cotton is a lightweight and breathable fabric that allows air to circulate freely. This means the baby’s skin will remain cold and dry, lowering the risk of rashes and other irritations.
Cotton can also absorb moisture, which is essential in the summer when babies may sweat. This fabric can help your baby from feeling sticky and uncomfortable.
Bamboo
Another great fabric for summer clothes is bamboo. Bamboo is lightweight, breathable, and extremely soft. It is also hypoallergenic, so it’s ideal for babies with sensitive skin. Bamboo fabric also has natural antibacterial qualities that can help prevent the growth of bacteria and other germs that can cause skin irritations.
Linen
Linen is also a lightweight and breathable fabric that works well on hot and humid days. It is extremely absorbent and dries quickly, making it perfect for babies who may sweat. Linen fabric also has natural cooling specifications, which help to regulate the baby’s body temperature and keep them comfortable all day.
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Muslin
Muslin is a woven cotton fabric that is extremely light and breathable. It is extremely absorbent and ideal for swaddling babies in the heat. Muslin fabric dries quickly and is simple to clean, making it a practical option.
When choosing fabrics for babies, it is important to avoid synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon. These fabrics are not breathable and can trap moisture, causing discomfort and skin irritation. Avoiding dense, heavy fabrics like wool is also a good idea. They can be too warm for summer weather.
Tips for Summer
Avoid overdressing
Since keeping your baby warm while sleeping is crucial, it is also crucial not to overdress them. To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), dress your baby in light layers that can be easily added or removed. As a general guideline, dress your baby in the same number of layers that you are comfortable in.
Ideal room temperature
Aside from the baby’s clothes, the room's temperature is another factor to keep in mind. The ideal temperature for the room should be 68-72°F or 20-22°C. If the room is especially warm, try dressing your baby in lighter clothing or using a lightweight sleep sack instead of a blanket.
Use a swaddle or a sleep sack
A sleep sack or swaddle is an excellent choice for babies because it helps control their body temperature and keeps them from getting tangled in loose blankets. You should choose a breathable, lightweight sleep sack that fits your baby securely but allows them some movement.
Health Risks of Sleeping in a Hot Room
One of the top responsibilities as parents is to ensure the baby’s comfort and well-being, apart from worrying about what should a newborn wear to sleep in the summer.
The heat of the summer can make it difficult to keep the baby cool and comfortable. There are, however, several methods to keep the baby cool and secure during hot weather days. Let’s see some of them!
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: ANNA GRANT
Hydration
Keep your baby hydrated. Because babies are more prone to dehydration than adults, keeping them hydrated during hot weather is very important.
Breastfeeding or formula feeding your baby regularly is an effective way to ensure that they get enough fluids. If your baby is over six months, you could also give them water but try not to give it too much because it will conflict with their nutrient intake.
Fan or air conditioning
A fan or air conditioning can be useful during hot weather, especially when keeping your baby cool.
If you use a fan, ensure it is pointed away from the baby and not straight at them. If you use an air conditioner, maintain the room temperature between 68°F and 72°F or 20-22°C.
Note: Please remember that the incorrect use of air conditioners can easily dry out the respiratory tract, leading to trouble breathing, fever and diarrhea in young children, especially babies.
Note: Another risk of air conditioners can be the sudden drop in temperature, which can cause hypothermia, where the baby’s nervous system fails to function correctly.
Direct sunlight
Avoid direct sunlight because direct sunlight can be harmful to your baby’s delicate skin. Keeping them in the shadows as much as possible is crucial, especially if they are younger than six months.
Outside, you should use a stroller with a sunshade or an umbrella to protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays.
Heat hours
Keep your baby indoors during peak heat hours. It is the best way to keep your baby indoors during the hottest hours of the day. If you need to go outside, keep your baby in the shade and avoid direct sun exposure, or you can do it in the morning or evening.
Baby carrier
During hot weather, a baby carrier can be a great way to keep your baby close to you and cool. Choose a breathable fabric carrier and position the baby so their head and face are exposed to the air.
Conclusion
To summarize, what should a newborn wear to sleep in the summer can be a mix of keeping them comfortable and secure from overheating.
Remember to look for lightweight, breathable fabrics and loose-fitting clothing for the baby and adjust the baby’s clothing based on the room temperature. Parents help their babies sleep soundly through the warm summer days with the right clothing and bedding.
Sam Milam, author
Sam Milam is a freelance writer, photographer, and yoga teacher. She is passionate about educating herself and others about attachment parenting, social justice, and living an authentic, empowered life. When she isn't working, she can be found exploring the Pacific Northwest with her two kids. Sam is a regular contributor for Washington Post, POPSUGAR, USA Today, Parent Map, and Gronk Nation.
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