Research-backed
It’s a common practice to wrap a newborn in a warm blanket, especially during the nights when the outdoor temperature drops significantly. This is generally because babies are used to the warmth inside the womb and the outside environment can be comparatively cold for them. Also, babies cannot easily adapt to temperature changes like adults. They can lose body heat 4 times faster than an average adult. It gets even worse for low-birth and premature babies since they have low body fat that helps babies keep warm. But then, in a very cold environment like the winters, even normally healthy and full-term babies may not be able to regulate their body temperature to keep themselves warm (1).
While it is essential to ensure that babies’ body temperatures remain adequately warm, it is equally important to maintain ideal room temperature. According to some sleep experts, the ideal room temperature for a baby should be between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This is equivalent to 20 to 22 degrees Celsius (2).
Baby Sleep And SIDS
Having said this, it is imperative to keep in mind the safe way of keeping your baby warm. Because there is always the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While there is no exact reason for SIDS, overheating and asphyxiation are largely considered as major reasons for such deaths. And both of these potential risks can be caused by wrapping your baby in a blanket at night. There are high chances that you might fall into a deep sleep and not notice your baby become extremely hot or warm. Therefore, it is highly recommended not to wrap your baby in blankets or cover the head while sleeping, especially at night (3).
Ways To Keep Baby Warm At Night Without Blankets
Now, since blankets are ruled out, here are different ways that you can try to keep your baby warm.
- Use thin and taut mattresses for your baby’s crib. A thick and loose mattress might increase the chances of overheating
- Make your baby wear a soft skull cap instead of a woolen cap
- Pajamas with feet are also an ideal choice to dress your baby in at night
- You can try dressing your baby in layers with a soft material like cotton. Put the lightest layer first followed by others. This way, if your baby becomes too warm at night, you can remove one layer to cool him/her down a bit
- You can also go with ‘wearable’ blankets that do not restrict your baby’s movements in sleep
- Use room fireproof heaters to warm up your room. However, once your baby reaches the crawling age, make sure you keep them out of your baby’s reach
- Warming your baby’s bed, crib, or cradle before putting them to sleep is another great idea to keep them warm. Place a bottle of hot water or a cordless heating pad in your baby’s bed. Take it out just before you put your baby to sleep. But before that, do check with the back of your palm if it is not too hot and is ideally warm.
- You can also use a microwaveable heating pad to warm your baby’s bed. But don’t forget to remove it before you put down your baby to sleep.
- A heat lamp or over-the-bed warmer can also be used during times of extreme chill
When it comes to babies, no amount of caution and care is enough. So, make sure you are always on alert, especially when your baby is asleep. To ensure your baby is safe from the dangers of overheating, it is recommended that you sleep with your baby in the same room (4). It needn’t be the same bed. Just make sure baby’s crib or cradle is right next to you so you can conveniently check on your baby.
We hope that these tips help in keeping your baby warm and safe. May it help your baby have a happy and tight sleep!
