Baby's sleep is precious, and his comfort at night depends on it. Choose the perfect outfit for your newborn's nights can seem complex at first. Don't worry, we've put together all the essential tips to guide you through this nocturnal adventure!
Basic principles for dressing baby properly at night 💤
The golden rule is simple: not too much, not too little. Babies don't regulate their temperature like adults, and are particularly sensitive to variations. Make sure your little treasure is comfortably seated without risk of overheating or cooling.
Always opt for natural, breathable fabrics like organic cotton. These fabrics allow baby's delicate skin to breathe while maintaining a pleasant temperature.
Remember, safety comes first! Avoid clothes with cords, detachable buttons or anything else that could pose a risk while your child is sleeping.
How to adapt clothing to room temperature 🌡️
The ideal bedroom temperature is between 18 and 20°C. This is your main reference point for determining how to dress baby at night.
For a room at 18-20°C :
- A long-sleeved bodysuit + pyjamas + seasonal sleeping bag
- OR a short-sleeved bodysuit + warm pyjamas + light sleeping bag
For a warmer room (20-22°C) :
- A short-sleeved bodysuit + light pyjamas + light sleeping bag
- OR a long-sleeved bodysuit + light sleeping bag
For a cooler room (16-18°C) :
- A long-sleeved bodysuit + warm pyjamas + warm sleeping bag
- OR a bodysuit + pyjamas + thin cardigan + warm sleeping bag
Baby's night-time essentials 👶
Visit turbulette (or sleeping bag) is your number one ally! It replaces blankets, avoids the risk of suffocation and keeps baby warm without allowing him to uncover himself during the night.
Choose a turban with a TOG adapted to the season: 0.5 for summer, 1-2 for mid-season, and 2-3 for winter. The TOG indicates the turbulette's level of warmth: the higher the TOG, the warmer the turbulette.
Bodysuits with crotch snaps are practical for night-time nappies. They avoid undressing baby completely and keep his tummy warm.
Common mistakes to avoid at night 🚫
Don't overheat your baby! A baby who's too hot This increases the risk of cot death. If baby's neck feels clammy, remove a layer of clothing.
Never cover baby's head while he's sleeping. A bonnet at night is a no-no, as it prevents natural thermal regulation.
Avoid putting on too many layers "just in case". Rely on room temperature and adjust clothing accordingly, without overdoing it.
Practical seasonal guide 🍂❄️🌱☀️
In summer In warm weather, a simple short-sleeved bodysuit under a light turbulette (TOG 0.5) may suffice. If the nights are cool, add light pyjamas.
In winter Layering: Overlap thin layers rather than a single thick one. A long-sleeved bodysuit, warm pyjamas and a suitable sleeping bag (TOG 2-3) make the ideal combination.
Spring and autumn Adapt to temperature variations with intermediate layers. A TOG 1-2 sleeping bag is generally appropriate for these seasons.
How do you know if baby is too hot or too cold? 🤔
Touch baby's neck or tummy, not his extremities. Hands and feet are naturally cooler than the rest of the body.
If baby sweats, has red cheeks or seems agitated, he probably has too hot. If his neck is cool or mottled, he may be cold.
Rely also on his behavior: an uncomfortable baby will tend to wake up more often during the night.
Practical advice from experienced parents 💕
"For our daughter, we use the onion method: thin layers that can be added or removed easily depending on the temperature."
"I invested in a luminous room thermometer, it helps me adjust my baby's clothes without hesitation."
"The thing that changed our nights: a turbulette with detachable sleeves, perfect for adapting to temperature variations without waking baby."
In a nutshell: how to dress baby at night simply ✨
Listen to your baby's signals and trust your parenting instincts. Over time, you'll become expert at knowing how to dress baby at night according to its unique comfort.
Remember that every baby is different, and you'll get to know your baby's preferences. The most important thing is to ensure baby's safety and comfort, for peaceful nights for the whole family.
Happy nights to you and your little treasure! 🌙