What To Wear Under A Swaddle
There is so much to consider when it comes to your baby, it’s no wonder that with all of the excitement new parents face, they tend to also feel stressed out and anxious about even the littlest things like, what should babies wear under a swaddle? We try to unwrap some answers for you below!
Do babies wear anything under swaddle?
What should a baby wear under a swaddle is a frequently asked question with a simple answer: it depends on the temperature and climate. If it is warm outside, putting your baby in a diaper underneath the swaddle may just be enough. If however, the temperature is cold, it’s a good idea to put baby in a short or long sleeved onesie or even footy pajamas to ensure that baby is kept warm. Keep in mind that baby shouldn’t ever be too warm however, especially in his sleep space, as this could be a risk factor for SIDS. Use your best judgement, trust your instincts, and by all means, pay attention to the type of swaddle you’re using. Some will come with a TOG rating (a number indicating it’s use for warm or cold weather) that can be helpful in figuring out what, if anything, baby should wear underneath the swaddle.
What should my baby wear under a swaddle?
Depending on the temperature both outdoors and indoors, your baby doesn’t necessarily need to wear anything other than his diaper underneath his swaddle. That’s because swaddling blankets are usually made of soft and breathable fibers like cotton, muslin, or bamboo – this helps regulate baby’s temperature so their never too hot or too cold. The whole idea of swaddling is that it’s meant to soothe baby and keep him comfortable, almost exactly like he was in the womb.
What does TOG mean and how can it help me dress my baby?
A TOG is a measure of thermal insulation and stands for Thermal Overall Grade. This rating can help you decide how to dress your baby underneath a swaddle or sleep sack.
As a general rule, the higher the TOG rating, the warmer the fabric is, making it a great choice for cool, winter months. The lower the TOG rating, the cooler the fabric is, making it a good choice for warmer climates. For example, a TOG of 2.5 is best used during cold nights, a rating of 1 is ideal for moderate temperatures, and a rating of 0.5 is ideal for summer and hot weather. Fabrics with a TOG rating take the guesswork out of choosing the right clothes for sleeping.
Can you put a onesie under a sleep sack?
You can absolutely put your baby in a onesie or even pajamas underneath their sleep sack depending on the temperature. Babies, like adults, sleep better when they’re cool as opposed to too warm, so keep this in mind when dressing your baby for bed. Similarly, if it’s cold outside but your heat is on overnight, consider this when putting baby down for for bed. Same goes for summer when your air conditioning may be blasting. You won’t want to “overdress” your baby in any weather so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on him to determine his comfort level overall.
What should a baby wear under a weighted swaddle?
When dressing your baby under a weighted swaddle, the same rules apply. Check the room temperature, climate and TOG rating of the swaddle, as well as whatever you’re considering underneath. The Dreamland Baby weighted swaddle is made of lightweight and breathable fabric for year-round use. The 0.6 TOG is perfect for both warm and cool climates.
How can I make sure my baby is comfortable in the swaddle?
When it comes to your baby’s comfort, wouldn’t it be amazing if he could clearly communicate his likes and dislikes? The truth is, most new parents find they can pick up on their baby’s cues, particularly when it comes to their comfort. Some babies may fuss more than usual in their swaddle or act like a little escape artist trying to get out of it, or simply react in a way that translates to “I don’t like this!”
Remember, no one knows your baby better than you do, so trust your instincts. If your newborn baby doesn’t like to be swaddled, there are other options available. That’s where a wearable blanket – also known as a sleep sack - comes in. Sleep sacks work because they keep your infant safe, warm, and comfortable. They also align with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation that blankets, pillows and soft toys should be kept out of the baby's sleep space to avoid accidental suffocation.
Final Thoughts/Conclusion on what a baby should wear under a swaddle:
When it comes to what a baby should wear underneath a swaddle, remember to check the TOG rating, consider the climate, and check the temperature in baby’s sleep space. Swaddling, as well as sleep sacks, help to regulate baby’s body temperature, so don’t overdo it. Depending on the weather and TOG rating, you’ll know how to dress baby for the safest sleep possible. A lightweight onesie should do the trick when it comes to what baby should wear underneath a swaddle or sleep sack in warmer weather. In the winter months, a long sleeve onesie may be preferred.
Trust your parental instincts, consider all of the factors listed above, and if you’re still confused, by all means, consult with your pediatrician. Chances are you’ll get the hang of things in no time!
