What To Wear Under A Swaddle
Bedtime deserves careful consideration for your baby. From ensuring they’re safe and cozy to praying you get the night’s sleep you need badly, you’ll want to get things just right. Swaddles are designed to offer babies a sense of comfort and security, while preventing the startle reflex that often wakes babies up. Traditional swaddles may be more complicated to dress baby in compared to innovative swaddles, but nevertheless, as you put your baby in a swaddle, you’ll likely start to wonder what they should be wearing under it. Set aside those new parent nerves and read on as we unwrap some answers about what baby should wear under a swaddle.
Does swaddling keep baby warm?
Swaddling is one way to keep your baby warm and cozy. That is part of the reason babies love being swaddled so much. It reminds them of their warm and snug beginnings in the womb. Babies have a hard time regulating their own body temperatures, as their bodies are working overtime to develop this skill - along with many skills. During the first few months, it is extra important to keep them warm, without overheating, and that’s where a swaddle can help.
Ideally, a baby should be dressed lightly in temperatures ranging from 68-72 degrees F. Swaddles should have a Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) to help indicate what temperatures they’re most appropriate for. Picking the right swaddle and pajama combo can be a big factor in achieving this “Goldilocks” of temperatures. The material that a swaddle is made from may influence exactly how warm it keeps your baby, so keep that in mind when “dressing” them for the weather. Materials like bamboo and cotton are super breathable and typically work well in any climate, especially if you dress baby appropriately underneath.
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.
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What shouldn’t a baby wear underneath a swaddle?
When dressing your baby before swaddling, your baby will most likely be comfortable in attire mimicking the warmth of whatever you are wearing - plus one additional light layer. Additionally, avoid any loose articles of clothing or anything with strings or ribbons underneath of your baby’s swaddle.
Achieving the perfect slumber attire for your baby can feel overwhelming at times, especially as the seasons change. Afterall, It’s not like your baby can tell you (with words) that they are too hot or too cold. Again, trust your instincts, and read the swaddle recommendations. At Dreamland, all of our swaddles have a TOG Rating that can help you identify appropriate temperatures to use them in. With a cozy onesie underneath the swaddle, your baby can be ready for bed. While your baby may not be able to verbally tell you how comfortable they are, there are physical signs you can look out for.
Signs of overheating:
- Physically feels warm to the touch: The neck is a good spot to “feel-test” your baby’s temperature. Their head, chest, and back typically generate more heat and may not be accurate indicators.
- Rapid heart rate or breathing: This one can be tricky because, let’s face it, newborns tend to breathe funny sometimes. They also tend to have a faster heart rate than we do. You will likely have a good idea of what is normal for your baby.
- Sweaty: Newborns don’t typically sweat - at least not like older children and adults do. If your baby appears sweaty often, it should be brought to your pediatrician’s attention.
- Fussy: There are endless reasons for a baby to be cranky, but, if all apparent needs have been met, they may just be uncomfortable.
Signs of being too cold:
- Shivering: Shivering in an involuntary response in a body’s attempt to warm itself.
- Pale complexion: Skin complexion changes can be due to blood vessels narrowing when cold.
Fussy: Again, there are so many reasons for a baby to be cranky or unsettled, but it’s worth it to see if adding a layer might solve the problem.
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.
In a perfect world, we would have swaddles in multiple TOGs and use them interchangeably as the seasons change. For most climates though, a TOG of 1.0 is sufficient in all seasons if baby is dressed appropriately underneath.
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 many layers should a baby wear under a swaddle?
The answer to how many layers your baby should wear under a swaddle will be dependent on a few things.
- Swaddle material and layers underneath: When combining layers, ideally, they should all be breathable fabrics. Combinations of bamboo, cotton, and muslin materials can allow for better thermal regulation than spandex, flannel, and similarly restrictive air-flow materials.
- Ambient temperature of baby’s sleep space: For those with central air, keeping the temperature of your baby’s sleep space within a reasonable range is fairly easy. Otherwise, fans, opening or closing windows, space heaters (be sure to get something touch and tip-over safe), and window air units are other ways to control ambient temperature in your home. Once you have control over the room temperature, it’s much easier to determine how many layers your baby should have on.
- Natural body temperature (hot or cold): Do you ever debate with your partner about what temperature to set the thermostat or have a battle over blankets at night? Just like adults, babies may prefer different temperatures from one another.
What temperature should your baby be at night?
According to the AAP, the ideal room temperature for a baby’s sleep space falls anywhere between 68-72°F. This temperature is usually what is comfortable for older children and adults, too. So, don’t go crazy checking the thermometer. If you’re comfortable, your baby likely is too.
The AAP has issued several other recommendations for safe and comfortable sleep spaces:
- No loose blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals, or pillows (before the age of two)
- Keep air circulating via a fan, HVAC system, or an open window
- Allow pacifier use if your baby will take one
- Keep a tobacco and smoke free environment
These recommendations are in place to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and help reduce parent anxiety surrounding safe sleep.
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!
For sleep solutions including weighted sleep sacks and weighted swaddles designed to keep the guesswork out of dressing your baby, you can count on Dreamland Baby. Safety is so important to us that it even plays a factor in the composition of our fabrics. Ultra breathable 100% cotton and our proprietary LuxeWeave® Viscose from bamboo fabrics allow for ideal thermal regulation. Pair one of our swaddles (weighted or non-weighted) with our Baby Bamboo Pajamas w/ Dream Cuffs to promote a comfortable, long night of sleep. During colder nights, fold over the cuffs on the hands and feet.
See our other favorite posts for further reading:
- Weighted Sleep Sack Safety and How It Will Help Your Baby Sleep
- How To Stop Startle & Moro Reflex Without Swaddling
- Baby Napping Close to Bedtime and How to Do It Right
- The Best Wearable Blankets
- How to Get Your Baby to Sleep Without Nursing
- Best Swaddle for Newborns
- Signs It’s Time to Stop Swaddling Your Baby
- Are Sleep Sacks Safe for Babies Who Can Roll Over?
- How to Get an Overtired Baby to Sleep
- How to Wash & Clean Your Dreamland Baby Sleep Sack
- How to Stop the 45-Minute Intruder During Your Baby's Naps
- How To Swaddle Your Dreamland Baby
- Cluster Feeding at Night: Why Babies Do It and How to Manage It
- Know the Facts: What's Safe and What's Not for Baby's Tummy Sleep
- How Should A Sleep Sack Fit?
