How can you protect your baby from overheating during sleep?

How to Protect Your Baby From Overheating While Sleeping Parents often find choosing appropriate sleepwear for their baby a source of stress. Questions such as whether the baby is too hot or cold, whether the sleep sack is suitable, and the risks of overheating are common, especially regarding safe sleeping practices. Babies cannot communicate how they feel, and their bodies have not yet developed the ability to regulate temperature effectively like adults. With a few simple guidelines on room temperature and layered clothing, it is possible to create a safe and comfortable environment for sleep. According to Mother & Baby, sleep sacks are considered the safest option. They are wearable blankets that provide warmth without the risk of covering the baby’s head. Since swaddling is not recommended until the child has grown enough to avoid suffocation risks, and quilts should be avoided altogether, sleep sacks are the most practical solution. Available in various thicknesses, they suit all temperatures. Single-piece sleepers, also known as onesies, are another option. These consist of a shirt with sleeves and pants. Depending on the temperature, sometimes just a sleeper and a sleep sack will suffice, while in other situations, additional layers may be necessary or one layer removed. Quilts are generally discouraged unless absolutely necessary. If used, doctors recommend lightweight, breathable cotton quilts. It is essential to ensure the quilt is securely tucked under the baby's chin so that the arms remain outside, preventing the blanket from slipping over the face. Primala Pip explains, “It is important that the baby lies so that her feet touch the bottom of the crib. The quilt should only reach up to the chest, the head must always be uncovered, and the edges of the quilt should be tucked in so it does not move. Breathable cotton quilts are an excellent choice because the material allows air circulation.” Swaddling babies can be comforting, but it requires careful attention. Some babies enjoy being wrapped, while others do not. The recommendation is to follow the baby’s reaction. Swaddling should be stopped immediately if the baby attempts to turn onto its stomach. It is not advisable to swaddle a baby who sleeps in the same bed as parents. “Ensure the baby is safely swaddled so the material does not loosen and cover her face. Use thin muslin or cloth, not quilts. If you swaddle the baby, do not use additional bedding as this increases the risk of overheating,” adds Pip. Recommended Room Temperature The first step in ensuring the baby’s comfort is checking the room temperature, which is the best indicator of how to dress the child. A room thermometer is the most reliable tool. Doctors recommend maintaining the baby’s room temperature between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, the baby should wear a sleeper and a sleep sack of thickness 2.5 tog. However, always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations. Primala Pip advises checking the baby’s chest or back by touch. “It is fine if the skin feels warm, but if it is sweaty or sticky, the baby is too hot. In such cases, remove one layer of clothing or bedding. The baby’s hands and feet will always feel colder to the touch, so they are not a reliable indicator, always check the chest and back. If the chest and back feel cold to the touch, add a bodysuit underneath the sleeper.” If the room is warmer than 20 degrees Celsius, try to cool it down by opening windows or using a fan, making sure not to direct the airflow directly at the baby. Remove one layer of clothing or use thinner sleepers. Tips for Summer and Winter Nights During summer, reduce the number of clothing layers since one layer is usually sufficient. Prefer light and breathable materials such as cotton and lighter sleep sacks. In winter, dress the baby in layers, for example, a bodysuit, sleeper, and sleep sack, to retain body heat between the layers. Caps and mittens are not necessary during sleep, and if a quilt is used, it should be breathable and properly tucked in. How to Check To determine if the baby is too hot, place your hand on the baby’s chest or the back of the neck. If the skin feels warm, it is acceptable, but if it is sweaty or sticky, the baby is overheated. In such cases, remove one layer of clothing or bedding. The baby’s hands and feet will always feel colder to the touch, so they are not a reliable indicator, always check the chest and back. If the chest and back feel cold to the touch, add a bodysuit underneath the sleeper.