Becoming a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world, but it can also be one of the most stressful! All of a sudden, the health and safety of a tiny person is in your hands, and there are a million different things to have to think about. One of these things is the comfort of the baby in terms of temperature, both their own and the heat (or lack of) in their environment. In order to check this task off the list of worries for you, here are some great tips for knowing if your baby is feeling too cold during the night.
Use A Sleep Sack
If you want to make sure that your baby remains at a consistently warm temperature throughout the night, then consider using a sleep sack or classic swaddle technique that can cover their hands and feet. Cold hands and feet are not uncommon in babies due to their immature circulatory systems, but it doesn’t always mean that the rest of them is cold too. As well as newborn baby clothes that are soft and warm, consider swaddling. Swaddling is an easy way to ensure that all body parts are snuggly and warm.
Set The Perfect Room Temperature
If you have control of the temperature in the rooms of your home, then you should be aiming for a consistent temperature between 19 and 21 degrees. This is the ideal temperature for a little one who is wearing recommended cotton or fleece newborn baby clothes with a sleep sack over them.
Consider Crib Materials
Although the temperature of the room might be at the recommended levels, it can often be colder at cot level thanks to drafts from doors and windows and the actual materials of the cot itself. A baby sleeping on a waterproof plastic style mattress, for example, might experience some more coldness under their bodies than adults in softer beds. Try to limit the amounts of plastic and nylon being used, as well as placing the crib on an inside wall away from door and windows.
Give Them A Beanie Hat
Did you know that babies can lose up to 20% of their body heat through their heads? To make sure that all of this body heat is kept where it should be, a soft beanie hat is a perfect addition. This is the reason why you see the vast majority of babies sporting beanies whenever they are out and about with their parents and why beanies are favorites among newborn baby clothes.
Are They Being Fussy?
If you find that your baby is being overly fussy and fidgety without good reason, then it could be an indicator of coldness. Attempt all of the various tips above and if the fussiness subsides then you will know that you have warned them up and made them happy and content.
A Baby’s temperature is always important, especially at night. It is equally important to be vigilant about excess heat as well as being too cold.
