One of the keys to helping ensure that baby gets a good night’s sleep is to make sure she stays nice and toasty (though not too toasty!) throughout the night. However, parents with babies face a bit of a conundrum since they should continue to follow safe sleep best practices—which means no blankets in the crib—even when the temperature drops. So what’s a parent to do? We’ve put together a few tips and tricks to ensure your baby stays safe, warm, and cozy in the nursery all winter long!
- Position baby’s crib as far away from drafty windows as possible. Added bonus: this follows general safe sleep practices as many windows have cords and drapes that pose suffocation hazards to small children.
- Set the thermostat for 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit. While we encourage avoiding space heaters, if this is one of your only options for keeping baby warm, be sure it is a fireproof model positioned as far from baby’s crib and curtains as possible to avoid overheating. You should also look for a model that is cool to the touch to ensure inquisitive fingers don’t accidentally get burned.
- Create a cozy (and blanket-less) sleep environment with sheets that adapt to baby’s temperature and a mattress pad with a cotton top for extra support.
- Dress baby in light layers. We recommend a thin onesie paired with a wearable blanket or sleep sack for cooler nights. Make sure you choose a sleeveless sleep sack to avoid overheating.
- Swaddling your newborn? This is another instance where you should be sure to use a thin onesie to prevent overheating.
- Contrary to what many people believe, babies will be comfortable using about the same amount of layering that you would be comfortable using in the same room temperate. If you wouldn’t be comfortable wearing a fleece onesie and sleep sack, your baby won’t be either.
- Also just like you: babies oftentimes experience dry skin during the winter months. If you notice your little one’s skin getting dry, be sure to add a gentle moisturizer to your bedtime routine and consider adding a humidifier to baby’s room restore moisture balance in the nursery.
Winter with new babies can be tough, but just think of it as the perfect season for snuggling inside with your little one—it’ll be spring before you know it!
