Did you know that the risk of SIDS increases significantly during the winter months? The main reason is that many parents don’t know how to keep their babies warm during cold weather. As such, a seemingly minor mistake can lead to accidental suffocation.
That’s why we made this guide for you. In it, we’ll walk you through how to keep a baby warm at night in the Winter. That way, you and your child will make it through spring. Let’s get started!
Make Sure the Room Temperature Is Set Correctly
It can be tempting to layer your baby in clothing to keep them warm during the Winter. However, before doing this, you should ensure the room temperature is comfortable. There are far fewer chances of your baby overheating this way.
So, what’s exactly a comfortable room temperature? There’s no one answer to this. Instead, go with what you think is comfortable.
If you feel the temperature is appropriate, there’s a good chance your baby will too. If your house doesn’t have proper heating, try to get it fixed before the winter months come.
Co-Sleep With the Baby
According to the AAP, it’s recommended that you co-sleep with your baby for at least the first six months of their life (though many parents do it for more extended periods). Co-sleeping is when the baby sleeps in the parent’s bedroom in a separate space.
This can be either a crib or a bassinet. Co-sleeping is good during the Winter because it allows you to be more attuned to the baby’s temperature while they sleep. Make sure the baby doesn’t fall asleep in your bed.
This can happen, but it should be avoided if you can help. Need a guide on safety tips while co-sleeping? Read this resource to learn more.
Safely Dress Your Baby
You want to dress your baby so that they’re warm enough to sleep without a blanket but not too warm that they’ll overheat. Avoid throwing tons of layers over the baby. Instead, pay attention to what you’re wearing to sleep.
Experts recommend one additional layer for your baby on top of the many layers you wear. Use this guide if you need a refresher course on what babies wear when they go to sleep.
Related: Nuby Snekz Comfortable Rubber Sole Sock Shoes
Cover Your Baby’s Head and Hands
Babies tend to lose a lot of heat through their hands and heads during the Winter. Typically the only reason for this is because these are the only areas of their body that aren’t covered with something. So cover them up in the wintertime!
A small hat and mittens can go a long way toward keeping your baby warm in the middle of the night. Just make sure both of these things are secure, so they don’t come off in the middle of the night.
Avoid Regular Blankets and Heavy Clothing
Sadly, blankets and heavy clothing are simply not appropriate for your baby’s sleep space. The reality is that the odds are too high that they might accidentally suffocate themselves.
And it does not just include blankets. The following things don’t belong in your baby’s sleep space during the Winter:
- Pillows
- Comforters
- Quilts
- Toys
- Crib bumpers
- Sleepwedges
- Sheepskin
If your child needs a blanket at night, make sure it’s a wearable one. This will decrease the risk of entanglement and suffocation.
Consider Pre-Heating Their Crib
If your house is freezing, you might try pre-heating your baby’s crib before placing them in it. You can easily do this by placing a hot water bottle or a heating pad in the crib roughly thirty minutes before you put them to sleep.
Then, remove it and test the area to ensure it’s not too hot. This is a great way to form a nice, cozy sleep space.
Remember that Winter isn’t the only potentially dangerous season. Read this guide to learn how to keep your child safe during the Summer months.
When Can Your Baby Begin Using Blankets?
When babies can start using blankets ultimately depends on the specific baby. Generally speaking, the AAP recommends waiting until after the first year before introducing blankets and pillows.
However, make sure these blankets aren’t heavy or contain ribbons or things like that. You should also avoid putting stuffed animals in your baby’s crib. While they might look nice, these toys are actually another suffocation hazard.
Related: Why Does My Baby Snore and Snoring Prevention?
How to Make the Winter Season Easier As a Parent
Winter can be stressful, especially during your baby’s first year. Often you’re dealing with things like their first cold and many other medical conditions. This can make it difficult for you to find time to research the baby products that you need.
That’s where 123 Baby Box comes into play. We’re a subscription box services that send you a bundle of curated baby products. We’re moms that have first-hand experience raising babies, so you can trust our expertise.
Have any questions about how 123 Baby Box works? Contact us today, and we’ll answer any inquiries you might have.
Related: Things Every New Parent Should Know About Newborn Sleep
The Importance of Learning How to Keep a Baby Warm at Night
We sincerely hope this article helped you discover how to keep your newborn warm in the middle of the night. We know that doing this type of research can be a pain. However, it’s important to do everything you can to avoid having your child be one of the 3,400 that die from SIDS and SUIDs.
Avoiding blankets and traditional bedding/clothing is the most important step. But as long as you follow the winter tips in this guide, they’ll have the best chance of staying warm in a safe way.
