Mommy Tips

5 Tips on How to Keep Your Baby Warm at Night in the Crib

December 6, 2017
Baby sleeping tips

Warmth is a necessity for every living being. Despite the body having a mechanism of keeping itself warm, without taking measures to keeping it warm by ourselves we might end up getting cold and chilly.

This will get even more serious with infants, infants’ bodies do not respond to change in temperatures like adults. That is why learning on how to keep your baby warm at night is necessary. Here is how you can keep your baby warm at night.

Dress Your Baby in Pajamas

You will need to dress your baby to the occasion before letting her sleep in the crib. Using baby pajamas is one way of ensuring that the baby sleeps warmly and comfortably. You will, however, need to be careful not to dress your baby too warmly. Here are some few tips to help you dress your baby in pajamas safely;

  • Use lightweight pajamas to dress your baby. Cover most of the parts of the body. If the pajamas do not cover the baby to the toes, you can use baby socks to cover your baby’s feet.
  • Dress your baby in a single layer pajamas, this is according SIDS prevention guidelines.
  • If you are going to swaddle your baby while on pajamas then it is recommended to use a thin pajama.

Swaddle Your Little One

Swaddling is one way to keep the air around your baby locked so that the baby gets warm at the end. It allows the baby to sleep comfortably on her back and at the same time remains warm.

There are various ways you can swaddle a baby. You can use swaddling blankets, which have guides and closures making swaddling an uphill task. You can also use a homemade square light-weight blanket. Here is how you can safely swaddle your baby;

  1. First, you will need a square lightweight blanket.
  2. Place this blanket on your bed or the crib.
  3. Fold it diagonally into a triangular shape.
  4. Lay your baby in the middle of the folded triangular blanket.
  5. Slowly pull and wrap one side of the blanket over your baby’s chest. You may choose to include the baby’s hands. Though it is advisable to leave them out so that the baby can freely move them around and maybe suck the fingers.
  6. Now flip the bottom of the blanket upwards towards the chest.
  7. And to the last corner; wrap it over your baby’s chest securely but carefully not too tight.

Your Baby’s Sleeping Position

This is the point you will need to be so keen on. Sleeping position for infants is very crucial in relation to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). After swaddling and dressing your baby accordingly, you will need her to lie in the supine position. The best position to lay your baby in the crib is on her back. Do not let your baby sleep on her tummy, this may lead to suffocation.

Warm the Crib

You will need to prepare the crib also to ensure that your baby sleeps safely, comfortably and warmly. Here are some of the tips to ensure that your baby’s crib remains warm and safe for your baby;

  • Keep the crib clean and free of clutter. Blankets, fluffy pillows or toys should not be close to your baby’s crib. These are deadly in endangering your baby with SIDS.
  • Have you located your baby’s crib strategically? The location of the crib plays a key role in keeping your baby warm at night. Keep it away from windy windows, vents, heaters and fans.
  • Ensure that your baby’s crib is certified. The bars and the support structure should be strong and firm. It should be free of any cords that may pose a strangulation hazard.
  • Use a firm crib mattress. A fluffy mattress poses a risk of SIDS.
  • You can preheat your baby’s crib by using warm hot water bottles, electric blankets, and heating pads. You should use them for a limited amount of time. Do not use them while the baby is sleeping in the crib.

Monitor the Room Temperature

Did you know that overheating and dehydration has been linked to SIDS? Ensuring that your baby sleeps in a moderately warm house or nursery is a top priority. You can use thermometers and regulators at intended temperatures. Here are some of the tips on monitoring your baby’s room temperature;

  • Keep the temperatures not higher than 100F or 37.7oC.
  • Monitor and regulate the temperatures of the nursery. Be keen on the signs of overheating like sweats in hairlines and chest.
  • Do not cover your baby with more than one layer of blanket or sheet.
  • If you choose to use heaters or fans, do not make them face your baby directly. They should be as far as possible. A close watch of the heaters and fans is paramount as well. Do not leave them for an entire night.

Wrapping Up

A very cold environment will require a serious investment in keeping your baby warm. A point to note however is that when keeping your baby warm at night safety is a priority. Do not concentrate on keeping your baby warm and forget to keep her safe. These are the tips guys that may help you and your baby through the winter nights.

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