A Guide to Choosing Your Baby's Sleepwear

Bundling up a baby to keep him warm through the night feels like such a natural thing to do. This may come as a shock to you to find out that such actions might be causing distress or discomfort to your baby. Many people assume that because they're so small, babies may be more sensitive to the cold than adults. This isn't true at all, baby sleepwear should be no heavier than what you would be wearing for the same conditions.

The right kind of baby sleepwear is an important decision. Here are some helpful tips for choosing what will work for you and your baby.

Avoid drawstrings and ribbons. No matter how cute those little satin ribbons look, they and cotton drawstrings could potentially be a hazard. It's possible for a baby to get tangled up in ribbons and strings, and possibly be at risk of choking. No matter how adorable all the frills and laces can seem, for your child's safety it's always best to choose simple over stylish as far as sleepwear is concerned.

Snug fitting: You don't need a loose gown for your baby nor do you need a real tight pajama. The sleepwear for your baby should be snug and comfortable.

Pay close attention to your baby's body temperature. If her hands and feet feel cold, she will need another layer of clothing. If, on the other hand, she seems to be clammy, as if from sweat, then some clothing will need to be removed.

It's important to realize that babies tend to get overheated quickly, and as a result this can be very hazardous. Keeping the temperature of the room between 68 and 70 degrees will be comfortable for the baby, and of course, dressing her accordingly will keep her body temperature in check.

Heavy blankets and comforters should be avoided with new babies. They look good and they seem like they'd be warm and comfortable, but for a young baby, a large, heavy blanket could pose a risk for suffocation. Instead of the overwhelming bulk of a comforter, simply make sure that the room itself is the right temperature; this will avoid the need for excessive blankets.

Cotton nightwear: Though you may see many fancy satin, silk and other types of baby sleepwear make sure that you stick to cotton. Cotton is light, non-allergic, and absorbent.

Sleep sacks: For newborn's or very small babies, sleep sacks are your best bet. Your baby can wear them over regular pajamas and they have a snug fit around the wrists, neck, and feet.

Your baby sleepwear comes down to using cotton and being snug yet comfortable. Stay away from the frills, and be careful not to over dress.

Kat Goodman has been providing Just Baby Nursery Bedding (www.just-baby-nursery-bedding.com) with quality articles for the past year. For more information on baby sleepwear and other baby related topics, the resource section provides useful information to new parents.