There are different ways to dress your baby for bedtime to keep them warm. Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, blankets in bed of any sort are not safe under a year old. For good reason! Babies have crazy reflexes and can move or kick blankets off or on them without knowing how to remove them from their face. The same goes for any other toys or stuffed animals. Here are four ways to dress baby in for bed.

Four Ways to Dress Baby in For Bed

There are many ways to dress baby in for bed without a blanket. Swaddles work great in the first couple of weeks but as your baby gets stronger he will learn to unswaddle himself. Especially if he doesn’t enjoy swaddle time as much. I know my first two loved being swaddled for months! Definitely not the case for my younger kiddos.

Sleep Sack

Sleep sacks are my favorite! It’s basically a zip up blanket. Hence the name sleep “sack.” They are sold in different weights and material, just like the blankets on your bed. Cotton is best for cool spring and summer months. For the fall and winter seasons I like to use the fleece sleep sacks. Of course this all depends on where you live. For newborn size the sacks come with the option for swaddle. They are all short sleeved which is why I recommend a long sleeve onesie undernight.

Night Gown

Night gowns are amazing for newborns. First, babies look so cute in them and second they are very easy to lift up for night changing, since newborns have to be changed so often in the beginning. Again, depending on the weather I like to put a short sleeve onesie underneath. If its a bit colder or baby’s feet are cold I put on booties or socks.

Sleep and Play

Sleep and play bodysuits are probably the most popular and affordable. These are great for playtime and sleep. They are sold as zip ups or button ups. I do prefer the zippers but either works! Just a little more work with the buttons in the middle of the night. Again, I also add a short sleeve onesie underneath these for sleep.

Onesie

Lastly, for those hot days a onesie or wearing just a diaper is fine. Judge by how your feeling. If your hot, most likely your baby is hot and if your cold then baby is cold too.

Some Nighttime Tips

Some things I like to keep on hand to have readily available in the middle of the night are:

• extra pjs and onesies, such as a sleep sack, in case baby has a big accident or just wet through her pjs
• diapers and wipes
• nasal spray and booger picker
• burp cloth

What are your night time must haves for your baby?