Keeping your baby warm and cosy while he sleeps at night is one thing, but unknowingly you could be harming him by wrapping him in unwanted layers of clothing.

M&B expert Dr Geetanjali Shah guides you on how to pick the right sleep suit and sleep accessories for your little one...

There are two types of sleep suits. One is called the jumper or romper which is a one-piece suit with full sleeves which covers the hands and legs. The other sleep suit is one which allows the body to be covered, leaving the feet open. Sleep suits also have press buttons which are around the diaper area and go on down the leg. These make it easier for the mum to change the baby’s diaper without removing the suit or disturbing the baby.

Some babies don’t like to be in a one-piece suit. So you can dress them in a full length jabla or t-shirt and pyjamas. Cover the hands and feet with mittens and socks to keep the baby safe from mosquito bites and bed bugs.

The other option is a loose baby sleeping bag. This is ideal for babies who don’t like their movements to be restricted. The sleeping bag should be loose fitted so the baby can move around and at the same, give him a cosy and snug feeling.

For tiny babies, swaddling is  a good option. You can either go for a readymade swaddling cloth or make  the natural sleepsuit at home with your saree. Ensure that the baby is dressed in a thin jabla and diaper before you swaddle him. Babies who move their arms a lot or like to hold the mother’s tummy while sleeping can be swaddled from the chest to the legs. Swaddling helps recreate the womb environment.

Sleep wear shouldn’t make the baby too warm. The room temperature should be about 22 to 25 degree Celsius and humidity around 50 per cent. If the climate is dry, you can use a vapouriser or mist. Ensure that the sleep suit and baby blanket has no lace as the baby’s fingers can get stuck in it. The material shouldn’t be fluffy as babies tend to bite or swallow. Such materials can also cause itching. Make sure the blanket is tucked under the baby so he cannot push it down with his legs. The suit shouldn’t have long sashes, scarves, ribbons or neck ties. If the suits has any of these it should definitely be less that 15cm in length. Longer than this can result in accidental strangling. Also, avoid fancy suits with large buttons and hooks which could hurt your baby.
It is advisable to buy a sleepsuit made of cotton which is also flame-resistant. Cotton allows air to circulate and also absorbs body moisture. Babies tend to perspire during the night, especially after they have been nursed. However, cotton suits don’t tend to keep the baby warm so synthetic suits made of cotton and polyster are preferred in cold weather as they retain warmth. In places where it is very cold, parents also add a layer of thermal wear along with the sleep suit.

Older kids can be dressed in a vest and pajamas with a mild elastic band at the waist. Toddlers tend to wake up during the night to pee or poo so it’s advisable to avoid underwear. If your toddler’s feet are covered, then make sure the socks have serrated non-slip bottoms, so that he doesn’t slip and fall. M&B

* If the baby is sleeping in the same bed as the mother, he will tend to cuddle. In this case, it is advisable not to over-wrap him as your body heat is enough to make him secure and cosy.

* Avoid tight sleep wear as it tends to overheat. It can predispose a baby to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Ensure that your baby sleeps on his back and not his tummy.

* If your baby sleeps in a cot bed, then he doesn’t get your body warmth. So, two layers of clothing are a must. We advise you not to use a pillow till 12 years of age as it can lead to smothering. The mattress should be made of waterproof foam as it gives a firm surface to sleep on. Use a flame-resistant bedspread too.

Words Poornima Nair Iyer
Visuals Mothercare, India