After months of planning for the perfect nursery, having the perfect birth plan, and picking the most IG-worthy discharge outfit for your newborn, the first thing that hits many new first-time parents when they reach home is how to create a comfortable and safe sleep environment for your newborn.
With high humidity and warm temperatures year-round in Singapore, it is important to ensure your little one stays comfortable and safe during bedtime. The optimal temperature and appropriate sleepwear play crucial roles in ensuring your little one's peaceful slumber.
For many families in Singapore, air-conditioning is a must during bedtime. It definitely makes uncomfortably hot nights more manageable, and it’s especially important for your newborn who is most vulnerable to the changes in temperature. The ideal sleep environment is one that promotes both safety and comfort. In this guide, we'll walk you through 6 essential steps and considerations for dressing your baby for a peaceful and restful sleep in an air-conditioned room.
1. Ensure Optimal Sleep Temperature
Maintaining a suitable temperature in your baby's sleeping area is essential. The recommended temperature for a baby's sleep environment is between 23-25°C.
2. Choose Breathable Fabrics
Selecting the right fabrics for your baby's sleepwear is crucial for temperature regulation and comfort. Opt for natural, breathable materials such as bamboo or organic cotton, as they allow air circulation and prevent overheating.
Bamboo is one of the best fabrics for newborn sleep due to its exceptional softness, breathability, and temperature-regulating properties. It keeps babies comfortable by allowing air circulation, reducing the risk of overheating and skin irritations. Bamboo fabric is hypoallergenic, gentle on delicate skin, and offers natural UV protection. Its durability ensures longer milage for parents (and saving money) and the best part is... it gets softer with every wash!
3. Keep It Simple
Avoid sleepwear with too many snaps, buttons, or complicated fastenings. When your newborn wakes for nighttime feedings or diaper changes, you'll want to minimize disruptions and keep the process as efficient as possible.
The Green Edit's EasyZip sleepsuits feature two-way zippers for easy dressing, undressing and diaper changes in the middle of the night.
4. Keep Their Heads, Hands, and Feet Warm
Newborns often lose heat through their heads, hands and feet. Keep your baby's head covered with a soft, breathable hat or cap to retain warmth. Similarly, opt for socks, booties, or even better, foldable footies (that won't drop off in the middle of the night) to keep their feet cozy and protected.
The Green Edit's baby sleepsuits feature foldover mittens and footies so you can cover their hands and feet during the night, and open them up for play and sensory activities during the day. No more losing their mittens or booties in the middle of the night!
5. Layer Clothing for Temperature Regulation
Until your baby reaches 7-12 months of age, it is not recommended to cover him or her with a blanket. Instead of blankets, opt for layering your newborn's clothing to regulate their body temperature. If the preference is not to dress baby in long-sleeved sleepsuits, and depending on the room temperature, start with a comfortable onesie or bodysuit as the base layer, then add a sleep sack or bamboo swaddle for warmth.
6. Pay Attention to the Diaper
This is so important but often overlooked. Opting for high-quality diapers (such as Rascal + Friends, Offspring, nino nana, Merries’ First Premium, Huggies Platinum Naturemade) is also crucial for promoting better newborn sleep.
High-quality diapers provide comfort with a soft fit, keep the baby's skin dry, and prevent discomfort from prolonged wetness. High-quality diapers with excellent absorption and leak protection contribute to longer periods of uninterrupted sleep. They are designed with breathable materials to regulate body temperature and promote airflow, preventing overheating. High-quality diapers are often hypoallergenic, minimizing the risk of skin irritations and allergies. With their superior absorption and leak prevention, good diapers reduce the need for nighttime changes, allowing newborns to stay in a deep sleep state for longer periods.
By implementing these tips, you can create a comfortable and safe sleep environment for your newborn, allowing them to rest peacefully and helping both baby and parents enjoy better quality sleep throughout the night.