How to Dress a Newborn for Sleep

Updated on February 21, 2007
M.R. asks from Chicago, IL
6 answers

I was wondering how other mothers dressed their newborn for sleeping.

I have my baby in a sleeper (footy-style, elastic-bottom gown, or closed-bottom, snap-up) and then I swaddle him with a light blanket. He likes to sleep slightly rolled onto his side (he's still face up/on his back), and whenever we lift him out of the crib from sleeping or a nap, we notice a wet spot on the part of his body where he was sleeping. I don't think it is urine, because it does not have a color or an odor and I'm thinking perhaps he's sweating. Then I get paranoid thinking he is 'overheating'.

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all of the advice. I spoke with my pediatrician who, like many of you, suggested that some kids just 'sweat' more than others. I had to laugh at the comment from the mother who said her son still to this day won't wear a coat - I hate wearing coats as well, so surely my son must be taking after his mama! We've started dressing him for bed in a onesie and socks or a very thin sleep gown and he's taken to it rather well. We also changed from our newborn Pampers swaddlers to size 1 Pampers swaddlers, just in case it was a leaky diaper issue.

Thanks for all the advice!

More Answers

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D.C.

answers from Chicago on

My daugher sweats like crazy, too! I switched from the warm, fuzzy pjs to light, cotton ones, and that seemed to help. She did not care to be swaddled, so that also eliminated a layer. If you believe he's really too warm, you might want to skip the onesie underneath the pjs, if you're using them. Also, I asked my pediatrician if I should be concerened about her overheating during the night and sweating too much, and he said it's not a concern. But I would ask your doctor, too, just to get another opinion.

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K.P.

answers from Tampa on

What temp are you keeping your house? I know that it is winter, I have my little boy 2/17/06 so it was around this time last year but my peditrican told me to keep my house around 70. Infant can't control there temp so you have to do it for him. I kept my house around 70 to 72 and dressed him as you are dressing your little one for bed time and I never had the issue of him sweating. Are you using all cotton cloths? I ask because it breaths better then poloyester does. Try dropping the temp in your house a bit. Congradulations on your cupid!

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D.

answers from Chicago on

Ever since birth, my son has always been unusually warm. I don't remember if it was sweat per se. But the top of his nose would have little beads of moisture. In any event, he spent his first month wearing the new born T-shirt a diaper and light booties while swaddled in a very light blanket.

Now, at three years old, he is taking his coat off in the car. :)

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R.K.

answers from Chicago on

We do the same with our daughter (born 12/26/06) and found that the swaddled blanket was too much since we keep the room warm. Your son may be sweating a bit. If so, try some socks (if his feet are cold) and a onesie. Very comfortable.

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K.

answers from Chicago on

It's probably sweat. We noticed that with the vinyl covered matresses your skin can't "breathe" as well. This was more an issue for my son when he was in the co-sleeper than when he was in his crib. (Then again, it may have been a seasonal thing because he was born in May and we moved him to his crib in September). You can tell whether your boy is too warm by touching his hands and feet. If they feel warm/hot he is probably over heated. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about it too much.

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K.G.

answers from Chicago on

I use a blanket sleeper from Carter's size 0-9 mos for my 1 month old. I usually don't use a blanket then. She sleeps great at night now, so she must be comfortable!

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