One of the hurdles faced by all mothers is to keep their babies cozy and warm, especially during the cold winter days. In the winter season, when it’s freezing outside, it becomes really difficult for babies to regulate their body temperature, making them more vulnerable to cough, cold and flu. So knowing how to keep baby warm in crib is a must to ensure a goodnight’s sleep, for your baby, and you. You need to know how you can help your baby maintain consistent body temperature during the nights, especially the winter times.
Setting a Warm and Safe Nursery
Adjust the room temperature.
Your baby’s nursery should be a warm and safe haven for resting. Understanding how to keep baby warm in crib can help your baby sleep well by setting the room temperature to support a restful and healthy environment. The recommended temperature for a baby’s room is approximately 68-72 °F (°20-22.2 °C). It is ideal for keeping the baby comfortable while sleeping.
Choose an ideal location for your baby’s crib.
Where you place your baby’s crib in the nursery influences how much heat your baby experiences. Always keep in mind the different factors that affect the temperature when you place any furniture in his nursery. The crib should be several feet away from drafty windows, fans, air vents, and heaters to avoid directly bathing in the cool or hot air. Also, keep your baby away from windows, especially if there are curtain cords since these cords can pose a potential strangulation hazard to your baby.
Choose the right crib.
Use a certified cradle that does not pose any hazards to your baby. Its bars should not be too narrow or wide to prevent an infant’s body parts from getting stuck, and there should be no dangling objects that might strangulate or choke your little ones. When choosing a crib, always look for a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC). According to the new ordinances, cribs sold at stores after 2011 need to comply with the new federal crib safety standards. Also, the cradle should be stable enough with a firm sleeping surface to support back sleeping.
Utilize a firm mattress.
Your newborn should sleep on a firm crib mattress that is not too soft. Cushions made of too smooth material can present a smothering hazard. Keep your baby warm on the firm mattress using a tight, fitted flannel sheet that should not bunch up, covering your baby’s nose and mouth, and increasing any risk of suffocation.
Preheat the crib using a hot water bottle or heating pad.
Preheat your baby’s crib if it is freezing in the house. Make the nursery warm enough to allow your baby to sleep comfortably in lightweight pajamas without the use of heavy blankets. You can place a hot water bottle or electric blanket in the crib for a few minutes before your baby goes down to sleep. Make sure to remove it before placing your child to prevent overheating and burns.
Keeping your Baby Warm
Clothe your infant in pajamas.
Your baby’s pajamas support a warm and comfortable sleep while being safe. How to keep baby warm in crib is to ensure that you are not dressing your infant too warmly, especially if the room temperature is elevated. Also, use lightweight pajamas to cover most of his or her body if you are worried about keeping her snug. These are sometimes known as onesies. If you plan to swaddle your baby, only use a thin onesie to prevent overheating.
Use a swaddle.
Swaddling helps maintain your baby’s body heat and allows him or her to sleep comfortably. You can buy a swaddling blanket with easy-to-use closures or use a square lightweight blanket to make a DIY one. To do so, follow these simple steps:
- Fold a square lightweight blanket diagonally to create a triangle shape.
- Lay your baby in the middle with his or her feet toward the bottom point.
- Pull a side of the blanket over your baby’s chest. You have the option to leave your baby’s arm free to suck on their fingers.
- Flip the bottom tip over your baby’s feet up to the chest.
- Bring the last corner up over your baby’s chest, and wrap it securely but not too tight.
Place your baby in the crib in the supine position.
Sleeping position is an important part of how to keep baby warm in crib. Setting your baby on his back is considered the best and safest sleeping position. Do not put your baby to sleep on his stomach or side. Doing so increases his risk of choking or suffocation on his clothing and bedding.
Always keep your baby’s crib clean and free of clutter.
A clean crib is a safe one. Do not use blankets and other loose materials that may potentially cause suffocation. Keep your baby warm with a thin blanket tucked into the foot of their mattress that reaches no further than her armpits. Putting soft toys and loose blankets presents choking hazards for your baby and increase your baby’s risk of SIDS.
Avoid overheating.
Your baby can become dehydrated due to overheating and sweating too much. Always keep an eye on your baby’s temperature to make sure it does not reach higher than 100 °F (37.7 °C). Adjust the temperature in your baby’s nursery and monitor your baby for any signs of overheating. Avoid covering your baby’s face with a blanket or over-bundling your baby. During warm weather, allow your baby to sleep in a light onesie or even just a diaper.
Conclusion
How to keep baby warm in crib is essential for your baby’s goodnight’s sleep. The warm environment will help your baby get as much sleep as needed. On the other hand, doing the opposite might mean an exhausting night for you and your baby. Thus, you always have to keep in mind all the tips provided above to ensure the best sleep for your baby’s overall development. Know more about baby cribs.