baby with a pacifier laying down wearing a sleep sack

Sleep Sack Benefits for Baby

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baby with a pacifier laying down wearing a sleep sack

Sleep sacks, also known as wearable blankets or baby sleeping bags, have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional blankets for babies. There are many benefits to using a sleep sack for your infant. Sleep sacks are safer than quilts or other coverings; they help your baby sleep better and are easy to use. Sleep sacks work by applying warmth and very gentle pressure over your infant’s body for better sleep.

A sleep sack may be the answer if you’re looking for a way to help your baby sleep better. To help you better understand if you should use a sleep sack, we summarized the key benefits of using a sleep sack for your infant, which may surprise you!

  1. Safety: Sleep sacks eliminate the need for loose blankets in the crib, which can be a suffocation hazard for infants. They also prevent the baby from getting tangled up in the blanket or pulling it over their face.
  2. Comfort: Sleep sacks are designed to keep babies warm and cozy, without the risk of overheating. They provide a comfortable sleeping environment and help to regulate the baby’s body temperature.
  3. Convenience: Sleep sacks are easy to use and require no folding or tucking. They are also adjustable, so they can accommodate a growing baby.
  4. Better sleep: Sleep sacks can help babies feel secure and comfortable, which can lead to longer and more restful sleep. They also prevent the baby from waking up due to discomfort caused by a shifting or kicked off blanket.
  5. Mobility: Sleep sacks allow babies to move their legs freely and kick, which is important for their development.

Overall, sleep sacks are a safe, convenient, and comfortable option for baby sleepwear that can help promote healthy sleep habits for infants. They can be used from birth until the child is able to climb out of their crib, which typically happens between 8 and 24 months. However, the exact age at which a baby can climb out of their crib can vary, so it’s important to monitor your child’s development and adjust accordingly.

Below are some general guidelines for using a sleep sack:

  • Newborns: Sleep sacks can be used from birth, as they provide a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for infants.
  • Infants: Sleep sacks can be used until the child is able to roll over, at which point they should no longer be swaddled. At this point, you can transition to a sleep sack that allows for more movement.
  • Toddlers: Sleep sacks can be used until the child is able to climb out of their crib. Once this happens, it’s time to switch to a regular blanket and ensure that the crib is free of any other items that could pose a safety hazard.

It’s important to note that every child is different, and you should adjust your use of a sleep sack based on your child’s development and individual needs. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper use of the sleep sack, and consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child’s sleep habits.

 

The Pros of White Noise for Baby

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Photo Credit: Baby Dream Machine

Babies are already used to white noise – afterall, the womb can be a noisy place with the reassuring echo of human life. Every day breathing and the beating of your heart, create a comforting sound somewhat akin to the hum of a vacuum.

After arrival, babies often find themselves in a world of hushing and quiet footsteps. All with good intentions, this curated silence can leave them feeling isolated, possibly anxious and inturn can lead to trouble sleeping.

Soothing background sounds help some babies get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer. Here’s what to know about white noise for your baby.

Is white noise okay for babies?

White noise machines create a comfortable, womb-like environment that calms infants. They are meant to be in the background, making it safe for babies from a health perspective. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using a white noise machine set no louder than 50 decibels (about the sound level of a quiet dishwasher), so use a low volume setting and use a timer to stop playing it once your baby falls asleep. Follow common sense and your instincts – don’t put the noise machine or its cords within your baby’s reach. 

Should I worry about using a white noise machine? 

Some babies don’t like the sound of white noise, so you may have to rely on other ways to get your little one down. Others like it so much that they become dependent and may struggle with sound sleep without white noise in the background.

Buying and using a white noise machine

For safe sleep you do not want to buy anything with sound levels above 50 decibels, so before purchasing a white noise machine be sure you do your homework to ensure your little one’s safety.

White-noise machines are available online. But if you’re on a budget, you can produce white noise by running a fan. You also can pick up a low-cost, white noise-generating app such as White Noise Baby for your smartphone – also a perfect on-the-go option.

Once you’ve purchased your machine, you may have to adjust the volume on your white noise machine in order for it to effectively calm down your crying baby. After your little one has been soothed, adjust the volume to the level of a soft shower.

White noise sounds can be incredibly helpful during the difficult stages of your baby’s life, especially in the first few sleep-challenged months. Still, you don’t want to get into the habit of exposing your child to white noise all night, every night.

Final thoughts 

Babies aren’t born into sound sleep, it’s a skill they develop. A 24/7 white noise machine could get in the way of your baby learning to self-soothe. However, white noise can be a useful tool to help newborns and babies get the quality sleep they need.



5 Ways to Improve Baby’s Summer Slumber

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The temperatures are rising, and summer is officially here. Summer is a great time of the year – being outside, swimming and enjoying more sunshine! But, many parents don’t realize that high temperatures and daylight savings time may pose problems for their baby’s summertime sleep. 

 

Here are a few tips to help keep your baby sleeping well during the summer months:

 

  1. Stick To Your Schedule

These months, we all love fun in the sun. But it’s still important to keep your sleep schedule consistent even in the summer. Vacations can throw everyone off schedule. Try to establish some structure to your days and create a summertime routine that lines up as closely as possible with your regular schedule. Keep wake time, bedtime and nap times the same.

 

  1. Limit Sunlight Close To Bedtime 

The longer hours of light may affect your baby’s sleep patterns. Spend some time inside, out of the sun, before bed. Coming inside and having about 30-minutes of cool, quiet pre-sleep activities will also help your baby to fall asleep easier. Also, consider closing the blinds at least an hour before bedtime, and putting room-darkening shades or curtains in the nursery.  Helps with nap time, too! Doing this will help your baby begin to relax and fall to sleep easier.

 

  1. Keep it Cool

Babies’ bodies do not regulate temperature as well as adults do. Did you know that the optimal temperature for sleep is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit? During the summer months, many of us have our air conditioners working overtime, but this may not be enough to help encourage sleep. You may want to keep the shades in the room drawn during hot days to reduce room temperature. Using a fan inside the room before bedtime will help cool it down.

 

  1. Limit Pajamas  

Dress baby in minimal clothing for sleep during the summer. Try a tee shirt or short sleeve onesie, or even just a diaper for your baby if it’s really hot. Switch to a lightweight cotton swaddle blanket or cotton jersey sleep sack. As always, no bumpers, blankets, stuffed animals, etc. in the crib. Not only are they unsafe, they can be stifling when temperatures are high.

 

  1. Use a Firm Mattress

To keep your baby’s crib cool from underside, use a firm crib mattress covered with a high-quality, fitted and waterproof mattress cover. Soft mattresses can increase the chance of suffocation and put your little one at risk. Babies should always sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. 

 

As parents, we will do anything to protect and bring comfort to our new bundle of joy. That’s why Colgate Mattress created DREAM SAFE. Through practical tips and expert advice, our goal is to educate and encourage caregivers to adopt lifesaving safe sleep practices. Together, we can ensure both you and baby enjoy sweet dreams.

 

Continue to make safe sleep a priority for your family so everyone can enjoy a wonderful summer!

Top 6 Newborn Sleep Tips For Your Best Night’s Rest

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Of all the skills your baby will learn from you, the first and most important skill you’ll teach your baby is how to sleep. Unfortunately, sleep isn’t a skill babies are actually born with – it must be taught. 

Newborns sleep 16 or more hours a day, but often in stretches of just a few hours at a time. Although the pattern might be erratic at first, a more consistent sleep schedule will emerge as your baby matures and can go longer between feedings.

The first few months of baby’s life is the best time to lay the foundation for healthy sleep habits. This will help them take more consistent naps  – giving you an opportunity to shower, enjoy a cup of coffee or do a little yoga – as well as sleep more soundly at night so you can get your own well-earned shuteye. 

 

Start putting these tips into action right away and they’ll continue paying off for years to come.

 

1) Avoid an overtired state. When babies are awake for too long, they can become overtired. When this happens, the stress hormone cortisol floods their brain and makes it even more difficult for them to fall asleep. To prevent this from happening, offer a nap every 60 to 90 minutes from when your baby last woke up.

2) Swaddle your baby. All babies feel most secure once they’re swaddled. Swaddling helps prevent the Moro reflex from startling them awake. As a result, your baby is better able to stay asleep and connect sleep cycles, leading to longer naps and nighttime sleep. In most cases, if your baby is breaking free from the swaddle it means that the swaddle isn’t snug enough. Read our step-by-step guide on how to safely swaddle your baby. 

3) Use a firm, flat mattress in a safety-approved crib. A firm sleep surface maintains its shape and will not indent or conform to the shape of the infant’s head when placed on the surface. Soft mattresses can create a pocket (or indentation) and increase the chance of rebreathing or suffocation if the infant is placed in or rolls over to the prone (face down) position. Also, the crib should not have bumper pads.

4) Put baby to bed drowsy, but awake. This will help them associate bed with the process of falling asleep. Remember to place your baby to sleep on his or her back, and clear the crib or bassinet of blankets and other soft, loose items. Babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die of SIDS than babies who sleep on their stomachs or sides.

5) Offer a pacifier. If your baby has trouble settling down, a pacifier might do the trick. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that using a pacifier during sleep helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If the pacifier falls out after your baby falls asleep, you don’t have to put it back in.

6) Follow a calming bedtime routine. Overstimulation in the evening can make it difficult for your baby to settle to sleep. Play active games during the day and quiet, peaceful games in the evening, especially toward the end of the routine. Many babies enjoy bathing right before bedtime, which calms them down. Keep activities the same and in the same order, night after night.

Sleepwear for Newborns, Infants and Toddlers

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Photo Credit: Sarah Rodenbush

Although it might not always seem like it, babies spend the first few years of life sleeping about 12 to 14 hours per day. That’s a lot of down time, and many new parents face the constant worry (no matter what the season) of whether their baby is warm/cold/dry enough while snoozing.

The American Association of Pediatricians recommends that babies/infants be dressed in only one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same temperature.

 

How Many Sleepwear Layers Do Babies Need?

In warm weather-say, over 75 degrees Fahrenheit- one layer should be enough (although it’s important to note that a diaper/underwear is not counted as a layer) for a comfortable night sleep. Anything less than 75 degrees might need an additional layer, but nothing especially heavy. There are several quality sleep sacks and baby pjs available to ward off cooler temperatures.

 

Sleepwear for Newborns

For younger babies, a receiving blanket can be used as a swaddle, over a onesie. The swaddle usually keeps baby’s arms snug against his/her body, a position that many infants find comforting. Pajamas or swaddle blankets with snaps or zippers are a must to make diaper changes easier in the middle of the night.

It is recommended that pacifiers (and/or anything that can come loose) are not attached to swaddle blankets or pajamas. You always want to make sure that no material can pull loose to gather around the face.

 

Sleepwear for Infants

For babies older than 6 months, swaddling isn’t as comforting and doesn’t really work anymore. As babies learn to roll and squirm, their sleepwear needs change. Wearable blankets, like the ones from our friends at Goumikids, are a great option for older babies, keeping them comfortable and allowing for their new-found mobility.

Loose blankets and toys are still discouraged in cribs for children. It is still too dangerous to have extra objects in the crib that might get in the way during the night.

 

Sleepwear for Toddlers

 By the time your baby is a toddler, you are dealing with opinions- namely, theirs. Having several safe options for them to choose from is a smart way to make sure everyone is happy. All children’s pajamas must comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s ruling that the material be either snug-fitting or made with materials that pass specific flammability tests.

Two-piece pajama sets are a good bet here, as toddlers are starting to lean towards potty-training. Footed-pajamas are an easy, comfortable way to ensure your toddler stays warm when the covers get kicked off in the winter.

 

Can Babies and Toddlers Get Too Hot at Night?

The short answer is yes. Any time there are too many layers, babies and toddlers can get uncomfortably hot while sleeping. Generally, this is when you would fall back on the rule of not dressing babies in anything more than one layer beyond what an adult would need. Also, check to make sure the temperature in the nursery isn’t significantly different than in your bedroom. Adding a hat or head covering of any kind is not recommended.

If you are worried about your baby getting too hot while sleeping, going with a pajama material like bamboo-derived viscose, cotton or muslin are great, breathable choices. You can feel your baby’s neck or upper back to see if they feel overly hot or clammy to the touch. If they feel hot, that means a layer likely needs to be removed.

 

Parents Know Best

You know your baby best. If s/he is constantly waking up with damp hair or a hot neck, consider choosing a lighter set of pajamas, no matter what the season. Learning your baby’s signals is truly the best way to figure out what will keep him/her comfortable.

6 Tips To Ensure Baby Has A Restful Sleep

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Starting at 3 months of age, many babies (thankfully!) start sleeping for longer stretches at night, although this varies from infant to infant. According to Stanford’s Children Health, two-thirds of babies are able to sleep through much of the night by the six-month mark. 

Babies who follow a consistent bedtime routine go to sleep easier and sleep better throughout the night. Bedtime routines reinforce babies’ natural circadian rhythms, helping teach them the difference between day and night. Later on, a bedtime routine helps little ones to slow down and prepare mentally for bedtime.

 

To help set new parents up for bedtime success, we’ve gathered six top sleep tips to ensure baby’s routine is smooth and effective. 

 

    1. Follow a calming bedtime routine. Overstimulation in the evening can make it difficult for your baby to settle to sleep. Play active games during the day and quiet, peaceful games in the evening, especially toward the end of the routine. Many babies enjoy bathing right before bedtime, which calms them down. Keep activities the same and in the same order, night after night.
    2. Put baby to bed drowsy, but awake. This will help them associate bed with the process of falling asleep. Remember to place your baby to sleep on his or her back, and clear the crib or bassinet of blankets and other soft, loose items.
    3. Give baby time to settle down. Save baby’s favorite activity for last, and do it in their bedroom. This will help them look forward to bedtime and associate their sleep space with things they like to do. Be peaceful, especially toward the end of the routine. 
    4. Offer a pacifier. If your baby has trouble settling down, a pacifier might do the trick. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that using a pacifier during sleep helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If the pacifier falls out after your baby falls asleep, you don’t have to put it back in.
    5. Keep nighttime care low-key. Make nighttime conditions in your baby’s bedroom consistent. When they wake up in the middle of the night, the sounds and lights in the room should be the same as when they fell asleep. If your baby needs care or feeding during the night, use dim lights, a soft voice and calm movements. This will let them know it’s time to sleep, not play.
    6. Help baby learn how to self-soothe. Ideally, you want your baby to learn how to fall asleep in their crib on their own. This means not picking up your little one every time he or she fusses. If your baby starts to cry, you can gently pat or rub their tummy and speak softly to him or her. Giving babies some time to comfort themselves so they can fall back asleep on their own can establish good sleeping habits, which helps you get a good night’s rest too. 

 

Middle-of-the-night feedings are unavoidable and sure to disrupt sound sleep, for both babies and parents, the first few months. As little ones grow, they will start to sleep in longer stretches. And as your baby sleeps longer, the benefits of having an established rhythm and a baby who knows how to fall asleep at bedtime and nap times, and fall back asleep when awoken, is priceless. Then, the phrase “sleep like a baby” takes on a whole new meaning!