You might not have much time to think about your own pajamas right now but the right baby sleepwear is probably front and center. There are lots of opinions about what type of sleepwear is best for your baby, and the information can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect fit!
Why Does Your Baby's Sleepwear Need to Change?
First, you might be wondering why you can't just dress them in a onesie or "regular" pajamas from day one. Baby sleepwear is designed to help your baby feel more comfortable and secure while sleeping.
Have you ever noticed your baby physically react to loud sounds or sudden movements? Or it seems like they twitch out of nowhere? During the first few months of their life, your baby will experience the Moro reflex. To calm their Moro reflex and help them feel safe, it's best to swaddle your baby during those first few months.
But baby sleepwear goes beyond the Moro reflex. Your baby spent about 9 months in a warm, cushy environment and now they're exposed to the elements. So it's important that their sleepwear keeps them comfortable! That's why many parents like to use things like swaddles, sleepsuits, and sleepsacks to keep their baby warm and safe.
And one last thing: baby sleepwear helps you keep your baby at the right temperature without needing things like blankets. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a baby's sleep area should be free of things like blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, crib bumpers, and other loose items.
Based on your baby's physical milestones, like rolling over and walking, you'll need different baby sleepwear. This article will give you everything you need to know about picking the best sleepwear for your baby!
Rolling Over in the Swaddle
You can start swaddling your baby the day they're born. They'll love being snug and secure, plus it helps to keep their startle reflex from waking them up. It's best to use a lightweight, breathable fabric.
But when your baby starts rolling over in the swaddle, it's time to switch things up. This will happen at different times for every baby, but some start to roll over at around 3 or 4 months. When you notice this starting to happen, it's time to transition to a sleepsuit.
Rolling Over in the Sleepsuit
Once your baby starts showing signs that they want to roll over in the Sleepsuit, you'll know it's time for a sleepsack! While a sleepsuit has sleeves and openings for legs, a sleepsack looks more like a sleeping bag with arm holes.
So, where do we go once the baby starts to walk? Time for the DreamSack Walker!
When Your Baby Starts to Walk
The DreamSack Walker is a combination of the sleepsuit and sleepsack—it has armholes, a roomier sack for legs and hips, and leg holes. Your baby can stay comfortable at night but has the freedom to walk before and after bedtime.
The DreamSack Walker is perfect for babies who are just learning to walk. It gives them enough room to move while still feeling secure and snug.
No matter what type of sleepwear you choose for your baby, make sure it's breathable and lightweight. Look for fabrics like cotton and microfleece that help your baby stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
And most importantly—enjoy every milestone! You'll have plenty of sleepless nights, but soon enough you won't need to worry about baby sleepwear at all. Until then, follow these tips to pick the best sleepwear for your baby.
Find Your Perfect Baby Sleepwear at Baby Merlin
After years as a mom and pediatric physical therapist, our founder Maureen thought there had to be a better way to keep babies comfortable at night. That's why she created Baby Merlin—to bring parents the best quality baby sleepwear so that their little ones can be safe, comfy, and secure.
Our Magic Sleep System includes sleepsuits, sleepsacks, and sleepsack walkers to help you and your baby through every sleep transition. Find your perfect product at Baby Merlin and see the difference quality sleepwear can make!
Please contact us with any questions you have; we're happy to help you find what you're looking for.