When it comes to dressing my baby for sleep, I’m torn. My mom keeps saying that my little one isn’t warm enough because her hands feel a bit chilly, but I’m worried about her overheating.
Well, here’s a win for Team New Mom! It’s definitely more important to be cautious about overheating than to fret over a bit of coolness in those tiny hands. Overheating poses a greater risk for newborns, especially as it’s linked to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Hands and feet are often cooler due to their developing circulatory system, so they’re not the best indicators of your baby’s temperature. Instead, check the nape of her neck or her back. If that skin is warm, possibly even sweaty, it might mean she’s overbundled or the room is too warm. If it feels cool, she could be underdressed or the room might be chilly—or maybe both. Ideally, if she’s comfortably warm but not hot, you’ve hit the sweet spot!
Another trick to gauge her comfort level is to consider what you’re wearing. If you’re comfortable in the same amount of clothing, chances are she is too! After a few days of life outside the womb, a full-term baby can regulate her temperature fairly well. So, she doesn’t need to be dressed any warmer than you do—unless you tend to feel much hotter or colder than everyone else around you.
For more insights on baby care, check out this article on baby cleansing wipes from an authoritative source, which can help you keep your little one fresh and clean. Also, for those exploring pregnancy and home insemination options, this resource offers valuable information.
In summary, always prioritize your baby’s comfort when dressing her for sleep. Monitor her temperature using the nape of her neck and dress her according to what feels comfortable for you.