As a new mom, you might be wondering if your baby should go to sleep with socks on. Adults do not wear socks to bed because we have a blanket to keep our feet warm at night but according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it’s recommended that babies do not use blankets in their cribs for the first year of life to prevent suffocation risks. Babies under one-year-old lack the physical ability and motor skills to move blankets away from their faces if they accidentally cover their nose or mouth while sleeping. This poses a serious risk, as it can lead to suffocation or even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Another reason is the risk of overheating. Babies are unable to regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults. Adding a blanket to their sleep environment can cause them to become too hot, which is also associated with an increased risk of SIDS.
In this blog post, we will cover baby sleep recommendations and whether your baby can wear socks to sleep to keep their little feet warm at night.
What Should A Newborn Baby Wear To Sleep?
When it comes to dressing your newborn for bedtime, comfort and safety are very important. Opting for the right sleepwear can help ensure a cozy and secure night’s rest. Here are some common options:
Footie Pajamas
These all-in-one outfits keep your baby warm from head to toe, some pajamas even include foldable mittens so this piece of clothing eliminates the need for separate mittens and socks.
Swaddle Blankets
When used safely and correctly, swaddle blankets can provide a cozy, womb-like feeling that many infants find comforting. However, it’s essential to stop swaddling when your baby starts showing signs of rolling over to avoid any risks.
Sleep Sacks
Designed with baby sleep safety in mind, sleep sacks are like wearable blankets that keep your little one warm without the hazards of loose bedding.
Remember to also take the room temperature into account when choosing sleepwear for your newborn and aim to maintain a comfortably cool sleep environment to reduce the risk of overheating.
How Do You Cover A Newborn At Night?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes the critical importance of safe sleep practices for newborns and infants. To mitigate the risks of suffocation and overheating, the AAP does not recommend the use of any bedding or blankets to cover a baby while sleeping until they reach their first birthday. This careful approach is based on the understanding that infants under the age of one lack the physical and motor skills needed to move blankets away from their face if they accidentally cover their nose or mouth during sleep.
To keep our little ones cozy and warm at night while prioritizing their safety, the AAP suggests the use of swaddles or sleep sacks. These specially designed sleepwear options provide the warmth and comfort babies need without the associated risks of loose bedding. By following to these guidelines, parents can ensure their precious infants enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep in a secure sleep environment.
Should Newborn Sleep With Socks On? Do Newborns Need Socks?
Newborns have a hard time regulating their body temperature, so keeping their feet warm is important. Socks can certainly help with this, especially if your baby’s feet feel cold to the touch and with cooler temperatures at night.
However, it’s important not to overdress them, as overheating can be risky. A good rule of thumb is to dress your newborn in layers depending on the weather and monitor their comfort and the room’s temperature. If the room is comfortably warm and your baby seems warm without socks, it’s perfectly fine to skip them. If the room is cold and your baby’s feet are cool to the touch, it might be a good idea to add some socks on. Ultimately, whether or not your newborn sleeps with socks on depends on their comfort and the room temperature, so it’s a case-by-case decision.
Is It Safe To Keep Socks On For Your Baby The Entire Night?
Yes, it is generally safe to keep socks on for your baby throughout the night, as long as you follow a few guidelines to ensure their comfort and safety:
Baby’s Temperature
Babies have a harder time regulating their body temperature than adults. If the room is particularly cold or your baby’s feet feel cold to the touch, socks can help keep them warm. However, it’s important not to overdress them, as overheating can be a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The room temperature should be maintained within a comfortable range of around 68-72°F (20-22°C).
Breathable Fabrics
Choose socks made from breathable fabrics like cotton. Avoid socks that are too tight, as this can restrict circulation but also not too loose so they don’t come off during the night.
Regular Monitoring
Throughout the night, periodically check your baby’s temperature and their overall comfort. Feel their chest, neck, or back to ensure they’re not getting too hot. If they appear sweaty or overheated, you can remove a layer, including socks, to help cool them down.
Safe Sleep Environment
Ensure that your baby is sleeping on a firm, flat surface with no pillows, blankets, or other loose bedding that could pose a suffocation risk. Socks should be the only extra layer of clothing beyond the base sleepwear.
In general, keeping socks on for your baby during the night can be safe and helpful for maintaining their warmth, but it’s important to strike the right balance to prevent overheating. Always monitor your baby’s comfort and adjust their clothing as needed.
What Are The Best Socks For Babies To Sleep With?
When choosing socks for babies to sleep with, it’s important to prioritize their comfort and safety. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best socks:
Material – Opt for socks made from natural, breathable materials such as cotton. Cotton allows air circulation, reducing the risk of overheating and providing comfort for your baby’s delicate skin.
Softness – Look for socks that are soft and gentle on your baby’s skin. Avoid socks with rough seams or textures that might cause irritation.
Size – Choose socks that fit your baby’s feet properly. Socks that are too tight can constrict circulation, while socks that are too loose may come off during sleep.
No Loose Parts – Avoid socks with decorative elements like buttons, bows, or strings that could pose a choking hazard.
Ease of Putting On – Babies can be wiggly, so opt for socks that are easy to put on and take off. Stretchy cuffs or socks that can be easily pulled over little feet can be quite helpful.
Best Newborn Socks
“My family loves these socks!! We’ve bought them when our baby was a newborn and have continued to buy the next sizes as he grows.”
What Are Alternatives To Sleeping With Socks On For Your Baby?
When it comes to keeping your newborn’s little feet warm, separate socks aren’t your only option. Here are some great alternatives:
Footed Pants
Don’t want to deal with pants plus separate socks? These convenient footed pants provide warmth for your baby’s toes without worrying about them coming off during their sleep.
Footie Pajamas
Cover your baby from head to toe in warm, one-piece sleep and play pajamas.
Swaddle Blanket
Dress your baby in a comfortable onesie and pants and bundle them in a cozy and warm swaddle to ensure their feet are also covered.
Sleep Sacks
Once newborns have started rolling, they can graduate from a swaddle to a comfy sleep sack around 5 months old. These wearable blankets provide a secure and safe way to keep your baby warm during the night.
Sleep Suits with Attached Footies
A great alternative to a sleep sack is a sleep suit (my personal favorite!). These amazing suits are like a wearable sleeping bag that provides babies with a comfortable and warm slumber. Some come with attached footies so socks are not needed!
Should Baby Wear Socks Under Swaddle?
It’s not necessary to put socks on a baby under a swaddle if the room is comfortably warm and the swaddle covers their feet adequately. However, if the room is cooler or the swaddle leaves their feet exposed, using socks to keep them warm can be a good idea, as long as you’re mindful of not overheating your baby and follow safe swaddling practices. Typically, I’d suggest only having one “layer” of covering over a baby’s feet during the night, whether that is socks, swaddles, or footie pajamas. I wouldn’t use both socks and swaddle (2 layers) unless the temperature is cooler or the swaddle doesn’t secure the feet completely.
Should I Cover Baby’s Feet When Sleeping?
If you notice that your baby’s feet feel particularly cold, it’s absolutely fine to cover them during sleep, ensuring that the room is maintained at a comfortable temperature between 68-72°F. However, always prioritize safe sleep practices by avoiding loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals in the bassinet or crib and adjusting according to baby’s comfort and temperature during the night.
Is It Normal For Newborns’ Feet To Be Cold?
Yes, it’s actually normal for newborns to have cold feet and hands from time to time. Newborns are still developing their ability to regulate body temperature effectively, and as a result, their extremities, such as their hands and feet, can often feel cooler than the rest of their body. This is typically not a cause for concern, especially if your baby’s core body temperature is within a normal range. I remember feeling concerned about this during the newborn days and my doctor assured me that as long as the back of their neck feels warm, it is fine for their extremities to feel a little cold!
However, it is also okay to keep their little feet warm, just make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature, dress them in appropriate sleepwear, and use appropriately-sized cotton socks. As always, always monitor your baby’s overall comfort and consult with your baby’s doctor if you have any concerns about their body temperature or overall health.
How Do You Monitor Your Baby’s Temperature Throughout The Night?
Here are some effective ways to monitor your baby’s temperature during the night and ensure they enjoy a warm and comfortable sleep:
Regulate Room Temperature
Employ a heater that can maintain a consistent room temperature between 68-72°F (20-22°C).
Choose Appropriate Sleepwear and Layers
Dress your baby in suitable sleepwear and layers, taking into account the room temperature and any TOG ratings on their swaddles or sleep suits.
Feel Their Neck or Back
Gently touch the back of your baby’s neck or back to gauge their body temperature.
Check Extremities
Examine your baby’s hands and feet, recognizing that they may naturally feel cooler than their body.
Utilize a Baby Monitor
Consider using a baby monitor with a built-in temperature sensor to keep tabs on the room’s temperature.
Look for Discomfort Signs
Keep an eye out for signs of discomfort, like restlessness or fussiness in your baby.
Avoid Overbundling
Be cautious about overbundling your baby, which can lead to overheating and discomfort. Overheating can be dangerous. As a general rule, babies need one more layer than adults in the same environment.
By following these methods, you can help ensure that your baby enjoys a cozy and safe night’s sleep, with their temperature well-regulated throughout the night.
Do Babies Wake Up If They Feel Cold?
Yes, babies often wake up or become restless if they feel too cold. Babies have a limited ability to regulate their body temperature, especially in the early months of life. When they become too cold, it can disrupt their sleep and cause discomfort, leading to crying or fussiness.
Is It Better For A Baby To Be Cooler Or Warmer At Night?
For a newborn baby, it’s generally better to be slightly cooler rather than too warm at night. Babies are at a higher risk of overheating, which can be dangerous, especially during sleep. Overheating is associated with an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Is It Safe To Put Socks On A Baby’s Hands At Night?
It’s not advisable to use regular socks on your baby’s hands at night. Instead, consider using baby mittens specifically designed for this purpose. The rationale behind this choice is twofold.
First, socks may contain loose threads or elastic that could pose a choking hazard if your baby manages to pull them off. Mittens for babies are intentionally crafted to eliminate such safety risks.
Second, babies frequently explore their surroundings by putting their hands and fingers in their mouths, an instinct that is vital for self-soothing. Applying socks to their hands might impede this natural behavior. Baby mittens are made from breathable materials that maintain the warmth of their hands without causing overheating, ensuring both safety and comfort.
Final Thoughts On Should Newborn Wear Socks To Bed
In conclusion, the decision of whether a newborn should wear socks to bed isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on various factors, including room temperature, the baby’s age, comfort, and safety. Newborns, especially in cooler environments, might benefit from the added warmth provided by socks or footed sleepwear, but parents must always exercise caution not to overheat their baby and follow safe sleep guidelines. Ultimately, a combination of appropriate sleepwear, room temperature regulation, and vigilance to the baby’s comfort cues will help ensure a safe and cozy night’s sleep for your precious little one.
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