When the weather changes, so does your baby’s “wardrobe.” This is especially important for babies within the first 3 months, who are more vulnerable to temperature changes. An ideal swaddle blanket for summer might be too thin for winter. So, where is the sweet spot?
This guide will be the compass that points you to the right swaddle for every season. It’s not only about the best material but also about how to mix and match to keep the ideal temperature for sleeping. This is a crucial factor when choosing the perfect swaddle, so don’t miss out!
“Tips” for the Hot Summer (Summer Swaddling)
Top Priority: Maximum Breathability
Overheating is babies’ biggest enemy in summer, and breathable fabrics will be their powerful weapon. Stick to lightweight, airy materials for better air circulation and heat dissipation.
“Champion” Materials for Summer
When it comes to swaddle materials for summer, muslin and bamboo take the lead.
- Muslin: This loosely woven cotton allows for top-notch breathability.
- Bamboo: This natural fabric is renowned for its superior temperature-regulating property, feeling incredibly cool and soft to the touch.
Knowing the amazing benefits of bamboo fabric, SwaddleAn uses this material to craft our swaddle blankets. Each blanket whispers the cool gentleness and peace we put into it, keeping your little ones comfy and sweat-free even on the hottest nights. Shop our bamboo swaddle blankets now!
Outfit Combination Tips
Most of the time, a diaper under the swaddle blanket is enough for scorching summer nights. In an air-conditioned room, your baby can wear a short-sleeved onesie for extra warmth as the temperature drops during the night.
“Tips” for the Cold Winter (Winter Swaddling)
Top Priority: Keeping Warm Safely
A rule of thumb is to keep your little one warm and safe. Say no to thick, heavy blankets. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using these bedding items because they increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
The key here is layering wisely.
Effective Warm Material Suggestions
Material such as fleece, quilted cotton, and flannel are your safest bets to fight off winter’s freezing cold.
- Fleece: Super warm and soft, this fabric is the perfect choice for winter.
-
Quilted cotton/flannel: These materials serve the best of both worlds—coziness and breathability (airier than fleece).
Outfit Combination Tips
Never bundle your little one in layers of swaddle blankets! Instead, only use a warm blanket made from fleece or flannel, and dress your baby in long-sleeved pajamas, along with socks. This ensures your baby is cozy while keeping them safe.
Sometimes, you come to check on your baby and notice that their feet feel like two little ice blocks. You panic and quickly cover them with another layer of fleece swaddle. Does this sound familiar? This is a huge mistake that many parents make. We DON’T recommend doing so (we’ll get into this in the last part!).
“Tips” for Transitional Seasons (Spring & Fall)
Top Priority: Flexibility
With spring and autumn comes another parenting roadblock: fickle weather. You’ll need swaddle materials that adapt well to the sudden changes, neither too hot nor too cold.
“Perfectly Balanced” Material Suggestions
Cotton and jersey knit work wonders for these transitional seasons.
- Cotton: This versatile fabric strikes a balance between warmth and breathability, which is a great fit for most weather conditions.
-
Jersey knit: This material is cozier than muslin but is still airy, ideal for chilly nights.
Do you get overwhelmed by so many fabrics? To understand the properties of each type, check out our guide on choosing a swaddle by materials.
A Note on Warmth & The Golden Rule for Checking Temperature
Why Don’t Swaddle Blankets Usually Have a TOG Rating?
The Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) is your trusted tool to assess the warmth of a material. However, this rating only works for ready-made products like swaddle sacks. For traditional swaddle blankets, the coziness depends on the material and your swaddling technique.
So, instead of relying on a specific TOG rating, focus on the material and pay attention to your baby’s cues.
The Golden Rule: Always Check Baby’s Temperature
As mentioned, checking a baby’s feet and overdressing them is a big blunder for parents. The correct way to check your little one’s temperature is to touch their chest or the nape of the neck.
If these parts feel warm and dry, your baby is comfortable. But when they’re clammy and sweaty, your little one is overheated.
Listen to Your Baby’s Skin!
You don’t have to worry if your baby is too hot or too cold when the weather changes. The easiest and most effective way is to choose a swaddle for every season.
However, our guide is not a one-size-fits-all cheat sheet. It’s best to observe your kid and trust your parental instinct to ensure their comfort and safety. If you need more advice, don’t forget to reach out SwaddleAn!
Related Blog Post
References
- Evidence Base for 2022 Updated Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment to Reduce the Risk of Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057991/188305/Evidence-Base-for-2022-Updated-Recommendations-for