Dressing your baby in a Love To Dream swaddle primarily involves selecting appropriate layers to wear under the swaddle, using the swaddle itself as an extra layer for warmth.
The key principle to follow when deciding what your baby should wear under a Love To Dream swaddle is simple and aligns with general baby sleepwear advice:
General Dressing Rule with Love To Dream Swaddle
The general rule of thumb is dress your baby how you would dress yourself plus one layer. When using the Love To Dream swaddle, you can count the Love To Dream as that one additional layer.
This means you need to consider the room temperature and how you are dressed comfortably in that same environment.
Applying the Rule: Choosing Layers Under the Swaddle
The layers beneath the Love To Dream swaddle should vary depending on the temperature of your baby's sleep environment. Since the swaddle counts as the 'plus one' layer, the clothing underneath provides the base warmth.
Here are examples based on typical guidance and the provided reference:
- In Warm Weather: Following the reference directly, in warm weather, just a singlet and nappy beneath the Love To Dream is recommended. A singlet is a lightweight, sleeveless body suit.
- In Cooler Weather: As the room temperature decreases, you would add warmer layers under the swaddle, such as:
- A lightweight cotton onesie (short or long sleeve)
- A warmer footed pajama suit or sleepsuit
Essentially, you adjust the base layer(s) under the swaddle to keep your baby comfortable, avoiding both overheating and being too cold.
Checking Your Baby's Temperature
To ensure your baby is dressed appropriately and not too hot or cold, check their temperature by feeling their neck or chest. Their extremities (hands and feet) may feel cool, but their core should feel warm and dry, not sweaty or cold.
By following the 'you plus one layer' rule and considering the Love To Dream swaddle as that extra layer, you can effectively dress your baby for comfortable and safe sleep.
