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https://www.businesswithababy.com/wp-content/plugins/dmca-badge/libraries/sidecar/classes/{"id":1834,"date":"2021-06-06T17:27:56","date_gmt":"2021-06-06T17:27:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.businesswithababy.com\/?p=1834"},"modified":"2021-08-03T08:59:25","modified_gmt":"2021-08-03T08:59:25","slug":"keep-your-baby-warm-and-safe-in-a-crib","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.businesswithababy.com\/keep-your-baby-warm-and-safe-in-a-crib\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Keep Your Baby Warm And Safe In A Crib"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

*This post does not contain affiliate links*<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As a new parent, I found it really stressful keeping my newborn baby cozy at night in cold weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only is keeping a baby at the correct body temperature critical for a good night\u2019s sleep, but infant sleep setup plays a role in the risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ll show you the best way to keep your little one at a comfortable temperature all year round<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Set Your Baby\u2019s Sleeping Environment Up <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Before we get onto how to dress your baby it’s important to optimize your baby’s sleeping environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will make a huge difference in the quality of your baby\u2019s sleep and the way you will need to dress your baby for bed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing, but not bed-sharing with infants until they are 6 months old, so all of the following tips are based on this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a premature or unwell baby please consult your health care provider as they may require specific adjustments not listed. Low-birthweight babies may also need additional help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Maintain An Adequate Room Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Your baby\u2019s room temperature needs careful consideration, especially on those cold winter nights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A room thermometer can help ensure you keep the room at the right temperature even in those winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also baby monitors that will alert you to a temperature change as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ideal room temperature for a baby is between 68-72 oF or 20-22 oC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your room is at the colder end of the scale you may want to consider using a space heater to pre-warm the room before placing your baby in it to sleep, but I would not recommend leaving this on once your baby is in the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the summer months, you will want to take steps to keep the room as close to the ideal temperature as possible as overheating can be just as dangerous to a baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your room is too hot and above 72 degrees (22 oC) then this can cause an increased risk of SIDs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A bowl of ice water in front of the fan is a great way to pre-cool a room before placing your baby down to sleep. As with the space heater, do not leave this running once your baby is in the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check The Humidity Level In The Room <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Changes in humidity can affect how you feel the temperature of a room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High humidity will make you warmer and low humidity makes the room feel colder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aim for a relative humidity level of between 30%-50% which should feel comfortable for both you and your baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the humidity is too low it may cause irritation to your baby’s skin and exacerbate any coughs or colds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is more likely in the winter when the air naturally becomes quite dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use a humidifier to raise the humidity of a room, but make sure to clean it regularly as these can harbor bacteria and contribute to poor air quality if used inappropriately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the humidity is too high your baby may feel clammy or sticky to touch. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to combat this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Plan Your Room Layout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The layout of your room and the position of your baby\u2019s crib will all have an impact on the temperature within the crib.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is not advisable to place a baby crib near a window. Although it is important in the day for your baby to get plenty of fresh air at night you will want to protect them from cold air and drafts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also sensible to avoid placing the crib near any air vents to avoid cold or hot air circulating around the crib<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best option is to place the crib either in the center of the room, or a portion of the room that is closest to the interior of the house. This will ensure the crib is surrounded by the most stable room temperature<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the summer keep the baby’s room cool by closing the blinds or curtains during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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All About The Crib<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Babies sleep for around 18 hours a day, so that crib is going to see a lot of use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few things for you to consider, both to ensure your baby has a comfortable sleep, but also to keep in line with safe sleep guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Invest In A Quality Crib<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You need to invest in a good-quality crib that is strong, stable, and with a smooth surface that supports sleeping in a supine position (on your baby’s back).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideally, you will want to purchase a certified crib such as one with a Children\u2019s Product Certificate (CPC) to make sure it has passed sufficient safety tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check with your healthcare provider for your countries certification method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure there are no dangling extras such as crib bumpers which can pose a choking hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Choose Your Crib Mattress Carefully<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Safe sleep practices advise a firm mattress for your baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will help to support your baby when they are placed on their back to sleep and has been proven to reduce the chance of SIDs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cover your mattress with a fitted cotton sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loose bedding could gather around your baby\u2019s face and affect their breathing, but a tightly fitted sheet will avoid this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you may be gifted a second-hand crib, or choose to purchase one, it is recommended to purchase a new mattress for your baby. Even if the crib has come from close friends or family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Preheat Your Crib<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Babies love a cozy cuddle from their parents and whether you prefer to put your baby down asleep or drowsy you may find the cold sheets cause your baby to wake up immediately and protest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good idea to avoid this is to preheat your crib.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use an electric blanket, heating pad, or hot water bottle. Place your chosen heater in the crib around 10 minutes before you intend to put your baby to bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remove before placing your baby down and check with your hand for the level of warmth. The mattress should be comfortably warm to the touch but not hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never leave a heater in the crib with your baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dressing Your Baby For Bed<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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To keep your baby\u2019s body at optimum temperature overnight you will need to carefully consider the layers you dress your baby in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good rule of thumb is to keep your baby in one extra layer than you would be comfortable yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The infographic below can help to guide you further. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t forget to check your room thermometer and humidity levels and adjust your baby’s layer of clothing accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do You Need Accessories?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Accessories such as socks, mittens, and hats can provide extra warmth for those cold nights, but are they baby safe?<\/p>\n\n\n\n