Summer Swaddling
Parents are often concerned that their baby will over-heat if they are swaddled in warmer weather. But most newborns struggle to sleep well if they are not swaddled....and quickly become both hot and over-tired without effective swaddling.
Overheating is one of the factors which contribute to SIDS deaths, so it is very important to take the temperature of your baby seriously.
However it is important to note that it is not swaddling alone that causes over-heating! Babies temperature results from the combination of clothing, swaddle wrap and technique, bedding and room temperature. Each of these factors can be controlled and minimised to ensure your baby does not get too hot.
Here are some tips on each factor:
Clothing
Use light clothing inside your swaddling or just a nappy.
Choose only 100% natural fibre such as cotton or bamboo
Merino may be suitable for night-time clothing, such as a merino gown, as it is very effective at regulating body temperature in small babies, but other layers would need to be very light.
A short-sleeve bodysuit is likely to be sufficient when swaddling during summer days.
Never use a hat while swaddling at any time, particularly in warmer weather.
Which Swaddling Wrap?
Use light weight wraps in 100% natural fibre only - cotton or bamboo are best for summer.
Do not use any wraps made from synthetic fabric (eg polyester or fleece) or with a synthetic lining, as these can quickly result in a sweaty or over-heated baby.
A fitted wrap can be a great option as the wrap will stay very secure. Babies can become hot from wriggling round and trying to escape from a wrap that they can get out from!
Choose a wrap that is big enough to be effective - 100x100cm for a newborn and 120x120cm for a baby over about 8 weeks.