Bedding
Babies sleep better when they are warm. But babies of under four months old are less
able to adapt to swings in temperature than the rest of us and need help to keep a steady
temperature. So dont use any bedclothes that may make your baby overheat:
- Do not use duvets or pillows for babies under one year (see Cot
death)
- Your babys room temperature needs to be about 18°C
- Babies regulate their temperature by losing heat from their heads so dont dress
him in a hat to sleep
- A cot bumper can restrict the flow or air to the cot, so if you use one, check your baby
doesn't get too warm
When he has a long sleep you may feel reassured if you check his temperature now and
again. You can do this by putting your hand inside his stretch suit and feeling his
stomach or the back of his neck. If hes warm thats fine. If he feels cold, add
another blanket. If he feels hot and sweaty, take one blanket off. Dont worry if his
hands and feet are cold - this is normal for a young baby.