What Do Babies Wear Under Swaddles? Guide for Babies’ Safety

Only diapers, short-sleeve onesies, long-sleeve onesies, footed sleepers or pajamas, sleeveless bodysuits are ideal for babies to wear under swaddle. You’ll also have to keep in mind some factors before making ready your baby before sleep. Room temperature, swaddle material, and safety are some key factors that you have to consider before swaddling your baby for bed.

As a mom, I’ve seen the struggles of new parents fumbling with swaddles. I’ve seen them desperately trying to figure out what their baby should wear underneath the swaddle. I’ve been there myself, Googling in the middle of the night and second-guessing every layer. Many nights I have been panicking if my baby was too hot or too cold. It’s like solving a puzzle when you’re already sleep-deprived! That’s why I’ve written this guide to help you make sense of it all.  

Swaddling is a wonderful way to help your newborn feel snug and secure. Swaddling mimics the cozy environment of the womb. But dressing your baby under a swaddle is a key part of ensuring their comfort and safety. So, what do babies wear under swaddles?

In this guide, I’ll discuss in detail what a baby should wear under a swaddle. I’ll help you with some useful tips and common questions that are often raised about swaddling. 

What is Swaddle?

Swaddling is the age-old practice of wrapping a baby snugly in a blanket or specially designed swaddle to help them feel secure. It can soothe a fussy newborn and even improve sleep. The snug wrap keeps their startle reflex (those cute but startling arm flails) in check, letting them drift off peacefully.  

Swaddling is like giving your baby a hug all night long, but without overheating. And that’s where choosing the right clothing underneath becomes so important.

I swaddle my baby at night. That gives her a feel of safety, she can sleep properly, and doesn’t be cranky the next day.  

Do Doctors Recommend Swaddling?

Doctors recommend swaddling the babies but with a few rules. Pediatricians often recommend swaddling for newborns up to about two months old. Swaddling is well known for baby’s safe and sound sleepI when it’s done correctly. Senior faculty editor of Harvard Health Publishing, Dr. McCarthy has stated in one of her articles that swaddling can be helpful for babies with neurologic problems or colic. She also stated that it is particularly helpful for babies born addicted to drugs.

However, safety is key here. You have to be very careful while handling the baby. Swaddling should always leave the baby’s hips free to move, and their face uncovered to avoid suffocation risks. And as babies grow and start rolling, swaddling should be phased out to keep them safe.  

Do Babies Wear Anything Under Swaddle?

Babies absolutely wear another layer of clothes under their swaddle. Babies need a layer or two under the swaddle. How many layers you should put on depends on the room temperature. What they wear can vary from just a diaper in hot weather to a cozy onesie in cooler months. Dressing them properly helps regulate their body temperature, ensuring they don’t overheat or get too cold.  

Why Clothing Choice Under Swaddle Matters

The way you dress your baby under the swaddle is more than just about comfort—it’s about safety. Dressing newborns or babies while sleeping is a very important thing to consider. That’s why clothing choice under swaddle matters.  

• Regulates Body Temperature: Babies can’t regulate their body heat like adults can. Dressing them appropriately keeps them warm but not overheated.  
• Prevents Overheating: Overheating is a known risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  
• Ensures Comfort: No one likes scratchy or tight clothing. Your baby doesn’t either.  
• Avoids Skin Irritation: Babies have sensitive skin, so soft, breathable fabrics are a must.

Factors I Consider When Dressing My Baby Under a Swaddle

Room Temperature

Room temperature is my first consideration when I dress my baby under a swaddle. This is my starting point. Babies should not be too cold or too hot. If the room is cooler then I might call for a long-sleeved onesie. While warmer rooms may only need a diaper underneath the swaddle.  

Swaddle Material

The fabric of the swaddle matters. Cotton or bamboo swaddles are breathable and great for layering. Fleece swaddles, on the other hand, are warmer and might require fewer layers underneath. My personal preference is organic cotton for summer and fleece for winter. 

Baby’s Age and Weight

Newborns need more warmth than older babies. As they grow, you can adjust the clothing accordingly. 

Safety Considerations

Avoid bulky or loose clothing that can bunch up and create discomfort. A snug swaddle with proper layers is the goal. Bulky or loose swaddles create discomfort for babies and hamper their sleep cycle. 

What Does My Baby Wear Under a Swaddle?

Diaper Only  

Perfect for hot weather or a toasty room. This option keeps your baby cool and comfortable.  

Short-Sleeve Onesies  

A great middle-ground for mild temperatures. Simple and effective.  

Long-Sleeve Onesies  

Ideal for cooler nights or air-conditioned rooms. Adds a bit more warmth without overdoing it.  

Footed Sleepers or Pajamas  

When it’s cold, these are my go-to. They keep my baby warm from head to toe.  

Sleeveless Bodysuits  

These are versatile and work well for layering under swaddles in transitional weather.  

How Do I Choose the Right Option?

Room Temperature Chart 

Above 75°F (24°C): Diaper or sleeveless bodysuit.  

68-74°F (20-23°C): Short-sleeve onesie.  

Below 68°F (20°C): Long-sleeve onesie or footed pajamas.  

Signs Baby is Too Hot or Cold

I check my baby’s chest or back—not their hands or feet (those can feel cool even when they’re warm). If they’re sweaty or clammy, they’re too hot.  

Material Recommendations

I stick to natural fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo. They’re breathable and gentle on sensitive skin.

Swaddling Temperature Guide

Source: Pinterest

The TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) of your swaddle helps you determine its warmth. A higher TOG means more insulation. Pairing this with the right clothing ensures your baby stays comfortable without overheating.  

How to Swaddle Babies? Step-by-Step

Step 1: Lay the swaddle flat.  

Step 2: Place your baby on their back with their shoulders just below the top edge.  

Step 3: Fold one side snugly across their chest and tuck under their back.  

Step 4: Fold the bottom upward, ensuring room for hip movement.  

Step 5: Wrap the other side over and secure.  

What Temperature I Set for My Baby at Night for Comfort?

Temperature plays a big role for a baby’s safe and sound sleep. The ideal range is typically between 68-72°F (20-22°C). This range helps babies maintain a comfortable body temperature and doesn’t overheat or get too chilly.  

To keep things just right, I always use a room thermometer. It takes the guesswork out of figuring out if the nursery is too hot or cold. Some baby monitors even come with built-in thermometers, which can be a handy addition.  

Adjusting the room temperature can depend on where you live and the season. If it’s winter and the house is colder, a safe space heater or adjusting the home’s thermostat can help. For summer, a fan or air conditioning can keep things cool, but make sure there’s no direct airflow hitting your baby.  

Remember that your baby’s clothing and swaddle or sleep sack play a role, too. If the room is closer to 68°F, I might dress my baby in a long-sleeve onesie and use a thicker swaddle. For warmer nights closer to 72°F, a short-sleeve onesie and a lighter swaddle do the trick.  

Tips for Dressing Babies Under Swaddle

• Avoid Bulky Layers: They can create pressure points.  
• Use Gentle Detergent: To prevent skin irritation.  
• Stick to Simple Changes: Especially for those nighttime diaper swaps.  
• Listen to Your Baby: If they seem fussy, they might need an extra layer—or one less.  

Seasonal Adjustments

What Should Baby Wear Under Swaddle in Summer  

For my baby I second-guess myself every night—was she too hot, too cold, or just right? It took some trial and error, but I found a few summer swaddling tricks that made a world of difference.  

For those really hot nights, I keep it super simple, just a diaper under a lightweight muslin swaddle. That was our go-to when the house felt like an oven. Muslin swaddles are lifesavers. They’re breathable and don’t trap heat. On slightly cooler summer nights (or when the AC is on), I dress her in a sleeveless bodysuit or a short-sleeve onesie under the swaddle. Cotton and bamboo onesies are my favorite because they are soft and breathable.  

What Should Baby Wear Under Swaddle in Winter   

For cold winter nights, I usually dress my baby in a long-sleeve onesie or a footed sleeper under the swaddle. If it is too cold, I’d add a thin cotton or fleece layer, like a lightweight pajama top, under the swaddle. But I am always careful not to go overboard as babies can overheat quickly, even in winter.  

I also lean on the TOG rating of the swaddle. For winter, a 1.0 to 2.5 TOG swaddle is ideal, depending on how cold the room feels. Thicker swaddles made from fleece or quilted cotton is my go-to when it gets frosty.  

Transition of Weather

Use layers that you can easily adjust. A sleeveless bodysuit with a light swaddle works well.  

Is It Okay to Swaddle a Baby Overnight? 

You can swaddle your baby overnight but you have to do it safely. In fact, swaddling helps babies feel secure and sleep better. While making your baby ready for the bed, you’ll have to ensure the swaddle isn’t too tight. You have to leave room for hip movement, and follow safe sleep guidelines. Always place your baby on their back in a swaddle and check for overheating.

When to Stop Swaddling?  

If your baby starts showing signs of rolling over then you should stop swaddling your baby. Babies start rolling over typically around 2-4 months old. Rolling can increase the risk of suffocation if they end up on their tummy while swaddled. You can use a sleep sack or wearable blanket for a smooth sleep transition for your baby. 

How Long to Swaddle a Baby Per Day?  

You can swaddle your baby for naps and nighttime sleep, which usually adds up to about 12-16 hours a day for newborns. However, ensure they have time unswaddled for play, tummy time, and movement to promote healthy development. Always monitor for signs of overheating or discomfort during swaddling.

What Can I Do Instead of Swaddling?  

If your baby doesn’t like being swaddled or is ready to transition, you can try alternatives like,

• Sleep sacks or wearable blankets: These provide warmth and comfort without restricting movement.  
• Soothing routines: Gentle rocking, white noise, or a pacifier can help calm them.  
• Comfortable sleepwear: Use snug, breathable clothing to keep them cozy.  

These methods ensure your baby sleeps safely while staying secure and calm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Conclusion

Swaddling seems to be difficult to some parents and it’s quite normal. You just have to balance the heat and swaddle your baby in a proper way to keep them comfortable. My tip is, trust your instincts and adjust based on your little one’s needs.  

I hope with this guide, you’ll swaddle like a pro and ensure your baby sleeps safe and sound. Sweet dreams, little ones!