What should a baby wear to sleep? There are a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right pajamas for your baby. First, consider your baby’s sleep environment. What is the temperature in the room where your baby is sleeping? Next, consider your baby’s size and age. Some pajamas, such as sleeper gowns, are designed for newborns, while other pajamas, like two-piece sets, are ideal for older babies and toddlers.
What should a newborn wear to sleep?
If you’re wondering how to dress a newborn for sleep, keep in mind that babies zero to three months will be most comfortable in one-piece sleepers, or sleep gowns. A sleep bag can be used to keep your newborn comfy and cozy. Look for pajamas with cuffed sleeves to keep your newborn from scratching their face during the night.
What should a baby wear to sleep?
Infants three to 12 months typically sleep well in one or two-piece pajamas, with a sleep bag layered on top for extra warmth in cooler temperatures. In deciding how to dress your baby for sleep, consider your baby’s mobility and also how often you’ll need to change diapers during the night.
Babies spend a majority of their day sleeping. In fact, newborns typically sleep 14-17 hours a day, while older infants sleep at least 12 to 15 hours a day. Because your little one will spend so much of their time sleeping during those early months, it’s important to be sure you have the right baby pajamas on hand to keep your baby happy and comfortable.
Use this sleepwear guide for babies to help you choose the right PJs for your little one.
How to Dress Your Baby for Sleep
First, keep in mind that babies sleep at various times throughout the day, and sometimes in locations other than their crib. So when you’re shopping for pajamas for your baby or dressing baby for bed, consider your baby’s typical sleep environment, including baby sleep temperature.
Types of Baby Pajamas
As with all baby clothes, you have plenty of options when it comes to dressing your baby for bed. Here are some of the most common categories of sleepwear for babies.
1. One-Piece Pajamas:One-piece pajamas come in two categories: footed or footless. Footie pajamas keep your baby’s whole body and feet covered. They should fit snugly and are perfect for keeping your baby warm in cold weather. One-piece pajamas with a zipper closure make middle-of-the-night diaper changes as easy as can be.
Baby footless sleepers have either short or long sleeves and short or full pants, but do not cover your baby’s feet. If your baby is long, footless sleepers may fit better and longer than footed PJs. Footless sleepers also ideally come with an easy-up zipper closure rather than snaps.
Baby Girl One-Piece Pajamas
Baby Boy One-Piece Pajamas
2. Sleeper Gowns:Baby sleeper gowns are one-piece garments designed for baby girls and baby boys. They are gathered at the hem and are ideal for newborns and babies up to three months. (Once your baby starts moving more, one-piece or two-piece sleepers are best.)
Carter’s sleeper gowns are made of lightweight, supersoft cotton with overlap shoulders for easy on and easy off. The cinched hem also helps keep your baby’s feet covered while providing quick access for a late night change. A sleeper gown should be long enough to cover your baby’s legs with a bit of room to spare.
Baby Girl Sleeper Gowns
Baby Boy Sleeper Gowns
3. Sleep Bags:Different from sleeper gowns, baby sleep bags — or sleep sacks — are warm baby pajamas that help keep your baby warm on cold nights. Carter’s sleep bags come in short or long-sleeved designs, as well as cotton and fleece fabrics. Consider selecting the fabric of a sleep bag based on your baby’s sleep temperature.
Baby Girl Sleep Bags
Baby Boy Sleep Bags
4. Jumpsuit Pajamas:Also one-piece pajamas, baby sleep jumpsuits are designed to pull over your baby’s head. They typically have long sleeves, but do not cover your baby’s feet. With easy snaps at the legs, a sleep jumpsuit can make getting your baby ready for bed a breeze.
Baby Girl Jumpsuits
Baby Boy Jumpsuits
5. Sleep and Plays:A versatile choice for babies who like to snooze on the go, a baby sleep and play is designed to provide all day comfort for your little one, whether they are sleeping or playing. Sleep and plays come in cute designs and patterns so they can easily double as daytime wear for your baby. They are perfect outfits for playtime, tummy time or any time! Sleep and plays may also come with a two-way, inverted zipper design so you can keep your baby warm and snuggly during diaper changes.
Baby Girl Sleep and Plays
Baby Boy Sleep and Plays
6. Two-Piece Pajamas:Two-piece baby pajama sets are ideal for babies six months and older. They may come in a variety of options, including short and long-sleeve tops and short or full pant bottoms. They make bottom-only changes quick and easy in the middle of the night. Two-piece jammies should be soft and snug for maximum comfort.
Baby Girl Two-Piece Pajamas
Baby Boy Two-Piece Pajamas
At Carter’s, we’re here for parents from those very first nights with a newborn, all the way until your baby has grown into a big kid. Check out our full selection of baby pajamas available for purchase in stores and on our website.
