It is hard to walk through the baby aisle of your favorite store without stopping to coo at every cute and comfy piece of clothing adorning the racks. Most infants and babies have more clothes in their closets than they could ever use, and it isn’t until they become mobile that parents realize some clothes work better than others. When it comes to sleeping gear, buying sleepers that fit and are comfortable can be critical to how well your child sleeps.
Choosing the Right Sleepers for Comfort and Convenience
In the first few months, millions of moms prefer the easy-to-navigate gown sleepers. This way, their baby’s tootsies stay ultra warm, diaper changes are a breeze, and you don’t have to worry about undressing and redressing your baby every time you turn around. Buying sleepers for your newborn should focus on two things: comfort and ease of use. Most infant clothing should also be fire-retardant. No matter how cute the gown is, before adding it to your cart, take a peek at the label to ensure it’s hot water safe and easy to throw in and out of the washer and dryer. Any seasoned mom will tell you that if something doesn’t wash well, you just won’t have the time or inclination to use it.
Once your newborn becomes a little more mobile, the gown sleepers may become a bit of an annoyance, trapping their legs and feet as they try to kick and wiggle. Also, be sure you aren’t over-dressing your infant. While bundling them up in blankets is a natural instinct, newborns do not regulate body temperature very well. One condition that often leads to SIDS is a baby being dressed too warmly.
Babyhood brings fast changes. Soon, you’ll realize you have two choices when it comes to buying sleepers: footed or not, and one-piece or two. Some moms couldn’t live a day without their footed sleepers. During the cooler months, they are by far the easiest way to dress a baby, and you never have to worry about searching for lost socks in the car or under the crib mattress. The important thing at this age is to purchase sleepers that are long enough for your baby to move comfortably. Many sleepers have short legs, which can bind your baby’s toes and cause discomfort. If your baby is colicky or easily frustrated, you may find that footless pajamas work better.
The benefit of buying two-piece sleepers is that diaper changes are much easier, especially when your baby is asleep. If you have to remove an entire outfit to change a diaper, the cool air and commotion will definitely stir your baby. Another benefit of two-piece sleepers is that if one piece becomes soiled, you don’t have to toss out the whole outfit. This can mean a little less laundry, which you’ll definitely appreciate at some point.
As Your Baby Becomes More Active
Soon enough, your baby will be mobile—walking and crawling all over the place. While the traditional footed and fuzzy sleepers with treads on the bottom seem like an easy option, you may find yourself wrestling with tangled feet as they roll around on the floor. You also need to be cautious of the zippers, making sure you don’t inadvertently zip up their skin when dressing them in a hurry. Again, diaper changes will take more time, and if your baby doesn’t enjoy being changed, you may spend a lot of time trying to hold them still.
Consider buying sleepers at this age that are sturdy and provide comfort. Blanket sleepers might be the perfect option for bedtime, especially if your child is prone to kicking off covers.
Once your child is running through the house, sleepers in general may become a thing of the past. This is when pajamas become the focus of your attention. Remember that pajamas should be lightweight so your child doesn’t overheat. Bare feet may be best, especially if you have hardwood floors, as they’ll help your child keep their grip and balance when cruising around the house. If you have a favorite blanket sleeper that your child loves, one tip is to cut the feet out of it if it becomes too short. This way, they can wear socks and shoes while still enjoying their favorite sleeper.
Keep Comfort and Practicality in Mind
As you shop for your child, whether buying sleepers or other baby gear, keep in mind that they are constantly growing. You can easily spend a small fortune dressing your child. Some sleepers and pajama sets have extendable arms and feet, allowing them to last longer as your baby grows. Look for clothes that are cotton and durable, and try to avoid sleepers and gear with ruffles or fringe, which can irritate your baby. Cutting out the tags is also important, as they can leave red patches on the back of their neck and cause fussiness.
If your baby seems uncomfortable in the clothes they are wearing, go for the onesie sleeper and a diaper, paired with great socks that don’t fall off. While dressing your baby for show can be fun, once they are up and moving, you’ll find that your day is much easier when they are in clothes that are easy to change, care for, and comfortable.
