Nested Bean is known for its gently weighted baby sleepwear designed to help babies sleep better. But what should parents dress their little ones in underneath these sleep garments? Understanding the best layering options for different seasons, temperatures, and baby comfort is key to ensuring a safe and restful night’s sleep. In this guide, we’ll cover the ideal clothing choices and factors to consider when dressing your baby under Nested Bean sleepwear.
What Is Nested Bean Sleepwear?
Before diving into layering options, let’s clarify what Nested Bean sleepwear is and how it works. Nested Bean creates weighted sleep sacks, swaddles, and pajamas that mimic a parent’s soothing touch. These products come with lightly weighted pads strategically placed on the chest and sides, helping to calm babies and improve their sleep patterns.
The gentle weight is safe for babies and designed to provide comfort, much like how a gentle hand on the back or chest can soothe a baby. Popular products like the Zen Swaddle and Zen Sack offer different levels of warmth, but they are not meant to be worn alone.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Layers
When dressing your baby under Nested Bean sleepwear, a few factors need to be considered to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe throughout the night.
1. Room Temperature
Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults, so it’s crucial to dress them according to the room temperature. The ideal room temperature for baby sleep is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C). If the room is too hot or too cold, the wrong layers can make your baby uncomfortable or even pose a safety risk.
2. Fabric of the Layered Clothing
Choosing the right fabric is essential. Babies have sensitive skin, and certain fabrics can cause irritation or overheating. Soft, breathable, and natural fabrics like cotton are typically the best choices.
3. Baby’s Age and Activity Level
A newborn may need more warmth and snug layers compared to a more active, older baby who moves around during sleep. Additionally, younger babies may prefer snug swaddles, while older infants transitioning to sleep sacks might need more flexibility in their clothing.
4. Baby’s Sleep Preferences
Some babies may prefer to feel cooler, while others sleep better when warmly bundled. Pay attention to your baby’s cues. If your baby sweats or fusses when too warm, lighter layers are probably better. If your baby wakes up cold, you may need to add layers.
Layering for Different Seasons
1. Summer: Dressing Baby for Warmer Weather
In the summer months, temperatures can rise, making it important to avoid overheating. Nested Bean sleepwear, especially the Zen Sack and Zen Footie, is designed to be lightweight, but you will still need to add appropriate layers underneath.
What to Wear Under Nested Bean in Summer: Lightweight, breathable clothing is the key. A simple short-sleeve onesie or a thin cotton shirt is usually enough. Avoid long sleeves or thick fabrics, as they may cause your baby to overheat. Opt for soft, lightweight cotton or bamboo materials that allow airflow.
Check for Overheating: You can easily check if your baby is too warm by touching the back of their neck or chest. If your baby feels sweaty or hot, reduce the layers immediately.
2. Winter: Dressing Baby for Colder Weather
Winter requires more thought to ensure your baby stays warm, but not overheated. Nested Bean products like the Zen Sack offer warmth, but they may need additional layering for colder environments.
What to Wear Under Nested Bean in Winter: During winter months, long-sleeve onesies or footed pajamas under the Zen Sack or Zen Swaddle are ideal. If the room is particularly cold, you can layer a cotton long-sleeve bodysuit and a pair of light pants. Choose snug-fitting clothes to ensure your baby remains warm without restricting movement.
Watch for Cold Hands and Feet: If your baby’s hands or feet feel cold, consider adding socks or mittens. However, avoid bulky items that could make the baby uncomfortable inside the sleep sack.
3. Spring and Fall: Dressing Baby for Mild Temperatures
Spring and fall bring milder weather, which makes layering a bit easier. In these seasons, you’ll want to adapt based on daily fluctuations in temperature.
What to Wear Under Nested Bean in Mild Weather: In spring or fall, a long-sleeve cotton onesie paired with the Zen Sack or Zen Footie usually provides the right amount of warmth. If the nights are cooler, add a lightweight pair of pants or socks. If it’s warmer during the day, a short-sleeve onesie may be enough.
Signs Your Baby Is Too Hot or Too Cold
Babies can’t always tell us when they’re uncomfortable, but there are signs to look for.
1. Signs Your Baby Is Too Hot:
Sweating, particularly around the neck or hairline
Red or flushed skin
Rapid breathing
Feeling hot to the touch
If you notice any of these signs, remove a layer of clothing, and adjust the room temperature if possible.
2. Signs Your Baby Is Too Cold:
Cool hands and feet
Pale skin
Shivering (though not common in very young infants)
Fussiness or waking up frequently
Adding layers or ensuring the sleep sack is secure can help keep your baby comfortable in cooler temperatures.
See Also: What To Use After Merlin Sleep Suit?
Layering Tips for Safe Sleep
Proper layering is essential for safe sleep, especially with babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding loose bedding and bulky clothes that can pose suffocation risks. Nested Bean sleepwear provides a snug, wearable blanket alternative, but following these tips can further ensure your baby’s safety.
1. Avoid Over-Bundling:
Over-bundling can lead to overheating, which is a known risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Use lighter layers in warmer weather, and always check your baby’s temperature throughout the night.
2. Choose Snug-Fitting Clothing:
The clothing your baby wears underneath should fit snugly but not be tight. Avoid loose or excessively layered clothing that could bunch up inside the sleep sack.
3. Use Breathable Fabrics:
Cotton is a great option for layering because it’s soft, breathable, and comfortable. Organic cotton is also hypoallergenic, making it perfect for babies with sensitive skin.
4. Monitor Room Temperature:
Invest in a room thermometer to monitor the temperature in your baby’s nursery. This allows you to adjust clothing layers and ensure the environment is ideal for sleep.
Final Thoughts
Choosing what to wear under Nested Bean sleepwear doesn’t have to be complicated. By considering factors like room temperature, fabric choices, and your baby’s comfort, you can easily find the right layering strategy for any season. Always monitor your baby for signs of overheating or being too cold, and remember that each baby is different—some may prefer warmer layers, while others like to be cooler.
Nested Bean’s weighted sleepwear is designed to soothe and promote better sleep, and with the right underlayers, you’ll ensure your baby stays comfortable, safe, and well-rested throughout the night.
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