Sleepwear Guide

Posted by Woolbabe on 28th Dec 2022

Sleepwear Guide

The signature Woolbabe merino/organic cotton fabric was simply too delicious to stop at sleeping bags, so we expanded the range to bring you a versatile collection of sleepwear that covers newborns and beyond.  P.S - Did you know, there's also Woolbabe Relax! Wear for adults?


The Woolbabe sleepwear collection is highly versatile and includes the following styles:


  • - Gowns - A gorgeous & practical choice for newborns, gowns make night-time nappy changes a breeze.
  • - Singletsuits - An ideal base layer to keep baby's core warm.  Use day or night.
  • - Long Sleeve Bodysuits - A great base layer in winter when you need an extra layer on the arms
  • - Pyjama Suits - Ideal for younger babies and toddlers as the full body is zipped up to stay warm.
  • - Summer Pyjamas - Great for toddlerhood and beyond, particularly those who are night-time toilet training
  • - Winter Pyjamas - Again, great for toddlerhood and beyond, especially when encouraging independence.


How much bedding and sleepwear should my baby wear?


The amount of bedding and sleepwear a baby needs depends on the room temperature and your baby - some babies love to feel extra cosy with additional layers.  Little babies can't regulate their temperatures very well and will usually need an extra layer compared to what you're wearing. 


Regularly check the temperature of your baby by feeling his or her back or chest with the back of your hand. It should feel warm, not hot and sweaty, or cold. Add a layer of clothing/bedding if your baby feels cold and remove a layer of clothing/bedding if your baby feels hot or looks red and sweaty.  Remember that a blanket doubled over counts as two layers. 


Never use wheat bags or hot water bottles in baby's bed and never use an electric blanket with your baby. Make sure your baby's head and face remains uncovered during sleep. No hats or hoods. For detailed guides on how to dress your baby based on the room temperature and type of sleeping bag you're using  view the layering guide here or consult the temperature guide that comes with every Woolbabe sleeping bag or suit.


How should I dress my baby for sleep?

Layering is key to ensuring your baby is the right temperature - not hot and sweaty, but equally, not waking up cold in the early hours of the morning. 


Singletsuit

The singletsuit is an ideal base layer year round as it will keep your baby's core temperature warm.  In the cooler months, we always suggest starting with a singletsuit and layering up from there.   In the height of summer however, you may only need a singletsuit with a lightweight summer sleeping bag to keep your baby comfortable.  The merino component of Woolbabe is moisture wicking, so will help your baby stay comfortable, even when it's hot. 


Bodysuit

The bodysuit is the most versatile layer for the cooler months.  In the depths of winter you may wish to add a singletsuit, however for room temperatures of around 18 -20 degrees Celsius, a bodysuit as the base layer, combined with a PJ suit will keep baby cosy with a 3 seasons sleeping bag.  

Bodysuits are also a perfect single layer in the shoulder months of Autumn and Spring, when the temperature can be all over the place. For example, if you're still using a Duvet Weight Sleeping Bag and the room temperature is approx 20-22 degress celcius then a bodysuit will be enough to keep bubs cosy. 


Gown

A gown can be treated as any other layer. So in winter, we'd recommend a singletsuit or bodysuit combined with a gown, topped off with a sleeping bag.  In the shoulder seasons with room temps of 20-22 degrees Celsius, a gown and sleeping bag would be enough if you're using the Duvet Weight Mini.  If you're using the mini 3-Seasons, then add a singletsuit underneath.


PJ Suit

The PJ Suit is a good piece to invest in for most of the year.  A PJ suit will keep tummy's and back's cosy as they won't ride up like pyjamas can and are also easy to zip up over a bodysuit or singletsuit. PJ Suits can be used from newborn, but we love them from about 6 months old when there's less night time nappy changes.

If you're baby's nursery is at the recommended 18-20 degrees Celsius, then a PJ suit, combined with a Duvet Weight Sleeping Bag is all you'll need for winter. If you're using the 3-seasons sleeping bag in this temperature range, then combine the PJ suit with a bodysuit and baby will be cosy.


Pyjama's

Pyjama's are perfect for older toddlers and younger children who have outgrown a PJ suit or are learning to use the toilet.  Like PJ suits, Pyjama's can also be layered with a singlet for extra warmth.  If you have an independent toddler or younger child Pyjama's work well with Sleeping Suits, which will keep your active child warm because they can't kick off blankets!  Woolbabe pyjama's are available in long sleeve for winter or short sleeves for summer, so your children can cosy up in the comfort of Woolbabe year round.


Socks!

If it's winter and bubs is still waking up cold, adding a pair of socks can make all the difference.  If bubs is sleeping well, but has cold hands and feet, that's ok - it's their core temperature that's most important.  So if they're feeling cold, try adding a layer and some socks. For additional sleepwear recommendations based on the bag/suit you're using and your nursery temperature, please refer to the temperature guide that comes with your Woolbabe sleeping bag.


How do I wash my Woolbabe Sleepwear?


Made from Woolbabe's exclusive merino + organic cotton fabric, Woolbabe items are easy to care for when following the care label in the garment.  We recommend washing on a cool wash with a dedicated wool cycle with liquid wool detergent only. Ideally you should air dry your Woolbabe sleepwear, however you could tumble dry on a low setting if you have to.  Never hot tumble dry as this will shrink the fabric.  When line drying the Duvet Weight Sleeping Bags we suggest turning them inside out after a period of time to speed up the drying process.  Your Woolbabe sleepwear will become softer every time you wash it! 


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