Sleep Tight: Outfitting Baby for Long Winter's Night
In 2012, Time Magazine ran a story about safe-sleeping sacks that were becoming popular in U.S. hospitals, inspired by the passing of Bill Schmid’s daughter, Haley, of SIDS. At the time, Schmid had developed a sleeveless zip-up sleep bag to replace blankets, and the popularity of this safe-sleeping option was gaining momentum. The article noted that his sleep sack invention had become so mainstream, the baby apparel was being sold everywhere from Target to Pottery Barn. And now, New Jammies.
New Jammies heard the call for safe-sleeping baby wear in its own collections. And answered. Last spring, we launched our popular sleeveless sleep sacks to keep babies safe and warm in the wintertime and cool in the warmer months.
The idea to offer sleep sacks came about as New Jammies owner and founder Nicole Ludlow, mother of a new baby herself, become interested in the safety of sleeveless zip-up bags for resting babies.
“I wanted to carry a collection of durable sleep sacks that encouraged my baby to sleep on his back until he could comfortably roll over from back or tummy,” she says. “And eliminate loose crib blankets for the prevention of SIDS.”
Ludlow designed a New Jammies sleep sack that’s offered in double-layered, 100% organic cotton to be warm, breathable and cozy. Sizes come in small (3-6 months, 10-18 pounds) and medium (6-18 months, 16-24 pounds).
“They fit perfectly over footie pajamas for cool evenings or can be paired with onesies for warmer nights,” she says.
According to Nancy Maruyama, RN, an infant’s sleep environment plays a large role in safe sleep. In her article titled, “Tips for Safe Sleeping: Newborns and Babies” on pregnancy.org, Maruyama says SIDS deaths are most likely to occur when babies are between the ages of 2 months and 4 months, and deaths tend to peak in winter months.
“It is the leading cause of death in babies 1 month to 1 year old,” she reports.
Strategies featured in the article for lowering SIDS risk includes the notion that the only safe bedding for baby is no bedding.
“Layer clothing on baby for warmth instead of layering blankets,” says the article. “Baby’s face should never be covered and pillows should never be used. This can also cause suffocation.”
Also, stuffed animals, pillows, bumper pads or other fluffy items should not be placed in baby’s sleeping areas.
“There have been numerous reports of suffocation from accidentally covering the baby’s mouth and nose with these items. The baby’s crib should contain nothing but the crib.”
Maruyama also suggests parents not dress baby too warmly at sleep time.
“Allowing babies to become too warmly dressed has been shown to be a risk factor for SIDS. Avoid extra clothing especially when the baby has a fever.”
For the best newborn sleep when putting infants to bed or down for a nap, experts on whattoexpect.com advise keeping babies’ rooms cool. They say being too warm or too cold can interrupt newborn sleep.
“Dress baby in a warm sleeper or sleep sack, but skip the blankets (loose bedding is also a risk factor for SIDS),” says the “How to Dress a Newborn” article. “In the winter, try to keep the room temperature between 68ºF and 72ºF. 68ºF is usually ideal, but all babies are different. If yours wakes during the night or after a nap, check his neck to make sure he’s not too sweaty. A little dampness goes with the baby territory, but pools of perspiration definitely do not.”
Many baby experts suggest a cotton onesie under well-fitting footie pajamas or long-sleeved sleep-and-play outfits as ideal winter sleep wear. Adding a sleeveless sleep sack ensures a safe-sleeping environment, and keep baby warm without blankets.
Show Us the Love
February is American Heart Month, and New Jammies is celebrating heart health and wellness by asking kids and their parents to show their PJ love. Throughout the month, we’re accepting entries for the “Show New Jammies Your PJ Love” contest, open to New Jammies customers and their families who can show kids wearing their favorite New Jammies PJs for infants, toddlers and young children.
Photos can be submitted online by clicking here (or visit newjammies.com and click on “Photo Contest” at the bottom of the page). Deadline for entries is Feb. 29, 2016.
The winner receives 3 pair of PJs or footies of their choice (Value approximately $100.00).
– See more at: http://newjammies.com/blog/show-new-jammies-your-pj-love/