What Should Baby Wear Under a Swaddle? Guide to Dressing Your Baby

Wondering what should a baby wear under a swaddle? The secret lies in balancing comfort, safety, and the right layers! For warm weather, dress your little one in breathable short-sleeve onesies or lightweight muslin rompers. When it’s chilly, cozy them up in long-sleeve bodysuits or footed pajamas under a snug swaddle. Always opt for soft, natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo to keep their delicate skin happy. Avoid over-layering to prevent overheating, and ensure the swaddle fits just right—snug but not too tight. With these tips, your baby will sleep soundly and stay comfy all night long!

Did you know that swaddling has been around for more than 4000 years? That’s crazy! It has become a timeless practice whose popularity has dipped and risen multiple times over the millennium. Parents looking to swaddle their kids often ask what should a baby wear under a swaddle.

The right answer depends on factors like room temperature, fabric breathability, and the baby’s age. Parents should have their babies wear lightweight and breathable clothing during the summer months. In the chilly months, parents should go with long-sleeve bodysuits or footed pajamas.

This article will cover more options and safety and styling tips related to swaddling. New parents often make many mistakes when it comes to swaddling, but no worries—we have solutions for them as well.

Understanding Swaddling: Basics and Benefits

Before you get into what should a baby wear under a swaddle, we need to educate you on what a swaddle is and why it’s been around for so long. Aside from a style perspective, there are actually multiple reasons for swaddling a baby, and as such, there are many mistakes to avoid as well.

What Is Swaddling?

One of the earliest mentions of it was from the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations around 4000 to 4500 years ago.

The practice was created to mimic the snugness of the mother’s womb for the baby. In the past, when a baby was born, its umbilical cord was cut, rubbed with salt and oil, and wrapped with strips of cloth.

This style of swaddling ensured the child’s limb would grow straight or without physical deformity. The Bible also mentions swaddling.

Benefits of Swaddling for Babies

In modern times, swaddling is done with different reasoning, but the practice is still quite similar. Swaddling is rather beneficial if done correctly. Here are some of the reasons why the practice is still around:

• Promotes sleep
  • The main reason to swaddle a baby is to help them sleep better.
  • It prevents the startle reflex (aka Moro reflex); thus, babies can sleep more easily.
• Reduces crying and fussiness
  • Newborns cry and fuss around a lot, and that’s natural.
  • Swaddling, however, creates a gentle pressure known to induce calmness, similar to being held or cuddled.
• Regulates body temperature
  • Parents can help regulate their newborn’s body temperature by using a comfortable, lightweight, and breathable swaddling blanket.
  • Swaddling helps prevent overheating while ensuring the baby is warm and cozy.
• Encourages safe sleeping
  • This relates to the first benefit because, with proper swaddling, the child will lie flat and sleep without moving too much.
  • Proper swaddling also reduces the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  

Common Swaddling Mistakes to Avoid

Since swaddling has many wonderful benefits, parents tend to attempt it without proper guidance. This results in mistakes being made, some of which can be quite harmful. To avoid making these mistakes, here are some that parents should know:

• Wrapping too tightly
  • There needs to be a balance in the tightness of the swaddle.
  • Too tightly, you will only cause discomfort for the newborn.
  • Prolonged tightness of the swaddle might even cause health concerns.
• Using the wrong blankets
  • Swaddling is supposed to be done with lightweight and breathable blankets.
  • Using heavy blankets can only result in health issues for the baby.
• Ignoring the baby’s cues
  • Swaddling isn’t for all babies.
  • In fact, certain babies won’t like to be swaddled, so don’t wrap them up.
  • See the newborn’s reaction when swaddled to determine if you should continue.

What Should Baby Wear Under a Swaddle?

Picking what should a baby wear under a swaddle is essential if you want to give your newborn the best experience. Choosing the right fabric will depend on several factors, which we will go over now.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Clothing

Considering certain factors will ensure your baby stays comfortable, safe, and appropriately dressed for their environment. These factors are:

• Weather and room temperature
  • One of the most crucial factors to consider when deciding what should a baby wear under a swaddle.
  • In warmer temperatures, parents should pick something more lightweight and breathable.
    • Short-sleeve onesies or rompers made from cotton or muslin are ideal.  
  • In colder climates, layering a long-sleeve bodysuit and adding footed pajamas would be the best choice.
• Fabric type and breathability
  • Certain fabrics are the best choices for babies to wear under a swaddle more than others.
  • Natural fabrics such as 100% cotton, bamboo, and muslin are good choices.
    • They are less irritating on baby skin and provide extra comfort.
  • Polyester and other synthetic fabrics might be cheaper but aren’t as good as natural ones.
• Newborns’ age and size
  • Not all babies need to be swaddled in the same manner.
  • Newborns and premature babies will require extra layering and special fabrics.
    • They can’t regulate their body temperature that well by themselves.
• Ease of diaper changing
  • You must consider diapers since you are swaddling a newborn or young baby.
  • Clothes with easier access during diaper change will allow for less time wasted and less hassle.

Best Clothing Options for Under a Swaddle

You know what you need to consider, but for an easier time, we have a list of recommendations to review. Here are some ideas on what should a baby wear underneath a swaddle:

• Onesies or bodysuits
  • These are the best choices for a baby to wear under swaddles.
  • They allow for more comfort and are ideal for either warm or cold temperatures.
  • You can choose from short or long sleeves and ones with enveloped necklines.  
• Footed pajamas
  • Another great choice, especially during the cold and windy environments.
  • They come in full coverage and with mittens built-in to give the baby a warmer feel.
  • Some can be zippered or snapped for easier taking on or off.
• Lightweight sleep sack
  • A different choice compared to the traditional look.
  • These sacks provide multiple styling options with great thermal overall grade (TOG) ratings.
• Cotton rompers or muslin
  • These are great choices for parents living in a warmer climate.
  • The materials are quite lightweight and breathable, thus preventing newborns from overheating.
• Layer choices
  • If one choice doesn’t work independently, you can always layer multiple items.
  • Go with something lightweight as a base and choose another lightweight choice for warmth and comfort.
  • The swaddle will provide the final layer of insulation.

Seasonal Guide: Dressing Baby Under a Swaddle

With the choices we have discussed above, you should know which outfit your baby should wear under their swaddle. But you might be wondering if more specific options are available for your baby during summer or winter. Maybe even during the transitional seasons like spring and fall? And there are. Here is what your baby should wear under their swaddle during seasons:

What to Wear in Summer

Summer means hot weather and scorching sun, so temperatures will be high, along with greater humidity. Therefore, chances of overheating will be higher than normal. Parents should look to ensure their newborn is comfortable and cool during this season.

Clothing options in summer:

• Short-sleeved onesies:
  • The go-to option for summer swaddling clothing would be onesies, specifically the short-sleeved ones.
  • They give enough cover for the newborn without overheating them.
• Rompers and gowns:
  • These are the best choices if you want a more lightweight option with more airflow.
  • These are particularly great during the summer nights.
• Diaper-only swaddling:
  • If the summer in your area is particularly hot, you might opt for diaper-only swaddling.
  • You will swaddle your baby with just the diaper.
  • Please watch your newborn closely in case they need more layers.

What to Wear in Winter

During the chilly winter months, your newborn must wear heavier layers. This is because of their poor temperature retention and need for heat. Yet you will also need to manage the layer to ensure your baby stays cozy, comfortable, and safe.

Clothing options in winter:

• Footed pajamas:
  • There is nothing better than a footed pajama during winter.
  • These ensure your newborn stays warm from head to toe with ease.
  • Some of them also come with in-built mittens to keep the little ones’ hands toasty and warm.
• Sleep sack:
  • These sacks are a great alternative or addition to your baby’s swaddle because they do a wonderful job.
  • These will give your baby another layer of warmth along with comfort.
  • Look for sleep sacks for colder winters with higher thermal overall grade (TOG) ratings.
• Long-sleeved jumpsuits:
  • If you are serious about ensuring your baby stays cozy and safe in winter, wear these jumpsuits.
  • These are a great choice if you want to trap enough heat for your baby while also being comfortable.
  • Long sleeves provide full coverage for your baby’s arms and torso.
• Multiple layers:
  • If the above options are unavailable, you can always layer clothes under your baby’s swaddle.
  • Start with a lightweight base layer to check comfort and fit.
  • Add mid-layers that are heavy or great in trapping heat to prevent chills.
  • The final layer can be a sleep sack or a swaddle to complete the outfit.

Transitional Seasons (Spring and Fall)

Figuring out what your baby should wear under a swaddle during spring and fall can be quite tricky. These seasons are transitional, so they can be hot and cold at certain times. Therefore, parents need to adapt quickly to ensure their newborn is comfortable, safe, and cozy.

Clothing options during transitional seasons:

• Long-sleeve onesies:
  • As we said before, onesies are a great summer choice because they provide good coverage and are versatile.
• Lightweight sleep sacks:
  • Sleep sacks with a TOG rating of 1.0 to 2.0 are perfect during the transitional months.
  • They will provide enough warmth without being too bulky or uncomfortable.
• Cardigans or light jackets:
  • These are ideal if you are looking to make your baby stylish yet keep them cozy during cooler months.
  • They may cause overheating if worn for too long or when the temperature rises, so keep a close eye.

These were just a few of our recommendations, so don’t stop here. Experiment with different options and see what your baby loves. Your baby’s comfort and likes should matter the most.

Fabric Choices: What’s Best for Baby’s Skin?

Depending on your fabric preferences, you can have your baby wear different clothes under their swaddle; in some cases, that might be necessary because certain fabrics can irritate your baby’s skin. As such, you need to figure out what fabric you need to go with.

Why Fabric Matters for Baby Clothing

Certain fabrics irritate baby skin and have other negative traits that make them unsuitable for wearing. For example, polyester, because it is non-breathable, is more likely to overheat, which can increase the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Also, babies are known to be allergic to certain fabrics due to genetics or because they contain certain chemicals. Therefore, it’s important that parents only clothe their babies in natural fabric.  

Top Fabrics for Babies

Here are some fabrics we believe are best for babies to wear under their swaddle:

100% cotton

Most parents favor cotton as their classic choice for their newborn. Cotton is known for its softness, breathability, and durability. It is also hypoallergenic, making it a top choice for babies with sensitive skin.

Bamboo

Bamboo might not seem like a great choice for baby clothes, but it is becoming quite popular as an eco-friendly choice. It is antibacterial and hypoallergenic, which makes it suitable for babies.

Muslin

Another common and well-known choice for babies to wear under their swaddles is a t-shirt. Thanks to its breathability and versatility, it’s often used as summer clothing.

Organic fabric

It’s a broad term covering materials that are safe for babies to wear under their swaddles. They’re all free of chemicals, pesticides, and synthetic dye, so they’re all safe for babies with sensitive skin.

Linen

It’s a fabric made from flax fibers, which makes it highly breathable and moisture-wicking. These properties make it ideal as summer clothing for newborns to wear under their swaddle.

Safety Tips for Swaddling and Dressing Baby

Here are some helpful tips for swaddling and dressing babies in general that you should follow:

• Avoid overheating:
  • Look to see if your baby is sweating or feels clammy.
  • Overheating leads to flushed or red skin tone.
  • If your baby is breathing too hard, then they are overheating.
• Proper fitting for swaddle:
  • The child should be snug in the swaddle, not too tight or loose.
  • The swaddle should allow the baby natural hip and leg movement.
  • Ensure there isn’t any loose fabric, as they can be a choking hazard.
• Sleep guidelines for swaddled babies:
  • Ensure your baby is lying back while sleeping.
  • The mattress should be firm for proper and comfortable sleeping.
  • Reduce chances of suffocation by removing any and all items in the crib.

These are just a few of our tips that you should follow to ensure you swaddle your baby properly. These tips will also ensure your baby is sleeping comfortably and without any issues.

Styling Tips: Combining Comfort and Fashion

There is no reason your baby should wear something under a swaddle and not look fantastic. In fact, you should style what they are wearing for comfort and to make a fashion statement. Here is how you can combine and create adorable yet practical outfits:

• Mix and match:
  • Combine various colors and hues to create new and exciting looks for your baby.
  • Bring designs into the equation for a more trendy yet cohesive outfit.
• Pattern play:
  • Stripes and polka dots are safe choices parents can start playing with to create a fun and fashionable ensemble.
• Animal prints:
  • Animal prints are always a hit with newborns, so go crazy with them if you want.
• Accessorise:
  • You can and might want to add an accessory, but above all else, ensure you keep safety in mind.

Common Myths About Swaddling and Baby Clothing

Since swaddling has existed for literally thousands of years, there are many myths about it. It’s time we played MythBusters and busted some of these tall tales.

Myth 1: Babies Need Multiple Layers Under a Swaddle

Some parents believe and try to put multiple layers under their baby’s swaddle, thinking the baby needs them. In fact, if you believe that your baby should wear multiple layers under their layers, you would be wrong. Doing so will only cause overheating and other health issues.

Instead, you should think hard about what should a baby wear under a swaddle and only layer if needed.

Myth 2: All Swaddles Are the Same

Many new parents believe that any old fabric is good enough for swaddling and that a baby can wear anything underneath it. That’s very much not true. Due to the sensitivity of a baby’s skin, they should only be wearing and swaddled with particular fabrics. Preferably, it should be natural and hypoallergenic.  

Myth 3: Swaddling Can Cause Hip Dysplasia

A lot of parents avoid swaddling their baby because they believe it will cause hip dysplasia. That might happen, but it will only be if the swaddling is done incorrectly over time. Follow the right guide and practice beforehand to avoid causing any damage to your newborn’s hip and leg movement. Get professional help if you need to.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

What should a baby wear under a swaddle isn’t a stupid question; it’s a brilliant question. For good reasons, hundreds and thousands of parents worldwide still practice swaddling with newborns.

And they all ensure their kids wear the right clothes underneath it. We recommend clothes with natural fibers that are soft on the skin and hypoallergenic. We suggest you consider the weather to ensure you aren’t causing your baby to overheat or feel too cold. Don’t worry; our guide will make you an expert in ensuring your baby stays cozy and content all night.