Babies look so adorable when they're sleeping peacefully; giving mum and dad a well earned break, so making sure that their little one is getting enough sleep is a top priority for most parents. Simple tips such as establish a good routine from the start, make sure your baby winds down before bedtime with a relaxing bath, a story, or a lullaby and try to put them to bed at the same time each night are all ways that can aid a good night's sleep.
Just like adults, babies find it hard to sleep if they are not comfortable. Babies turn up to 12 times an hour when they are sleeping so it's important that they are dressed in fabrics that are soft against their sensitive skin. GP Dr Sarah Jarvis recommends cotton night clothes that are kind to delicate skin and can help avoid overheating, as "a baby sweats more when they're tucked up too warm in bed. This can lead to irritation and dryness of the skin". When washing your baby's nightclothes consider using a fabric conditioner designed for sensitive skin like Comfort Pure, to help prevent irritation and keep the fibres against your little one's skin soft.
When it comes to bedclothes for your baby most parents start with cotton sheets and cotton cellular blankets. These are easy to layer to keep your baby at the right temperature, as the soft natural fibres are gentle against your baby's delicate skin.
Swaddling, the ancient art of snugly wrapping babies to make them feel secure, can help newborns to sleep by mirroring the cocooned feeling they experience in the womb. It can also prevent babies from being woken up by their own startle reflex.
Swaddling is only suitable for newborns up to about 1 month old, and while the feeling of security helps some babies to sleep others don't like it. A popular alternative to swaddling is using a baby sleeping bag. Babies can't kick them off like sheets, so stay feeling snug and secure throughout the night. Another advantage of baby sleeping bags is that you can take them with you when you go on holiday or stay with friends and family. Wrapping them up to sleep in something that feels familiar and comforting may help your baby to settle in a strange environment.
Whatever bedclothes you decide to use for your little one, don't forget to treat them with the same loving care you would take to look after their skin. Dr Jarvis recommends a fabric conditioner designed for sensitive skin to help to soften all your baby's clothes, blankets and towels. "The softening effect on the fibres can outweigh any possible risk of irritation by the ingredients. Look for the British Skin Foundation logo for reassurance."
Comfort Pure is specially formulated for babies, children and people with sensitive skin. It is dermatologically tested, plus its skincare research is validated by the British Skin Foundation.
