The importance of temperature regulation in babies

As all parents will know, babies can be pretty temperamental. If they are even slightly uncomfortable or unhappy, they will usually let you know about it. However, when babies are very young, they are unable to properly regulate their own body temperature, and it can be difficult to tell if your baby is comfortable and warm enough. Keeping your baby’s temperature regulated, especially at night, is vital to make sure your baby sleeps safe and sound and isn’t at risk of SIDS or other life-threatening conditions such as hypothermia.

There are many methods to help regulate the temperature of your baby, from changing the sleeping bag you use, to adjusting the temperature of the room as the seasons change. Keep reading to learn why products to assist temperature regulation in young babies are so important and get some suggestions from us for some products you should try.

The Importance of Temperature Regulation

Babies are not as adaptable to temperature change as adults are, and they can lose heat as much as four times more quickly than adults, due to their body large surface area compared to weight. Babies will struggle to regulate their own body temperature if the environment is too cold, especially sick, premature, or lightweight babies because of their lack of body fat.

Babies must use up energy and oxygen to regulate their body temperature, so by keeping them warm, regulated and comfortable, and using products to help this, they are able to conserve energy and build up reserves. If your baby’s temperature drops just one degree from the ideal (36.5°C), their oxygen use can increase by 10%.

Babies who are too hot at night are also at a high risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is why parents are advised to use minimal bedding and appropriate sleepwear at night to keep their babies safe.

As babies grow and develop, their ability to regulate their body temperature will gradually improve. By the age of six months, babies should have developed a more effective thermoregulatory system, and their bodies will become better equipped to adjust to temperature changes. Between nine- and twelve-months, babies should be able to fully adapt their body temperatures to external conditions. It’s important to bear in mind however that this will depend on the health, weight and size of your baby, every child is unique and develops differently, so make sure to monitor your baby and adjust according to them.

The Power of Merino Wool

Merino wool is the perfect material for your little one all year round. It outperforms synthetic materials and cotton and is also so comfortable and soft for your baby’s delicate skin.

Merino wool is the key to regulating your baby’s body temperature. It can keep them cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool by releasing the right amount of warmth when necessary to prevent overheating. There is no other fibre in the world that compares to the power of merino wool.

When temperatures rise, merino wool fibres are able to wick away moisture from the skin and release it from the fabric’s surface. This means that your little one will stay cool and comfortable without them feeling damp. Merino wool is also able to retain moisture without feeling wet to the touch.

When the weather gets chilly, the moisture vapours condense within the fibre and emit heat to keep your baby warm and cosy. Merino fibres will naturally kink and crimp, contributing to its warmth. The crimps trap small air pockets helping to insulate and retain the heat for longer.

Because merino wool is naturally temperature regulating, it is perfect for use all year round even as the seasons change. One sleeping bag made from merino wool will be perfect from summer to winter, saving you money and stress!

Temperature Regulating Products 

Let’s go through a few of our favourite products, made from naturally temperature regulating merino wool to keep your baby sleeping safe and sound all year round.

Sleeping bags

The Merino Kids Go Go Bag is the ideal choice for your baby or toddler. Made from 100% natural fibres and magical merino wool, it is soft and gentle for your little one’s skin and designed to keep them as safe and comfortable as possible.

Typically, when finding the right tog of sleeping bag, the higher the tog of the bag, the thicker the material will be. At Merino Kids our weight system categorises our sleeping bags through its wadding. For example, our winter weight bag features pebble-shaped wadding throughout which provides another cosy layer of merino wool.

Choosing the correct tog - or weight - for your baby depends on where you live and the temperature throughout the whole year. Although, one of the many perks of our sleeping bags is that they are much more effective to use in both cooler and warmer environments thanks to the natural temperature regulation properties of merino wool. Whereas, for other fabric tog sleeping bags, you may need to have a selection to alternate throughout the year which can add up in cost and become more confusing.

These are our three Merino Kids recommended weight ratings to dress your baby for bed based on temperature:

• Room 16 - 20 degrees: Use a Winter Weight sleeping bag, equivalent to 2.3 - 3.5 Tog
• Room 16-22 degrees: Use a Duvet Weight sleeping bag, equivalent to 1.4 - 2.5
• Room 17 - 27 degrees: Use a Standard Weight sleeping bag, equivalent to 0.5 - 1.8

Sleepwear

Our sleepwear is made from 100% super soft and superfine merino wool, designed to keep your little one comfortable and cosy all night long and all year round.

We have a range of options for sleepwear and offer outfits for a range of ages from newborn to toddler. You can choose a cute set for your six month old from our essential pyjama range, or a long sleeve bodysuit for your newborn. We also have sleep gowns and button up bodysuits.

Swaddles

Swaddling is a great sleep option that helps your baby settle and prevents waking from startle reflex. Swaddling with merino wool creates a micro-climate around your baby, which will help to regulate their temperature and keep them perfectly comfortable throughout the night.

Our Cocooi Babywrap is a soft swaddling wrap for newborns that is easy to use and naturally temperature regulating. It has also been recognised by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) as a hip-healthy product.

As a new parent, sleep time can be extremely daunting. Worrying for your baby’s safety and quality of sleep can end up effecting your own. Using products that naturally regulate your little one’s body temperature will help the both of you get a better night’s sleep and give you peace of mind that your baby is safe and comfortable, even on the coldest winter nights.

Merino wool is a fantastic choice with its naturally temperature regulating and moisture wicking abilities. Shop our range now and get a reliable sleep solution all year round.