Baby clothing / bedding too hot too cold?

[Kenny202]

Probably one for Sheryll...

Brought home our newborn yesterday. Bit confused as to how to dress the baby. I see people here out in 38 degrees baby wrapped up in jackets and blankets etc and other times no clothes at all lying on a mat. I understand baby can lose warmth from extremities.

Where we are, Khon Kaen this time of year around 35-40 degrees, around 25 night time.

Today (its hot) we've had the baby in a singlet, and a a little one piece sleeveless legless suit. Light gloves and booties on

and a doubled cotton sheet over the top. Fan circulating lightly. Night time obviously need a little blanket too and bundle him up.

Are we on the right track?

Incidentally KK hospital were fabulous. Free government hospital apart from the extra $30 a night so she could have her own room. Like a small Hotel room. Excellent staff too. Usual little funny aspects of "Thainess" but on the whole excellent. Would go their anytime

[Sheryl]

Newborns have difficulty regulating their body temperature so keeping warm is important (but of course do not want to overdo it)

What you describe sounds fine. As a general rule of thumb a baby needs 1 more layer of clothing/covering than you do in the same temperature.

If the baby is too cold or too hot, will be fussy and not sleep well.

[mike324]

If you only have fan on, I think 1 layer of clothing and wrap in a light swaddle will be ok. Sounds like you are doing fine.

[Kenny202]

Thanks all :-)