FAQ's

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NEW fire regulations for children's nightwear

The government has recently reviewed the regulations relating to labeling all nightwear for children and babies in NZ. All our Baby Caterpillar merino products are "low fire danger" e.g. merino fabric is low fire risk - the fabric will burn much more slowly. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT OUR PRODUCTS ARE FIRE PROOF. It is important to have protection around heat sources and ALWAYS ensure you keep our products at least 1 metre away from heaters and fires.

How do I stop overheating my newborn baby

Your newborn baby will always be warmer when you wrap them, so you should be careful not to over bundle/wrap your baby. Overheating signs to be on the look out for include; sweating, damp hair, heat rash, and or rapid breathing . Dress your baby according to the temperature and adjust layers as the temperature changes. Newborn babies can not regulate their body temperature so parents have to keep baby safely warm. A good guild line is to dress our baby and toddler in ONE more layer of clothing than you are wearing to be comfortable in in the same environment.

My newborn baby seems to have cold hands and feet

Sometimes (especially during cooler months) your newborn baby' hands and/or feet can be cold to the touch. This is due to their immature blood circulation, and is considered ok, as long as their chest, tummy and back feel warm and comfortable to the touch. During the cooler months 100% merino mittens and booties are recommended for the first 3-5mths.

Why should I use a 100% merino/cotton sleeping bag

Using a sleeping bag ensures your baby’s head wont get covered by lose sheets or blankets, lowering the risk factors associated with SIDS.

Allows for easy settling, nighttime comforting and feeding. You can pick baby up without disturbing, and once they get used to it, it will became a signal for sleep, so baby will drop off easier.

Keep baby warm and snug, while also allowing freedom of movement. Give your baby the security he or she needs to sleep.

Helps prevent adventurous babies from climbing out of their cots and getting caught in cot bars

So what is the right temperature

Feeling cold is one of the most common reasons that parents sometimes overlook as a reason for baby waking during the night. As they sleep, their body temperature lowers and if they have kicked off their bedding, they wake up, waking up the household. Using a sleeping bag eliminates the need for extra covers, and your baby can move and kick their legs without feeling constrained. Make sure that the room in which your baby sleeps is not too warm - the ideal room temperature for a baby is 18 degrees C (65 º F).

With Baby Caterpillar sleeping bags you can select from either the heavy weight merino for winter or a lighter weight standard merino bag, which is better suited for summer. Our merino bags range from an extra fine 146grm merino for summer through to a soft 350grm winter weight.

Winter weight – Ideal for 18 degrees C and below

Summer weight – Ideal for 18 degrees C and above

Over-heating during the really hot summer days:

NB: Our summer weight bags are designed as an all year-round weight. If you are unable to maintain the ideal room temperature of approx 18 degrees C during some of the really warm summer nights, then it is advisable not to use your sleeping bag on these nights (for example on a night where you would only be in a sheet and singlet top PJ's - then that is all your baby should need as well). If you like to use the sleeping bag as a signal for sleep, then you can easily put baby to bed in the sleeping bag, and because they open up completely, you can simply take the sleeping bag off when they are asleep without disturbing baby.

How many layers should my baby wear

During the heart of winter you might put your baby in a singlet with a woolen or cotton bodysuit/vest over the top and a pair of comfortable PJ's or sleepsuit. Then your baby is ready for bed, just pop them in the winter weight bag and place in the cot.

At summertime you can place your baby to sleep in a nappy and cotton singlet. If the temperature drops you can add an extra layer, plus one of our summer lightweight sleeping bags. During the heart of summer you should be ok to just use a nappy and the sleeping bag. And remember to prevent overheating try and maintain an ideal room temp of 18 degrees C.

How do I wrap my newborn baby

Important wrapping hints

Wrap baby in a natural position, which is with his arms bent at the elbow, knees and hips bent. Knees should be in an abducted (apart) position. This allows for hip and knee movement which is important for proper joint development and growth. If baby’s hands are placed on chest, within reach of mouth, baby may self-soothe by sucking on hands and fingers. Infant researchers strongly recommend that babies always have access to the hands for self-consoling.

Wrap baby snugly, but not so tightly as to impede baby’s breathing. The wrap should be snug, but you should still be able to slide your hand between the blanket and your baby’s chest. It should feel snug, not loose.

Wrap securely. Tuck last corner in to secure wrap. Do not use loose blanket with unattended baby.