Sleeping for your little one on Curaçao

Time for another new blog! We often don't take enough time for it, and inspiration is of course important. What do people really want to know more about? Today we thought: let's talk about the possibilities for your newborn's sleep in Curaçao.

Because what do you dress your little one in? And how do you handle sleeping in our warm climate? Perhaps your baby sleeps comfortably with you in the room with the air conditioning on (and yes, maybe even on "nice and cold" setting), or you opt for a fan. Whatever your situation, we are happy to help you get started.

The first period: swaddling

For the first period, we recommend swaddling. This means that you wrap your little one tightly in a cloth, like a small mummy, with arms and legs neatly tucked in. It might look a bit pitiful, but most babies love it. It provides calm and security, often leading to better sleep.

You can swaddle in different ways. For example, with a large hydrophilic cloth (115x115 cm or 120x120 cm). This does require some practice—and before you know it, a tiny arm wriggles loose again. Fortunately, there are now also handy swaddling cloths, also called swaddles.

These are thin, made of 100% cotton, and have a TOG value of 1.0—perfect for the climate in Curaçao. Depending on how cool you sleep, you can vary with a romper (short or long sleeve), possibly trousers, and socks underneath. For extra warmth, you can use a sheet or blanket.

A tip from an experienced maternity nurse that we gladly pass on: always feel your baby's neck, not their nose. If the neck feels fine, you're good—even if the nose feels a bit cold.

Temperature & what to wear?

In Curaçao, it's all about the right balance. Generally, room temperatures range between 24 and 27°C. In that case, a low TOG value (0.3 – 1.0) is usually sufficient. If you sleep with air conditioning (for example, around 22–24°C), you can dress your little one a bit warmer.

Important to remember: less is more. Overheating is more dangerous than being a little too cold. Babies often indicate this themselves.

Also consider the humidity on the island. It's not only warm, but often humid as well. This can cause babies to sweat faster. Therefore, always choose breathable fabrics like cotton, hydrophilic, or linen. Do you see small red bumps or spots? That could be heat rash—a sign that they might be dressed a little too warmly.

Do you use air conditioning? Make sure the airflow is not directed straight at your baby. With a fan, it's mainly about air circulation; it cools less, so dressing lighter is often sufficient.

Safe sleeping (always important)

Besides comfort, safety is at least as important. A few basic rules that we always advise:

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
  
• Do not use pillows, stuffed animals, or loose blankets with newborns.
• Ensure a firm, well-fitting mattress.
• Stop swaddling as soon as your baby starts to roll over.

These may be familiar tips, but they remain incredibly important to reiterate. Our maternity nurse did advise making a roll from a large hydrophilic cloth and placing it under the back, to prevent a flat head. This is entirely at your own risk, as opinions on this sometimes differ. Sufficient tummy time when your baby is awake and alternating during feeding are also good ways to prevent a flat head.

The next step: cocoon or sleeping bag

As soon as your little one starts showing signs of rolling, it's time for the next step. Then you have two options: the cocoon sleeping bag or a normal sleeping bag.

The cocoon is an ideal intermediate step between swaddling and a sleeping bag. It combines the secure feeling of swaddling with the freedom of a sleeping bag. This way, your baby can gradually get used to more freedom of movement, while maintaining the feeling of safety.

This also makes the cocoon perfect for gradually phasing out swaddling. As soon as your baby can truly roll over (usually around 6 months), it's important to stop swaddling immediately for safety reasons. With a cocoon, you can easily free the arms at that time (by opening the snap buttons), allowing your child to move and potentially roll back.

Sleeping bags: practical and safe

Some parents choose to switch directly to a sleeping bag after swaddling. Our sleeping bags are all airy (TOG value between 0.3 and 1.0) and made of 100% cotton, hydrophilic, or linen, perfect for the warm climate.

In terms of sizes, you can think of:

• size 60: 0–4 months
• size 70: 3–7 months
• size 90: from 6 months
• size 110: from 18 months

But why a sleeping bag instead of pajamas?
A sleeping bag has several advantages. It often becomes part of the bedtime routine, and your child recognizes that it's time to sleep. Additionally, it prevents your baby from getting their legs caught between the crib bars.

It's also ideal for active sleepers. Some children toss and turn all over the bed and are quickly no longer under a sheet or blanket. With a sleeping bag, your baby stays comfortable and safe, without loose blankets. Often, sheets and blankets are not even necessary then.

Sleeping environment & rhythm

In Curaçao, we naturally also have to deal with a lot of light and a different daily rhythm. Blackout curtains can help create a calm sleeping environment, especially for daytime naps.

In addition, a fixed routine helps immensely. Think of a bottle, putting on a sleeping bag, and then going to bed. Your child will recognize this as the moment to go to sleep.

Some parents also find it pleasant to have some background noise, such as white noise. This can help to dampen outside or indoor sounds.

Finally

Sleeping bags can usually be used up to an age of 2 to 3 years, depending on your child's development. As long as your baby sleeps in a crib, a sleeping bag is often the most practical choice.

Are you transitioning to a toddler bed? Then it might be more convenient to switch to pajamas, especially if your child can get in and out of bed by themselves.

And perhaps the most important thing to conclude with: every child is different. While one sleeps wonderfully swaddled, another doesn't like it at all. So it's always a bit of searching for what works for you and your little one—and that's perfectly okay.

We hope these tips are helpful! Would you like to see or feel the products in real life, or discuss what best suits your situation? You are always welcome in our showroom, we are happy to help you think along.

Do you have any useful tips or experiences—especially for life in Curaçao—please let us know. Together, we make parenthood just a little bit easier.