Tips for keeping baby cool while sleeping in warm weather

helping baby sleep in warm weather maternity and infant family

Well, we’ve skipped Spring and Summer is here. It’s warm out there even at night. But sweltering nights and sweaty blankets are no fun for little babies trying to get to sleep. While you can get up, strip off and keep a fan on you to cool down, babies can’t manage their temperature quite so easily.

What’s the best temperature for baby?

Your baby will sleep most comfortably in a room with a temperature of between 16 and 20 degrees. 18 degrees is usually perfect. But when it’s very hot outside, you may need to take extra measures to keep your baby cool while he sleeps.

Tips
  • Remove unnecessary bedding from his cot –  this means any spare blankets or grow bags.
  • If your baby is wearing a nappy, vest and sleep suit, he’ll only need a sheet as bedding if the temperature in his room is 24 degrees or over. If he still seems hot, it’s fine for him to sleep in his vest or just a nappy.
  • Remove any padding from around his cot to allow the air to circulate, and open windows in several rooms to allow a through-breeze.
  • To lower the temperature you could try using a fan in your baby’s room before you put baby to sleep. This will make the room nice and cool by the time you lay him down. But don’t allow the fan to face your baby at any time, and place it well away from his grasp.
  • Hang wet towels over chairs or windows when it’s really hot. The evaporating water will help the air to cool.
  • It’s a good idea to remove any waterproof sheets while the weather is hot. Or cover the waterproof sheet with layers of tightly wrapped cotton sheets.
  • Keep curtains drawn and blinds closed during the day to prevent the sun from heating up the room baby sleeps in.
Remember

If you’re feeling hot, then your little one will be too. If you don’t need any covers, your baby probably only needs one. If you’re sleeping naked, then a sleep suit and no blanket for your baby will be just fine. In very hot conditions, your baby may not even need this.

When out and about

If your baby falls asleep in his pram, keep an eye on him, as prams can soon become hot and airless. Never leave your baby to sleep in his car seat in the car. Even with the windows open, temperatures inside a parked car can rise frighteningly quickly.

maternity & infant

Originally posted 2018-06-24 09:11:10.