Reasons why your baby’s sleep may be disrupted in the warmer months
Establishing a baby bedtime routine is an integral part of your child’s development. During the hot summer months, however, things can be more challenging.. If your baby’s room is too hot in summer, it can affect the whole family.
Your child’s summer night’s sleep can be disrupted, because:
- They’re thirsty: In the summer heat, it’s very easy for your little one to dehydrate.
- They’re too hot: An elevated room temperature could be stopping them from falling - and staying - asleep.
- They’re disturbed: Mosquitoes, bugs, and summer evening noises could be waking them up.
- Their room is too cold: Yes, this really happens! Temperatures can change - and sometimes quickly! - from day to day, night to night, and hour to hour, during summer.
- They’re uncomfortable: Uncomfortable clothing could lead to sleep disturbances.
- Their sleepwear doesn’t work for summer: What your child wears when they go to bed during the summer months is important.
Tips on how to keep your baby’s room cool in summer
How do you keep your baby’s room cool at night? Heat in summer is unavoidable, however, there are a few ways to help keep your baby and their environment as cool as possible. From bathing, to hydration, clothing, ventilation, equipment for the nursery and more.
1. Give them a lukewarm bath
In the hot summer months, a lukewarm bath is a great way to help cool your baby down before bedtime. The Raising Children's Network recommends the water temperature is between is 37-38°C. Check the water is comfortable with your elbow.
2. Keep your baby hydrated
In terms of how to keep a baby cool in hot weather at night, hydration is crucial. In the summer months, it is very common for your baby to perspire more and lose body fluids quicker than usual. To avoid dehydration and to help your baby sleep more soundly through the night, make sure they have consumed enough liquids throughout the day, whether that be breast milk, formula, or water, depending on their age. Hydration is key when it comes to getting through those hot nights.
3. Dress your baby right
The same way adults dress accordingly for the weather, babies also need to be wearing summer-appropriate clothing, particularly at bedtime. Finding a versatile sleep getup that caters for varying temperatures, like premium organic cotton sleepwear, is a must in summer and will help your little one one to sleep on hot nights. For new parents navigating their first summer with a child, discover our handy guides below.
4. Close all blinds and curtains
To add an extra layer of coolness to the room, keep curtains and blinds closed during the daytime. This will prevent the sun from heating up the nursery and help maintain a comfortable temperature for the evening when you put your baby down to rest.
5. Ensure the baby’s room is well-ventilated
Ventilation is crucial for keeping your baby’s sleep environment cool in summer and helping them to sleep comfortably. When the weather allows, open windows or use fans to circulate air. Adequate airflow can prevent the room from becoming stuffy and uncomfortable.
6. Invest in a fan
Banish the buzz of the outside world by installing an electric fan in your child's nursery. Installing an electric fan can help create a more comfortable sleeping environment for your little bub one.
The gentle breeze from the fan can aid in temperature regulation and white noise can provide a soothing background for your baby.
Important: You must position the fan away from your baby to avoid direct airflow. This is crucial for the safety of your child. Visit our safe sleep guidelines for further advice on how to create a safe sleep space for your little one.
7. Purchase a baby monitor with a built-in thermometer
A baby monitor with a built-in thermometer is a handy tool for keeping track of the nursery's temperature. Maintaining the ideal sleeping temperature for your baby is crucial, and these monitors can help you ensure the room is within a safe and comfortable range.
