How to Help Your Baby Sleep Soundly in the Summer
As a new parent, you'll know that navigating your baby's bedtime routine is an art form at the best of times. Add the heat and humidity of summer, and the process becomes even more challenging.
As a new parent, you'll know that navigating your baby's bedtime routine is an art form at the best of times. Add the heat and humidity of summer, and the process becomes even more challenging.
But don’t sweat it! We’re here to help with just a few tips to keep your baby cool and comfortable so they get a sound night’s sleep on warmer nights.
Read on to find out how to help your baby sleep better in summer, including how to dress them and the correct room temperature – you’ll be fanning away your summer sleep worries in no time!
4 Top Tips on Helping Your Baby Sleep Better in Summer
We all know how difficult it can be to get comfortable when we try to sleep during a summer heatwave, so imagine how your little one feels when they can't help themselves stay cool.
Thankfully, there are some things you can do to make sure your baby is cool and comfortable throughout the night so you both get to have sweet dreams.
1. Keep an Eye on Room Temperature
First things first: monitoring your baby’s room temperature is generally good practice year-round, but it’s especially important in the summertime.
So what is the right baby sleep temperature in the UK? Well, the Lullaby Trust suggests this is between 16-20 ֯C, with babies under 12 months being particularly vulnerable when it comes to overheating.
If, like many parents, you choose to use a bedside crib to co-sleep with your baby during the first six months, keep a thermometer close by to ensure your bedroom temperature is adjusted accordingly.
If your little one sleeps in a SnüzPod, rest assured that the breathable mesh sides, which allow you to peep at them as they sleep, also help promote airflow through the mattress. A win-win!
2. Close Curtains & Blinds
Be sure to keep your bedroom curtains and blinds closed to help keep temperatures lower during the day. Doing so will also make your baby's room darker and allow them to adjust to summer sleep cycles, helping them sleep later in the morning and earlier at bedtime.
With this in mind, try shifting bedtime routines to better suit summer daylight hours and get your little one nodding off at the appropriate times.
3. Maintain Air-Flow
Wherever your baby is sleeping, ensure decent air circulation by using a fan to regulate airflow and cool the room. The sound of the fan could even act as background noise alongside your pink noise SnüzCloud Baby Sleep Aid to help your baby drift off!
However, to prevent your little one from getting too cool or being disturbed in the night, be sure your fan isn’t too close or pointing directly at them.
4. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!
Hot weather means you’re likely to be in for more night feeds.
If your baby is still breastfeeding, then they won’t need water. However, if you’re bottle-feeding, the NHS suggests incorporating a small amount of cooled boiled water into their feeding routine during particularly hot periods to keep them extra hydrated.
How to Adjust Your Baby’s Sleep Routine for Summer
Due to the change in temperature and humidity, summer bedtime routines are always going to be slightly different from winter bedtime routines.
The main emphasis is on keeping your little one cool and comfortable to help them drift off to sleep.
Baths Before Bedtime
Be sure to give your baby baths before bedtime, making sure the temperature is milder than usual so they don’t overheat. Baby powder is a great way to absorb sweat and moisture when patted lightly around your little one’s neck and/or bottom after a soak.
Just like us, your baby will sleep better if they don't feel sweaty and gross.
Swap Bedding for Thinner Materials
Swapping thick winter sheets for thinner baby bedding is crucial during summer to prevent your baby from overheating and ensure comfort.
Lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or muslin help regulate body temperature, allowing heat to escape more easily and keeping your baby cool throughout the night.
This simple change can significantly improve sleep quality and encourage natural sleep cycles, making those hot summer nights more bearable for your little one.
Our range of SnüzSurface beds is designed to be breathable and regulate your baby's temperature through the night. Using lighter sheets helps the built-in airflow technology work appropriately and can make a huge difference in hot weather.
Pair Down Layers Under Their Sleeping Bag
Reducing the layers your baby wears under their Snüz sleeping bag can significantly improve their cooling ability during summer nights.
Instead of dressing your baby in thick pyjamas or multiple layers, opt for minimal, lightweight clothing such as a short-sleeved bodysuit or even just a diaper. The sleeping bag itself provides a safe and comfortable level of warmth, so there's no need to overdo it with extra clothing.
By minimising what they wear, you allow their body heat to dissipate more effectively, ensuring they remain comfortable and less likely to overheat.
What Baby Sleeping Bag Tog is Best for Summer?
You should use a 1.0 Tog sleeping bag for summer nights. This provides a lightweight layer of warmth without being too hot, making it suitable for warmer temperatures.
Check-in on Your Little One
It's always a good idea to check in on your baby while they sleep, but even more so during warmer or colder weather. This way, you can keep an eye out for any signs they might be trying to send you. Trust that your little one will make it known if they're too hot or cool.
If you want to gauge your baby's temperature, don't check their feet or hands. Instead, a great way to do so is to lightly feel the back of their neck.
If it is dry and cool, your baby is likely resting at a comfortable temperature. If it feels damp or quite warm, consider removing layers.
For comfort and safety, your baby’s temperature should be between 36.5°C and 37.5°C. Check it regularly with a digital thermometer under the arm.
If the temperature exceeds 37.5°C, cool them down and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
Summary: Keep Your Baby Cool & Comfortable During Summer
It is crucial to ensure your baby is comfortable and cool during summer nights to maintain their health and well-being. Thanks to the SnüzPouch, your baby can stay cool and calm, even during night time nappy changes.
Remember, summertime doesn’t last forever! With time, the temperature will drop, and your baby’s bedtimes will become easier to navigate again. Keep these tips in mind, and you’re sure to get your baby’s summer bedtime routine on track in no time!
Shop our complete SnüzPouch range and give your little one the gift of a comfortable, undisturbed night's sleep.
FAQs
Yes, a baby can wear a sleep sack in summer. Opt for a low-tog sleep sack like the SnüzPouch 1.0 tog to ensure they stay cool. Pair it with lightweight clothing and monitor room temperature to maintain a comfortable sleep environment for your baby.
To keep your baby cool at night during summer, use a fan for airflow, dress them in lightweight clothing, and opt for a low-tog sleeping bag like the SnüzPouch 1.0 tog. Ensure the room temperature stays between 16-20°C and keep them hydrated if bottle-feeding.
A 1.5-tog sleeping bag may be suitable for cooler summer nights or air-conditioned rooms, but for hot weather, it's better to use a 1.0-tog or lighter. Always monitor the room temperature and adjust your baby's clothing and bedding accordingly to keep them comfortable.
Yes, a baby can overheat while sleeping. Overheating increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). To prevent this, dress your baby in lightweight clothing, use a low-tog sleeping bag, and ensure the room temperature is between 16-20°C. Always monitor your baby for signs of overheating.
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