Helping Your Baby Sleep Soundly in the Summer

Getting your little one to sleep can be difficult at the best of times, and summer heat and humidity present challenges of their own. As the heat rises, so too can stress levels. 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 and you’ll be fanning away your summer sleep worries in no time!

Keep an Eye on Room Temperature

First things first: monitoring your baby’s room temperature is generally good practice, but it’s especially important in the summertime. The Lullaby Trust suggests the ideal sleeping temperature for babies 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 their first six months, ensure your bedroom temperature is adjusted accordingly by keeping a thermometer close by.

If your little one sleeps in a SnuzPod, rest assured knowing the breathable mesh sides that allow you to peep them as they sleep, also help promote airflow.

Close Curtains & Blinds

To help keep temperatures lower during the day, be sure to keep your bedroom curtains and blinds closed. Doing so will also allow your baby to adjust to summer sleep cycles, helping them sleep later in the morning, and earlier at bed times.

LWith this in mind, try shifting bedtime routines to better suit summer daylight hours, and to get your little one nodding off at the appropriate times.

Maintain Air-Flow

Wherever your baby is sleeping, ensure decent air circulation by using a fan to regulate air-flow and cool the room. The sound of the fan could even act as white noise alongside your sleep aid to help your baby drift off! However, be sure your fan isn’t too close or pointing directly at your little one to prevent them getting too cool.

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. Dusting powders are a great way to absorb sweat and moisture when patted lightly around your little one’s neck and/or bottom after a soak.

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.

Choosing the Right Sleepwear

How you dress your little one for bed will very much depend on the temperature of the room they're sleeping in. If you have air conditioning or a fan to cool the room, opt for a sleepsuit and a low tog sleeping bag, such as our 0.5-1 tog SnuzPouch designs. For more advice on baby sleeping bags, check out our tog guide here.

Check in with 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're wanting to get a feel for their temperature, don't check their feet or hands. Instead, a great way to check temperature is by lightly feeling the back of their neck. If it is dry and cool, your baby is likely resting at a comfortably temperature. If it feels at all damp or quite warm, consider removing layers.

Remember, summertime doesn’t last forever! With time, your baby’s bedtimes should become easier to navigate. Keep these tips in mind, and you’re sure to get your baby’s summer bedtime routine on track in no time!