Hot Weather, Safe Sleep: Summer Sleep Tips for Little Ones"

How to Keep Your Baby or Toddler Cool at Nap Time and Bedtime During Hot Weather

Summer can be a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, but hot weather and heatwaves can pose serious challenges when it comes to your baby or toddler’s sleep. Babies are particularly vulnerable to overheating, which not only affects their comfort and sleep quality but can also increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). With that in mind, here are some simple, safe, and effective ways to help your little one stay cool during nap time and overnight—whether they’re sleeping at home or in the pram.

🌡️ Keep Their Sleep Space Cool

The ideal room temperature for your baby to sleep in is between 16–20°C (60–68°F), according to the Lullaby Trust. In hot weather, it may be hard to keep the room that cool, but here are some tips that can help:

• Close blinds or curtains during the day to block out direct sunlight.

• Use a fan to circulate air around the room. Point it away from your baby or place it near a window to draw in cooler air.

• Open windows early in the morning and late in the evening when temperatures drop, but make sure your baby is safe from drafts.

• Consider moving naps to the coolest room in the house, even if it’s not the nursery.

  
  

👕 How to Dress Your Baby for Sleep in Hot Weather

When it’s warm, less is more. Overdressing can lead to overheating, which is a risk factor for SIDS. Here’s a simple guide to dressing your baby depending on the room temperature:

• Over 24°C (75°F and above): A nappy and short-sleeved vest may be enough. If your baby feels clammy or sweaty, remove a layer.

• 21–24°C (70–75°F): A short-sleeved bodysuit or a vest and 0.5 tog sleep sack could be appropriate.

• Below 21°C: Add a light layer, like a cotton sleepsuit with a 1.0 tog sleep sack.

Always check your baby’s chest or back—not hands or feet—to feel their core temperature. If they feel hot or sweaty, remove a layer.

☀️ Naps on the Go: Don’t Cover the Pram

If your baby or toddler naps while out in the pram, it’s tempting to drape a muslin or blanket over the top to block out light—but please don’t.

Covering a pram with a blanket, even a thin one, can cause the temperature inside the pram to rise quickly, creating a stifling and unsafe environment. This prevents air from circulating and increases the risk of overheating.

What to do instead:

• Use a pram parasol to shade your baby from direct sunlight.

• Or opt for a breathable sunshade such as a SnoozeShade, which is designed to block out 97.5% of UV rays while still allowing for airflow.

• Always ensure there is good ventilation and check on your baby frequently.

• Try to keep the pram in the shade as much as possible, and avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm).

  
  

💤 Other Helpful Cooling Tips

• Give your little one a cool bath before bed to help bring down their body temperature.

• Offer extra fluids throughout the day (breast milk, formula, or water if they’re over 6 months) to stay hydrated.

• Avoid plastic waterproof mattress covers which can trap heat. Opt for cotton sheets and breathable bedding instead.

  
  

🛑 Final Reminder

Overheating can be dangerous. If your baby is very hot to the touch, lethargic, or breathing rapidly, seek medical advice. Trust your instincts and always prioritise a cool, safe sleep space over routines when the temperatures soar.

Staying safe and cool is the top priority—and with these simple steps, you can help your baby or toddler sleep more comfortably during hot summer days and nights.