Summer is finally upon us (whoop!), and now that the weather is warmer, one question I have been asked a lot recently is “what should I dress my baby in for bed?”.
As babies can’t tell us whether they’re too hot or cold, it’s up to us to make sure they’re as comfortable as possible, no matter what season it is, but how can you ensure that they’re comfortable and cool during the hot summer nights?
First things first. Ideally, we want to keep the temperature of their bedroom between 16°C and 20°C at night.
However, this might be difficult when the weather is really hot.
Here are some things you can do to help keep the room at the optimal temperature:
- Use a fan placed well away from baby and don’t let it point/ blow directly on them
- Open doors and windows (if safe to do so) to help ensure fresh airflow
- Keep blinds/ curtains closed during the day to help keep the room as cool as possible but you can open them again at night, to help with airflow
If you’re concerned about what baby should be wearing in bed, depending on the temperature, see the below guide for advice on what layers babies should have on:
Now remember, the information above is for guidance only and babies can respond differently to temperatures. I therefore recommend that you regularly check your baby to see if they feel too hot or cold.
If they feel sweaty and the room is hot, remove a layer. If the room is too cold, baby might feel cool to the touch and may also be unsettled. If you think they’re too cold, add a layer.
Babies feeling too hot or cold is one of the reasons for early wakes, so if your baby keeps waking up too early, it’s worth checking the temperature of the room.
Want more support?
If you’d like support with your little one’s sleep routine, I offer a range of packages and guides, designed to suit all needs and budgets. I have helped HUNDREDS of families with their babies and young children and I would love to help you too.
