Help your baby sleep safe and well in the heat

12th June 2024 0 Comments

Our top tips to help your baby sleep well in the heat…

We all know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep, and room temperature plays a big role in this. Hot temperatures can make it hard for our bodies to cool down, and humid nights can lead to restless sleep and frequent waking. Even those who usually sleep well can struggle when it’s hot outside.

As the temperatures rise, here are some tips to help your little one sleep comfortably in the heat:

The ideal room temperature

In the summer months, it can be very difficult to keep your baby’s bedroom within the ideal range of 16 to 20 degrees C.
Not only do we sleep better in a cooler temperature, but more importantly research has shown the chance of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot.

How to cool the bedroom

Curtains and Blinds: Keep them shut during the day to block out the heat.
Windows: If it’s hotter outside than inside, keep the windows closed. When it cools down at night, open the windows to let in the cooler air if it’s safe to do so.
Fans: Use a fan to pre-cool the bedroom. Place it at a low level near a window to circulate cooler air, but make sure it’s not blowing directly on your baby.
Shared Room: Since you’ll be sharing the room with your baby for the first 6 months, a cooler room will be more comfortable for both of you. Plus, you can easily monitor the room temperature.

Checking the Room Temperature

Since 16 to 20 degrees Celsius can feel quite cool, the best way to keep track of your baby’s room temperature is with a room thermometer.

Keeping Your Baby Cool

Cooling Bath: Give your baby a cooling bath at bedtime.
Light Bedding: Use lighter bedding or none at all.
Sleeping Bags: If you use a baby sleeping bag, check the tog rating to ensure it’s suitable for the temperature.
Light Sleepwear: Dress your baby in light cotton sleepwear, with no more than one layer more than you would wear in that environment.

Checking if Your Baby is Too Hot

Babies often have cool hands and feet, so the best way to check their body temperature is by feeling the back of their neck or their chest. If your baby feels hot or sweaty, remove a layer of clothing or bedding.

Keeping Your Baby Hydrated

Just like adults, babies need plenty of fluids in the heat.

Breastfeeding: If you’re breastfeeding, there’s no need to give extra water until your baby starts solids, but they may want to nurse more often.
Bottle Feeding: If you’re bottle feeding, along with their regular milk feeds, offer some cooled boiled water. They might also wake up more often for milk during the night.

With these tips, you can help ensure your little one stays comfortable and sleeps well, even on the hottest nights.

Written by Mandy Gurney RGN.RM.DipHV.

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