Extremely hot weather can understandably be a real worry for new parents. Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as efficiently as older children and adults, so when the heat rises, it’s important to pay attention to how they’re dressed and what they’re sleeping in to keep them comfortable and safe. When you’re used to dressing and putting your baby to sleep a certain way, making changes to your routine can feel daunting. But with these quick-fire tips, we’re here to help your baby sleep soundly all summer.
Dress them in fewer clothes
During a heatwave, you must dress baby appropriately to prevent overheating. If the temperature in their room is above 24 degrees, consider putting them in just a nappy. If baby doesn’t like this, put them in a vest or lightweight 0.5 tog sleeping bag to provide a single layer over them. You should also remove any unnecessary bedding from their cot to allow the air to circulate around them. Avoid swaddling the baby as that can make them even hotter, and remove any waterproof sheets, which can trap the warmth in and make them overheat.
Keep their room cool
If the room your baby sleeps in is particularly hot, consider moving them to a cooler part of the home. If you can’t do that, take steps to keep the room they’re in cool. During the heat of the day, you’re better off keeping the windows and curtains closed to keep the heat out. If the temperature drops for baby’s nighttime sleep, open as many windows as possible to create a flow of air, but keep the curtains or blinds partially closed to keep any direct sunlight out. Popping a bowl of ice in front of a fan is a simple way to create a cool flow of air.
Keep them hydrated
Babies need to drink more to stay hydrated in hot weather. If you’re breastfeeding, they may want more feeds throughout the night, but you only need to give them breastmilk as it’s just as hydrating as water. If you’re bottle-feeding, you can give them some cooled boiled water throughout the day as well as their usual feeds. If they wake during the night, they’ll probably want milk.
Check for signs of overheating
There are a few common signs of overheating that you should look out for. If you notice any of these symptoms, take the steps we describe below to bring your baby’s temperature down. And if the symptoms don’t improve, contact your doctor. Indicators of a hot baby include:
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Flushed or red skin
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Warm to the touch
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Sweaty neck or damp hair
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Heat rash
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Rapid heartbeat
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Fast breathing
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Restless and unable to sleep
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Lethargic
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Vomiting
Cool them down
When checking baby’s temperature, feel the back of their neck or their chest. If they’re too warm, stay calm and take the following steps to bring their temperature down safely:
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Feed them breastmilk or formula. Give them sips of cooled boiled water if you’re bottle-feeding and they’re not taking the formula.
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Apply a cool flannel to their forehead. This is a good tip if your baby is upset, as the crying can make them even hotter.
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Give them a lukewarm bath (not cold) to bring their temperature down.
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Take off layers of clothing or bedding.
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Move them to a cooler room.
And be careful when you’re out
It’s not just the nighttime sleep you need to be aware of when the temperatures start to soar. If you’re out and about in hot temperatures, take care if baby falls asleep in the buggy or a car seat, as these environments can be very hot and have poor air circulation. Keep baby in the shade as much as possible and avoid putting a blanket or cover over the buggy as it can reduce the air circulation. You should also get in the habit of staying indoors during the hottest part of the day and having daytime naps at home whenever you can.
Want to discuss this or any other aspect of your baby or toddler’s sleep with a qualified sleep consultant? Then find out more from the Sweet Dreams team and book your free, 30-minute sleep consultation.
