Summer Sleep Tips

Sleep expert Imogen explains how to make sure their sleep doesn’t suffer as the temperatures rise. Plus she offers expert safety advice on outdoor naps and how to manage travelling in a warmer car. 

The UK is getting gradually hotter each summer, and as a country we aren’t really set up for it! Many homes don’t have air conditioning and can get very stuffy on hot days. Not only is this tricky if you are a grown up, but also if you have little ones. So how can you manage the heat and help your baby sleep better on those hot occasions? 

My 5 Summer Sleep Top Tips

1. Keep their room cool

The best way to keep a room cool is to prevent direct sunlight from entering. So keep blinds and windows closed unless there is a cool breeze. Creating a nice air flow is important, so try using a fan with a bowl of ice in front of it to cool the circulating air. At night open doors and windows to allow the cooler breeze to circulate.

Summer Safety TIP: When using room fans, make sure they are not pointed directly at your baby.

2. Dress them appropriately

Use loose-fitting cotton layers and cotton bedclothes, which are more breathable and able to support with their temperature regulation. It may be that they are most comfortable in just a nappy and no bedding. Check out this graphic for tips on how to layer for the weather.

3. Think about feeding

You may need to feed your child more frequently to hydrate them. If they are under 6 months this would mean they need more milk than a typical day. Babies who are weaning can have a little water to help keep them hydrated. 

4. Try a warm drink for your toddler

Did you know that warm drinks actually help to cool us down? Drinking a warm drink increases the internal body temperature, which then triggers the body to cool itself down. This can make us feel more refreshed. Try a warm cup of tea for a hot grown-up and a babyccino (warm milk) for a hot toddler!

5. Keep your child comfortable

Ensure they are kept out of direct sunlight and perhaps use cool water to help regulate their body temperature. Hot days are a great time to have a sensory play with cool water. 

6. Napping outdoors in summer

When napping in the heat, place babies in a shade and use an appropriate sun shade, muslin or pram cover; their car seat or pushchair shouldn’t be covered with any blankets as this stops air circulation and can make the sleep space hotter than the outside temperature.

7. Travelling in the car in summer

Make sure you ventilate the car before getting in. Cover black car seats with a muslin to prevent them from absorbing heat before you place your baby into it. Use window shades to prevent direct sun from hitting the baby. Reduce your baby's layers before setting off. And remember to regularly hydrate your baby.

8. Keep an eye on the temperature

Did you know newborns cannot regulate their own temperature? Which means regulating and checking their temperature is really important. Using a thermometer can help accurately report the room temperature in their room and ideally this would be below 20 degrees C. If you don’t have access to a thermometer, here is what you can do: place a hand on the back of your child's neck or their chest, if this feels sticky and hot, you may need to cool them off a little by using a cool flannel or removing a layer of clothing.