Keeping your baby cool at night

With temperatures rising in parts of the U.S. this week, we’ve put together a helpful guide with tips to keep your little one cool at bedtime.

 

Monitor Room Temperature – Using a room thermometer can help you maintain a comfortable and safe sleep environment for your baby. The ideal nursery temperature should be between 68-72°F (20-22°C). If the room is warmer, take steps to cool it down or adjust your baby’s sleepwear to keep them comfortable.

 

Check Them Regularly – If you don’t have a room thermometer, you can check your baby’s temperature by feeling the back of their neck or tummy. Do not use their hands or feet, as these are usually cooler. If your baby’s skin feels hot or sweaty, remove one or more layers of clothing or bedding. In hot weather, check on your baby every 30 minutes.

 

Dress Appropriately – Refer to the guide below for how to dress your baby in different temperatures.

 

*57-61°F (14-16°C): A 2.5 tog sleep sack with a long-sleeved onesie & footed sleeper

*62-68°F (17-20°C): A 2.5 tog sleep sack with a long-sleeved footed sleeper

*69-73°F (21-23°C): A 1.0 tog sleep sack with a short-sleeved or long-sleeved onesie

*74-80°F (24-27°C): A 0.5 tog sleep sack with a sleeveless or short-sleeved onesie

*81°F+ (27°C+): A 0.5 tog sleep sack or just a diaper and a light short-sleeved onesie

 

Prevent Dehydration – Babies and young children need plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides the following guidelines:

 

For babies 0-6 months –

 

Exclusively breastfed babies do not need additional water before starting solid foods. However, they may want to nurse more frequently in hot weather. If bottle-feeding, you can offer small amounts of cool, boiled water in addition to their usual formula.

 

For babies 6 months and older –

 

Once solid foods are introduced, offer your baby sips of water from a cup or sippy cup with meals. In hot weather, you may need to provide additional water between meals to prevent dehydration.

 

Tips for a Cool Night

 

- Give your baby a slightly cooler bath before bedtime if they feel warm or have clammy skin.

 

- During the day, keep windows open with curtains or blinds closed to block direct sunlight. This will help cool the room several hours before bedtime.

 

- Use a fan directed at a cool wall to circulate air without blowing directly on your baby.

 

We hope these tips help give you and your little one a good night’s sleep.

 

Baa for now x