With summertime temperatures and more daylight, your baby may need a few adjustments in order to be comfortable and safe for overnight sleep. Parenting requires constant adjustments, not just because your baby is constantly learning new skills, but also because each season may call for something different. This blog offers a guide to navigating summer sleep with your baby, especially for folks with babies under the age of 1.

Disclaimer and Content Warning: This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult with your child’s medical provider about any questions you have about creating a safe sleep space for your baby. Additionally, there is a brief mention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Ways to Keep Baby Comfortable and Safe Overnight

Overheating is a known SIDS risk, so it is important to keep baby cool enough throughout the night, as well as during naps. If you notice that your baby is sweaty on the back of their neck while sleeping, they are too warm. Do what you can to make adjustments to help keep baby cool as they sleep. The list below offers 7 ideas for supporting baby’s sleep during the summer.

1. Stay aware of inside temperatures. It can be helpful to use a standalone thermometer in the room where baby sleeps, as many home thermostats aren’t precise, especially if they use an average of sensors in different rooms. Ideally, the inside temperature should be68°-72°if baby sleeps in their own sleep space and60°-68° if you are bedsharing.
2. Encourage air flow in baby’s sleep space.You can keep air circulating in various ways including utilizing a fan or opening a window (if it makes sense in your climate).
3. Check TOG ratings on swaddles and sleep sacks. TheThermal Overall Grade, commonly known as the TOG, rates how much heat the material can retain. If your home runs warmer than 68°-72°, it is advisable to use a lower TOG swaddle– 0.2-0.5. Some people opt to use wool sleep sacks, which can be used in all temperatures. If you are bedsharing, note that baby should not be swaddled, as they obtain more heat from your body.
4. Adjust baby’s clothing as needed for home temperature.If your home or climate is warmer than the recommended ranges, ensure that baby is dressed lightly or even in just a diaper. You may also consider using sheets that are made of cotton or other natural fibers, which are more breathable.
5. Keep the room as dark as possible.With later sunsets, it is sometimes light out when it’s time for baby to go to sleep. Blackout curtains can be helpful in creating a more soothing and sleep-ready environment. It is also helpful to minimize daytime sunlight in the bedroom, such that the temperature doesn’t rise as much during the day, causing the room to be too warm at the start of the night.
6. Use a white noise machine.This can be another tool for ensuring the environment is as calm as possible for baby’s bedtime. White noise may offer a sleep cue and help baby understand that it is time for bed. Sometimes the world is up a bit later and things are a little louder outside during the summer, so placing the white noise machine near a window may help decrease disruptive sounds.
7. Ensure that baby is hydrating during the day. If you are spending time outside, ensure baby is getting enough hydration. They may need extra bottle feeds or nursing sessions to get enough hydration. Sometimes in the heat babies prefer smaller more frequent feeds, so tune in to what baby is telling you. If your baby is between 6 and 12 months of age and is eating solids, they may also drink small amounts of water. After 12 months, a minimum of 8 oz./day is recommended.

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*Photo credit:Leah Newhouse onPexels