Are you wondering how to dress your baby for a comfortable and safe sleep during hot summer nights? It’s easy to think that pajamas would suffice, but overdressing can adversely affect your baby’s sleep and health. So how should you dress your baby in the summer? Let’s find out.
How can I tell if my baby is overheating?
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that babies can’t regulate their body temperature like adults can. If they’re overdressed, they’re at risk of overheating quickly. Signs that your baby may get too hot include fussiness, red ears or cheeks, and a hot, clammy neck. Heat rash is also a common side effect of overheating.
A SIDS risk
If your baby is fussier than usual, red-cheeked or eared, or seems too clammy around the neck, it’s a sign that they’re too hot. Heat rash can also occur, leading to irritation. But beyond the irritation, overheating can endanger your baby’s life, leading to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), so it’s crucial to follow safe sleep recommendations.
What is the ideal temperature for a baby’s room in Summer?
As part of your goal of creating a sleep sanctuary for your baby, remember that room temperature is very important. According to the Cleveland Clinic, keeping the temperature in your baby’s room cool is recommended, ideally between 65-70°F. Practice Safe Sleep, avoid blankets in the crib, and choose breathable cotton or linen fabric for your baby’s pajamas. Short-sleeved onesies and footed bottoms are excellent choices, and sleep sacks – wearable blankets that pose no risk of suffocation.
So, what should your baby wear to bed in the summer?
If your little one is anything like my Katie, they always run hot. So this following advice is based upon the majority. Stick to breathable fabrics like cotton, and consider a simple short-sleeved onesie or a cotton-footed sleeper. Sleep sacks are another great option that won’t pose any risks to your baby. And as a general rule, dress your baby as you would in the summertime.
I have a fantastic Baby Dressing Guide download in my Freebies for you to grab and save.
Remember, ensuring your little one gets a good night’s sleep is crucial for their growth and development. By dressing them appropriately and keeping a cool sleeping environment, you’ll be setting them up for success.
Does your sleep environment and how you dress your baby check out, yet they still frequently wake at night and take short naps during the day? Let’s chat! As a baby sleep coach, I help fantastic but tired parents get their sleep back via proven respectful sleep methods and intensive 1 on 1 support during every step of their journey. Want to find out how you can achieve a good night’s sleep once and for all? Book a call with me, and let’s chat about your unique situation and goals for your child’s sleep. Sleep is truly one of the most precious gifts of all.
Hi, I’m Jenn 👋! Baby and Toddler Sleep Coach and the Forth trimester transition specialist. I love 4-month-olds (and…all other ages and stages too). When I am not helping restore the peaceful nights for tired families around the globe, you can catch me mentoring newly certified sleep coaches and acting as a personal Uber driver for my two daughters and their very active social calendars (seriously, you think you are busy now…just wait).
