Keeping baby cool during summer sleep is important for your baby’s health and well being. Learning how to maintain the right temperature for a baby is something that many parents struggle with at the beginning.
Generally, we are told to dress baby in one additional layer that you are wearing yourself. But it’s still possible to overdo it, especially in warmer temperatures, which puts babies at risk for overheating – a known risk factor of SIDS.
Being too warm at night can also disrupt your baby’s sleep, so what do you do during those hot summer nights? Here are some tips for helping to keep baby cool and comfortable for a better sleep.
Use a breathe-through crib mattress
The type of crib mattress you your baby to sleep on makes a world of difference to how well your baby will sleep. A breathe-through crib mattress allows for ventilation to keep baby cool at night and during naps. The SafeSleep Breathe-Through Crib Mattress by SafeSleep features a patented airflow design that lessens the risk of overheating.
Use a summer swaddle
Some swaddles are made of a thicker, warmer material that is best used during colder months. You don’t want to use this same type of swaddle during the summer because it will be too warm for your baby.
A light and breathable swaddle like the Summer Woombie is ideal because it is made of 100% organic cotton and vented for ultra-breathability. It’s the perfect swaddle to keep your baby cool during summer sleep.
Adjust the room temperature
Before putting a baby to sleep, make sure the nursery is at a comfortable temperature. The recommended temperature is 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, but all babies are different so check on your baby to make sure he/she is comfortable.
You can use an air conditioner or a fan to keep your baby cool during hot summer nights. Make sure the air is not blowing directly towards your baby.
Check on baby
If you think your baby may be too warm, check for signs like crying, being fussy, or heat rash. Place your hand behind your baby’s neck – if it feels warm or damp, you should remove a layer of clothing or adjust the room temperature to help keep your baby cool.
Don’t give baby water
Your instinct when you see your baby sweating may be to offer water to help keep your baby cool, but babies younger than six months should never drink water. Instead, give them more breast milk or formula to keep them hydrated. In warm weather, you may find baby wants to feed more often to quench his thirst.
Keep curtains closed
It can be tempting to open the curtains during the day to let the sunlight in, but that will also make the room warmer. It’s best to leave the curtains closed to help keep your baby’s room cool and dark.
If the light is still coming into the room, you might want to consider getting blackout curtains which will block light, absorb noise, and insulate against heat.
Give baby a bath
A great way to help keep your baby cool during summer sleep is to make bath time part of baby’s sleep routine and keep the water slightly cool (not cold) during hot days. A slightly cool bath will help keep baby cool down so he will be able to sleep comfortably afterward.
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