How to help your baby sleep in hot weather | Moon Bear Sleep Consultancy

When temperatures rise, it's common for babies to become more unsettled at bedtime or wake more frequently during the night. Just like adults, babies can find it harder to sleep when they're too warm.

The good news is that a few simple adjustments can help your little one stay comfortable and sleep as well as possible during hot weather.

Here are my top tips for helping your baby sleep safely and comfortably this summer.

1. Aim for a comfortable room temperature

The ideal room temperature for baby sleep is 16–20°C.

A room thermometer can be really helpful during warmer weather, as it's often difficult to judge how warm a room actually is.

Don't worry if your baby's room occasionally goes above this during a heatwave, just use the following tips to help keep them as comfortable as possible.

2. Keep the room cool during the day

Prevention is often better than trying to cool a room down once it's already hot. Try to:

• Close curtains or blinds before the sun reaches the room.

• Open windows when the outside temperature is cooler, such as early morning or late evening (ensuring your baby remains safe).

• Keep bedroom doors open where appropriate to improve airflow.

Small changes throughout the day can make bedtime much more comfortable.

3. Consider a slightly cooler bath before bed

If your baby enjoys a bath as part of their bedtime routine, try making it 1–2°C cooler than usual.

This can help lower their body temperature before sleep while still keeping the routine familiar and calming.

There's no need for a cold bath, just slightly cooler than normal.

4. Use a fan safely

Fans can be a great way to improve air circulation. Position the fan so it moves air around the room, but never blows directly onto your baby.

Some parents also find it helpful to place frozen water bottles in front of a fan to help cool the air slightly, although the most important thing is good airflow rather than creating cold air.

5. Dress your baby for the temperature

When it's hot, less is often more. Depending on the room temperature a 0.5 TOG or 0.2 TOG sleeping bag may be appropriate. On particularly hot nights, a nappy alone may be all your baby needs.

Always check your baby's chest or back (rather than hands or feet) to judge whether they're comfortably warm.

6. Keep fluids up

Babies can become thirstier during hot weather. Continue offering feeds as normal, and if your child is old enough for water, encourage regular drinks throughout the day.

It's also completely normal for babies to wake more frequently overnight for milk or water (where age-appropriate) when temperatures are high, so don’t worry if your little one needs more night feeds. The most important thing is to keep them hydrated and comfortable.

7. Never cover a pram with a blanket

Although it may seem like it provides shade, covering a pram with a blanket can quickly trap heat and reduce airflow, causing temperatures inside the pram to rise significantly.

Instead use the pram's built-in sunshade, try to keep air circulating and stay in the shade wherever possible. Snoozeshades are also brilliant for sun and sleep shades for babies.

Remember: Hot weather is temporary

If your baby's sleep suddenly feels more unsettled during a heatwave, try not to panic.

Warmer nights often lead to lighter sleep, more frequent waking and shorter naps. This doesn't mean you've done anything wrong or that your baby's sleep routine has disappeared.

Once temperatures return to normal, many babies naturally settle back into their usual sleep patterns.

If you're finding sleep particularly challenging, remember you don't have to struggle on your own.

Safe sleep reminder: Always follow current safe sleep guidance from The Lullaby Trust, including placing your baby on their back to sleep and avoiding overheating. If you're ever concerned about your baby's health during hot weather, seek medical advice.

Need a little extra support?

I'm Vicky, founder of Moon Bear Sleep Consultancy, providing gradual, responsive and evidence-based baby and toddler sleep support for families in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Crowborough and the surrounding areas.

If you'd like personalised support with your little one's sleep, I'd love to help.

Book a free discovery call to find out more.