With the recent warm weather, it’s important to make sure that you keep your baby cool when it's time for bed.
Ensuring your baby is sleeping safely in the hot weather is essential. There are a variety of different ways you can make sure your baby is safe, happy and healthy during the warmer months.
Parents need to make sure that their baby doesn't get too hot when the weather is warm, and use lighter bedding and clothes at night. For those who use baby sleeping bags, it’s best to check the label to make sure you’re using the right tog for the season.
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If your baby is wearing a sleepsuit, nappy or vest, it will only need a low tog sleeping bag or a sheet to sleep comfortably. For those parents who co-sleep with their baby, you must ensure you keep your own bedding away from the baby at all times.
The ideal temperature for your baby’s room
Experts recommend maintaining a temperature of between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius both in summer and in winter.
This is because temperature significantly affects the quality of your baby’s sleep. As a general rule of thumb, keep your baby’s room at a temperature that you find comfortable yourself.
It might be best to have a thermometer in the room where your baby sleeps, so you can be aware of the ambient temperature. That way, you can make adjustments to how your little one is dressed for sleep - some advanced baby monitors will have the temperature on display.
It’s not always possible to control the room temperature for your baby precisely, especially during spells of hot weather. In this case, just add or remove items of your baby’s clothing depending on how warm or cool it is.
What to dress your baby in depending on the temperature
18-20 degrees celsius - a vest and bodysuit or gown. If the room is cooler, you might prefer to use a long-sleeved bodysuit or a warmer baby sleeping bag
Over 20 degrees celsius - a short-sleeved bodysuit
If your baby shows signs of being too hot or cold, add or remove layers
How to tell if your baby is too hot or cold
- Flushed cheeks
Damp sweaty skin and/or hair
Skin feels hot (not just warm)
Restlessness
Crying
Heat rash
Signs your baby may be too cold:
Skin feels cold to the touch (but keep in mind that cooler arms, hands or feet are not necessarily a sign that your baby is too cold)
Crying
More guidance is available from the NHS here.
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