Warm summer nights can make it difficult for everyone to sleep, especially babies. Unlike adults, babies can't regulate their body temperature as efficiently, which means they can become uncomfortable more quickly when temperatures rise.

If you're wondering how to keep your baby cool at night, the good news is that there are several simple steps you can take to help them sleep safely and comfortably.

What Temperature Should a Baby's Room Be?

The ideal room temperature for a sleeping baby is generally between 16°C and 20°C.

During a heatwave, this isn't always achievable, so the aim becomes keeping the room as cool as possible and preventing your baby from overheating.

Cool the Room Before Bedtime

One of the best ways to help your baby sleep comfortably is to prevent heat from building up in the room during the day.

Try to:

• Keep curtains, blinds, and windows closed during the hottest part of the day.
• Open windows in the evening when outdoor temperatures begin to drop.
• Create airflow through the house if it's safe to do so.
• Turn off unnecessary electrical equipment that generates heat.

Many parents find that spending a few minutes cooling the room before bedtime can make a noticeable difference.

Dress Your Baby for the Temperature

When temperatures soar, less is often more.

Depending on the room temperature, your baby may be comfortable wearing:

• Just a nappy
• A nappy and lightweight short-sleeved vest
• A lightweight bodysuit

There's no need to add extra layers "just in case." Babies who are too warm often become restless and uncomfortable.

A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in similar layers to what you feel comfortable wearing yourself.

Choose Lightweight Sleepwear

If your baby normally sleeps in a sleeping bag, choose the lowest tog rating suitable for the temperature.

Avoid:

• Heavy blankets
• Thick duvets
• Quilts
• Additional loose bedding

Always follow current safe sleep guidance when choosing nighttime bedding.

Try a Lukewarm Bath Before Bed

A lukewarm bath can help lower your baby's body temperature before sleep.

The water should feel comfortably warm rather than cold. Very cold water can have the opposite effect and may cause your baby's body to work harder to maintain its temperature.

Some babies also find a bath relaxing, making it easier to settle at bedtime.

Cool Hands and Feet

If your baby seems particularly warm, gently wiping their hands, feet, and legs with a soft cloth dampened with tepid water may help them feel more comfortable.

You can also briefly let your baby paddle their feet in a shallow bowl of tepid water while supervised.

Avoid using ice-cold water, ice packs, or anything that could make your baby too cold too quickly.

Use a Fan Safely

Fans can help circulate air around a room and make it feel cooler.

However:

• Never point a fan directly at your baby.
• Position it away from the cot.
• Ensure cords and equipment are kept safely out of reach.

The goal is to improve airflow in the room rather than create a cold draft.

Keep Your Baby Hydrated

Babies may want to feed more frequently during hot weather.

For breastfed babies, extra feeds are usually all that's needed.

For formula-fed babies, continue offering their normal feeds and follow your healthcare professional's advice if you're concerned about hydration.

Watch for signs that your baby is drinking well, such as regular wet nappies.

How Can You Tell If Your Baby Is Too Hot?

Many parents instinctively check their baby's hands and feet, but these can naturally feel cooler than the rest of the body.

Instead, gently feel:

• Their chest
• Their back
• The back of their neck

Signs your baby may be too warm include:

• Sweating
• Damp hair
• Flushed cheeks
• Fast breathing
• Restlessness

If your baby feels hot, remove a layer of clothing and continue monitoring them.

A Final Reassurance for Parents

It's completely normal to worry when temperatures rise. Most babies cope remarkably well with warm weather when dressed appropriately and given a cool sleeping environment.

Focus on keeping the room as cool as possible, avoiding overdressing, and checking your baby's chest or neck rather than their hands and feet.

A comfortable baby is far more likely to settle into a peaceful night's sleep — and hopefully, you'll get a little more sleep too.