Too Hot to Sleep? How to Help Your Baby or Toddler Sleep Better in the Summer Heat

Too Hot to Sleep? How to Help Your Baby or Toddler Sleep Better in the Summer Heat

Long sunny days, sticky nights, and restless little ones… sound familiar? When summer temperatures rise, even the best sleepers can struggle. Babies and toddlers are particularly sensitive to heat, and as parents, we often find ourselves wondering:

“Is it too warm for them to sleep?”
“Do I need to leave the fan on?”
“What’s the right sleepwear for this weather?”

Let’s break it down with practical, safe, and soothing sleep tips for those hot summer nights.

Why Heat Affects Baby & Toddler Sleep

Babies can't regulate their body temperature like adults. A room that feels warm to us can be overheating for them. This can lead to:

• More night wakings

• Trouble settling

• Increased risk of dehydration or overheating

The goal is to create a cool, comfortable sleep space that supports healthy rest without needing to air-condition the whole house.

7 Practical Summer Sleep Tips

1. Keep the Room Cool – Naturally
During the day, close curtains or blackout blinds to block the sun with windows left open just a crack.

At night, use a fan (safely placed) to circulate air. This should not be pointed straight at your child. Remember, the aim is to cool the room not freeze your child.

💡 Hack: Place a bowl of ice in front of the fan for DIY air conditioning just before bed.

2. Choose Light, Breathable Sleepwear
Stick to natural fibres like cotton or bamboo.
🧼 Rule of thumb: If it’s 24°C+ (75°F+), a nappy and short-sleeve bodysuit may be enough. Monitor the temperature overnight and be prepared to add a layer if the temperature drops.

3. Limit Naps in Hot Spaces
If your child naps in a hot upstairs room, consider a cooler location — even downstairs in a travel cot. Heat rises, and daytime sun can quickly warm up top floors.

-Also be mindful of places covers on pushchairs. Covering open spaces can very quickly become dangerous so ensure there is airflow and consider getting an approved sun shade such as a snoozeshade.

4. Hydration is Key
Offer more breastfeeds or bottles during the day. For toddlers, encourage regular sips of water.
🚫 Avoid sugary or icy treats right before bed — they can cause energy spikes. If your little one is still feeding through the night, this may increase during heat waves.

5. Adjust Bedtime if Needed
If the heat is causing crankiness, aim for a slightly earlier bedtime. Overtiredness + heat = extra meltdowns.

6. Consider a Lukewarm Bath
Not cold! A lukewarm bath 30 minutes before bed can bring down body temp and cue sleep.

7. Know the Signs of Overheating
Feel the back of the neck — if it’s sweaty or hot, your little one may be too warm. Other signs include flushed cheeks, rapid breathing, or restlessness.

Bonus: Summer Sleep Travel Tips

If you're travelling, bring your sleep tools:

• Portable fan

• Travel blackout blinds

• Familiar sleepwear

• White noise
  Routine + comfort = better sleep anywhere, even in a new (warm) space.

Final Thoughts

Hot weather doesn't have to mean sleepless nights. With the right strategies, you can keep your child cool, calm, and rested — no matter how high the temps rise.

👉 Need help adjusting your routine for summer?
Take the FREE sleep quiz now and get a custom plan tailored to your child.