Safe Sleep During Summer
As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, parents in Bridgetown Baby’s Nurturing Circle for Growing Families ask:
How should I dress baby for summer slumbers?
Similar to our answer about dressing baby for winter sleep, we want to arm parents with good information to help keep babies safe. It’s an important question, especially when rising temperatures make it trickier to strike the right balance between comfort and safety. First and foremost, we want our babies to sleep peacefully and comfortably, but we also need to be cautious about overheating—especially in summer. It’s all about choosing the right layers and materials, and tuning into your baby’s cues.”
-Temperature
On average humans sleep best when our sleeping environment is between 64 and 72°F (17-22°C) with the ideal temperature being 68°F (20°C). This applies in summer too, and parents may need to get creative with fans, open windows, and breathable sleepwear to maintain this temperature.
If your baby’s sleep space doesn’t have a thermostat, a portable indoor thermometer or a video baby monitor with a temperature readout can help you keep tabs.
-Right Number of Layers
In warm weather, “simple is safest” still applies. One lightweight base layer—like a cotton or bamboo sleeper or bodysuit—is often enough. If your baby is still swaddled or using a sleep sack, choose a lightweight, breathable option rated for summer temperatures.
Avoid fleece or multiple layers unless you’re running an air conditioner that keeps the room cool. Your baby should be dressed in one more layer than you’d wear comfortably to sleep in the same room—so think light and breathable.
-Avoid Overheating
You may have heard the old saying: cold babies cry and hot babies die.
We know—it sounds intense! But rest assured, we’re not here to scare you. Like many old parenting adages, it’s meant to be memorable. The truth behind it? A baby who’s a little cold might fuss, but a baby who is too hot is at greater risk for serious complications, including overheating and sleep-related infant deaths.
To check your baby’s comfort level, skip the hands and feet (they run cooler) and feel their chest, back, or head instead. If your baby is warm and shows signs like:
Sweating
Damp hair
Flushed cheeks
Heat rash
Rapid breathing
Fussiness without a clear cause
…then it’s time to cool things down.
If your child feels warm or is exhibiting signs of overheating (heat rash, sweating, flushed cheeks, damp hair, rapid breathing, or restlessness/fussiness when they don’t need a diaper change and have recently been fed), these are the steps to take:
Pick them up
Dry them off
Offer them breast milk or water (age-appropriate)
Redress them in dry clothing breathable clothing (muslin, cotton, or bamboo)
Dress them in one less layer-- take away the layer that is closest to their body
-Choose Organic and Natural Materials
I’ll admit it—my children’s summer wardrobes are more carefully chosen than mine! Because babies’ skin is so sensitive and their thermoregulation is still developing, I made the choice to prioritize breathable, natural materials for their clothes, bedding, and accessories.
Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo wick moisture away from the body and allow better airflow, helping prevent rashes, dry skin, and overheating.
Did you know that in the United States pajamas that are sized 9 months to children’s size 14 must be either flame-resistant or tight fitting, because loose clothing more easily catches on fire? Some companies treat clothes with flame-retardant chemicals to meet regulations—but they don’t have to disclose which ones. Choosing organic, natural materials helps me skip that worry altogether.
Natural fibers in clothing are also more effective in regulating temperature in hot and cold weather. In warm weather, natural fibers can absorb sweat better and pull moisture away from your baby’s body. In cooler weather, natural fibers provide more effective insulation.
Look for these breathable, natural (organic) materials for summer sleep:
Cotton
Silk
Bamboo
Hemp
Linen
Other Tricks for Maintaining A Consistent Temperature for Baby’s Room
-Use a Fan
Fans not only cool the room and keep air circulating—they also double as white noise to help babies sleep longer. Just be sure it’s placed across the room and not blowing directly on your child.
-Use Window Coverings
Block out early sunrises and hot afternoon light with lightweight blackout curtains. We love Black Out EZ for both temperature control and darkness. Reflective window film or light-colored drapes can also help deflect heat and keep the room cooler.
-Close the Door
This often-overlooked tip helps maintain a stable room temperature and contributes to a safer sleep environment.
Products Full Circle Baby Loves:
Woolino Sleep Sack (Buy 1 get 1 20% off with promo code BOGO20)— Naturally temperature regulating
Kyte Baby Bamboo Sleepers— Buttery soft and breathable
SnuggleMe Organic Swaddles— Great for warm nights
Hanna Andersson organic sleepers— Save 20% on your first order
0.5 TOG Cotton Sleep Bags by Burt’s Bees— Light weight and widely available
