🥵Sleeping during a heatwave🥵
Unless you have air conditioning, chances are your house feels very hot during a heatwave! I remember that summer a few years ago when it was 42°C!! 🥵
Here are my top tips to help your child sleep during a heatwave.
1. 🌡️Keep the Room Cool:
* Ideal room temperature: 16-20°C— but in a heat wave, just aim for as cool as possible.
* Use a fan to circulate air (point it away from baby’s face) or open windows if it’s cooler outside.
* If you have air conditioning, use it — but avoid blowing cold air directly onto baby.
2. 😴Dress Lightly:
* Dress your baby in just a lightweight cotton onesie or even just a nappy if it’s very hot.
* Skip swaddles or sleeping bags unless they are made of very breathable material (like thin muslin).
* Always feel the back of baby’s neck — if it’s sweaty or hot, they are too warm.
3. 💦Stay Hydrated:
* For a breastfed baby, offer extra feeds.
* For a formula-fed baby, offer extra bottles if needed.
* Toddlers can have water too, if they’re old enough (over 6 months).
4. 💨Cool the Room Before Bed:
* Close blinds and curtains during the day to block out heat.
* Open windows for air flow in the evening if the temperature drops.
* You can also place a frozen water bottle or a bowl of ice in front of a fan to help cool the air (safe from baby’s reach, of course).
5. 🛏️Adjust Sleep Environment:
* Choose breathable sheets — 100% cotton or muslin.
* Remove waterproof mattress protectors unless needed, as they can trap heat.
6. 🛁Cool Baths Before Bed:
* A lukewarm (not cold!) bath before bedtime can help lower their body temperature gently and relax them.
7. 👀Monitor Closely:
* Watch for signs of overheating: flushed skin, sweating, rapid breathing, or unusually restless sleep.
If all else fails… If it’s really hot and your baby is really struggling, a temporary nap or sleep in a cooler part of the house (even if it’s not their usual room) is totally fine. Sleep safety comes first 🥵😴
