Miya Pearson
As a new parent, it's normal to worry about your baby's sleep, and when summer comes around, you'll want to ensure your little one stays cool and comfortable. The ideal room temperature for a baby to sleep in is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C), and you should dress them in one more layer than you're wearing yourself. It's important to prioritise lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo, which will help prevent your baby from overheating. You can also use a sleep sack or swaddle, which is like a wearable blanket, to keep your baby snug without the risk of loose blankets covering their face.
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What You'll Learn
Dress for the room temperature
The ideal room temperature for a baby to sleep in is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C). If the room is at this temperature, your baby should wear a diaper, comfy long-sleeved pyjamas, and a lightweight wearable blanket or
If the room is warmer, you can adjust what your baby wears accordingly. For example, if the room is 75°F, you could use a 1.0 TOG sleep sack, or if it's 81°F, you could use a 0.2 TOG product. TOG stands for "thermal overall grade", and the higher the TOG, the warmer the fabric. On very warm nights, lightweight, breathable sleepwear is ideal. You could use a cotton bodysuit or lightweight cotton pyjamas, for example.
If the room is cooler, you can add layers under your baby's sleep sack or opt for a sleep sack with a higher TOG rating. You can also use the inner band from the swaddle, which is designed to give your baby plenty of airflow while keeping them safely swaddled.
It's important to avoid overdressing your baby, as this can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It's also important to avoid loose clothing, as this can cover your baby's face and impact their ability to breathe.
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Choose breathable fabrics
When preparing your 3-month-old for sleep during the summer, it is important to choose breathable fabrics that will keep them comfortable and safe. Overheating has been linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), so it is crucial to select fabrics that will keep your baby cool.
Natural fabrics are often more breathable and comfortable for your baby. Cotton is a popular choice for baby clothing because it is soft, durable, hypoallergenic, and breathable. It is gentle on delicate skin and ideal for babies with sensitive skin or allergies. Cotton is easy to care for and can withstand high temperatures during washing, making it hygienic. However, cotton may lose its shape over time, so it is important to invest in good quality cotton products. Cotton jersey, which includes a small percentage of elastane, provides ease of movement, while organic cotton is an eco-friendly option grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides.
Another natural fabric option is wool, which has excellent insulating and temperature regulation properties. Wool can keep babies warm in colder conditions while ensuring they don't overheat. It is highly breathable and moisture-wicking, making it suitable for both warm and cold climates. However, care must be taken to choose high-quality, fine wool to avoid potential skin irritation. Merino wool, in particular, is known for being soft and gentle against delicate skin.
Bamboo is another versatile and highly absorbent fabric option for baby clothing. It is extremely soft, has thermo-regulation abilities, and is hypoallergenic. Bamboo fabric ensures your baby stays dry, but it can be expensive and requires special care to retain its shape and softness.
Other breathable fabric options include muslin, a lightweight cotton fabric often used for swaddles and summer clothes, and modal, a kind of rayon that is soft, stretchy, and comfortable. Linen, made from flax plants, is also known for its lightweight and absorbent properties, while also being hypoallergenic.
When choosing sleepwear for your 3-month-old baby during the summer, it is best to avoid fabrics like polyester, nylon, or thick, heavy, or scratchy fabrics that lack breathability. Prioritize lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or muslin to ensure your baby's comfort and safety during the warm summer nights.
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Avoid loose clothing
When dressing your 3-month-old baby for sleep in the summer, it is important to avoid loose clothing. Loose clothing can ride up and dangerously cover your baby's face during sleep, increasing the risk of suffocation or strangulation. This includes loose layers, sheets, blankets, hats, and other head coverings. Instead, opt for snug-fitting PJs made from lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or natural fibres. These fabrics allow for air circulation, preventing your baby from getting too hot and sweaty during the night.
The ideal room temperature for a baby's sleep is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C). However, this may vary depending on your home's unique temperature fluctuations. To determine if your baby is dressed appropriately, feel their core (chest, neck, back, and tummy). It should feel warm, but not sweaty. If your baby's core feels cool, consider adding a layer, such as a onesie under their pajamas or a sleep sack with a higher TOG rating.
It is important to note that a baby's sleepwear should be based on the temperature of the room. Dress your baby in one additional layer than you would wear yourself. For example, if you are wearing a t-shirt and a sheet, your baby might wear a short-sleeved onesie and a lightweight swaddle or sleep sack. This will help prevent overheating, which has been linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Additionally, avoid using a swaddle once your baby can roll over, as it restricts their arm movement, which they need to safely flip over. Instead, opt for a wearable blanket or sleep sack that does not restrict their movement. These products can be safe and effective alternatives to loose blankets, providing warmth and comfort without the associated risks.
By following these guidelines and avoiding loose clothing, you can ensure your 3-month-old baby stays safe and comfortable during sleep in the summer.
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Layer appropriately
When it comes to putting your baby to sleep in the summer, layering appropriately is key. The ideal room temperature for a baby to sleep in is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C). However, the temperature can fluctuate during the night, especially between 4 am and 6 am. If you are unable to control the temperature in your baby's room, you can adjust their clothing accordingly.
A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing yourself. For example, if you are wearing a t-shirt and a sheet to bed, your baby might wear a onesie and a lightweight swaddle or sleep sack. However, it is important to note that a baby's fingers and toes are not a good indicator of warmth. Instead, feel their core (chest, neck, back, and tummy). If their core feels warm but not sweaty, and not cold, then you've dressed them appropriately.
On warmer nights, opt for lightweight, breathable sleepwear for your baby. Natural fabrics like cotton or muslin are excellent choices as they allow air circulation, preventing your baby from getting too hot and sweaty during the night. You can also choose from a range of TOG-rated sleep sacks or swaddles to suit the room temperature. The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleep sack. Sleep suits with short sleeves or sleeveless designs also provide optimal air circulation, preventing overheating on warm nights.
It is important to avoid overdressing your baby as this can lead to overheating, which is especially dangerous for babies as it has been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Signs that your baby is too hot while sleeping include sweaty necks or hair, flushed cheeks, and a clammy or sweaty core.
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Assess baby's core temperature
It is important to assess a baby's core temperature to ensure they are not at risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or other concerns like heat rash. A baby's normal body temperature ranges from 95.8 to 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit (36.7 to 37.9 degrees Celsius) or 98 to 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit when taken rectally. A temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is considered a fever and requires urgent medical attention, especially for babies under 3 months old.
To assess a baby's core temperature, lightly touch their chest, back, neck, or tummy. If these areas feel cool to the touch, you can add a layer of clothing or opt for thicker jammies. If their core feels warm, they may be overheating, and you should consider removing a layer or switching to a sleep sack with a lower TOG rating. TOG is a unit of measurement that indicates the warmth of clothing or blankets, with higher ratings providing more warmth.
Other signs that your baby may be too hot include flushed or red skin, damp or sweaty hair, and unusual behaviour such as vomiting. It is important to monitor the room temperature and dress your baby appropriately for the season, using breathable materials like cotton or lightweight wool. Keep the room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 degrees Celsius), and no higher than 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23.8 degrees Celsius).
If you are ever in doubt about your baby's temperature or concerned about overheating, consult your pediatrician.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal room temperature for a baby to sleep in is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C). You should dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing yourself. On warmer nights, a onesie and a lightweight swaddle or sleep sack should be sufficient. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or bamboo blends.
TOG stands for "thermal overall grade". The higher the TOG, the warmer the fabric. For room temperatures between 75°F to 81°F, a 0.2 TOG product is ideal. For 68°F to 75°F, use a 1.0 TOG product, and so on.
If your baby's neck or hair is sweaty, or their cheeks are flushed, they are probably too warm. Their core (chest, neck, back, and tummy) should feel warm but not sweaty.
Avoid loose clothing as it can ride up and cover your baby's face. Do not add blankets, hats, pillows, stuffed animals, or anything loose to the crib.
Sleepsuits with short sleeves or sleeveless designs provide optimal air circulation. Lightweight, moisture-wicking materials such as bamboo keep your baby cool and dry.
