Herbie Murray
Keeping newborns comfortable in summer can be challenging, especially when it comes to sleep. The key is to focus on the room's temperature rather than the outside weather. The ideal room temperature for newborns is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C). Newborns should be dressed in lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo to prevent overheating. They can be swaddled in thin, breathable cotton or muslin material, ensuring their head remains uncovered. As they grow older, they can be dressed in short-sleeved bodysuits or rompers, and layers can be adjusted according to the room's temperature. Sleep sacks are also a popular choice, providing a snug fit and temperature regulation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C) |
| Clothing material | Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking |
| Clothing type | Pajamas, sleep sacks, swaddles, sleep suits, sleep bags, bodysuits, rompers, leggings, diapers |
| Fabric type | Cotton, bamboo, EcoVero™, muslin, organic cotton |
| Additional tips | Avoid hats, blankets, and loose clothing; monitor baby's core body heat; maintain hydration; use fans and open windows to cool the room |
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What You'll Learn
Dressing for room temperature
When it comes to newborn sleep in the summer, the temperature of the room is more important than the outside weather. It is recommended to keep the room temperature between 68°F and 72°F (20-22°C). If the room is cooler, at around 18-20°C, a long-sleeved newborn sleepsuit with a slightly thicker 1.5 TOG sleeping bag is ideal.
To avoid overheating, opt for loose-fitting, breathable sleepwear. Natural fabrics like cotton, bamboo, and muslin are excellent choices as they allow air circulation, preventing your baby from getting too hot and sweaty. They are also gentle on delicate skin. Choose sleepwear with gentle elastic at the waist and cuffs to ensure a comfortable fit without constricting your baby's movements.
Layering is key, as it allows you to quickly add or remove layers to adjust to your baby's temperature. Depending on the temperature, you can pair a short-sleeved bodysuit with leggings or a lightweight sleepsuit with a breathable 0.5 TOG sleeping bag. You can also swaddle your baby, which provides a sense of security and helps reduce their startle reflex. Just ensure their head remains uncovered to help them stay cool.
Additionally, giving your baby a lukewarm bath before bed can help them start out at the right temperature, and keeping the curtains closed and the windows open will also aid in keeping the room cool.
NHS Guide: Safe Sleepwear for Newborns
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Breathable fabrics
When it comes to newborn sleep in the summer, breathable fabrics are key. Newborns are sensitive to temperature changes and are unable to regulate their body temperature, so it's important to keep them cool and comfortable. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, which is gentle on delicate skin and allows air circulation to prevent overheating. Organic cotton is ideal as it is breathable, hypoallergenic, and sustainably made. Cotton muslin is also a good choice for swaddling as it is super breathable and offers ample flexibility for easy wrapping and tucking.
Another option is bamboo, which is naturally breathable, thermoregulating, and moisture-wicking. A blend of cotton and bamboo is also suitable for low TOG swaddles, sleep suits, or sleep bags. TOG stands for "Thermal Overall Grade" and indicates the temperature the sleepwear is suitable for. A lower TOG rating is preferable for summer sleepwear.
Sleep sacks are a popular choice for newborns in the summer as they help regulate the child's temperature throughout the night and offer a similar sensation to being swaddled. They can be used with just a diaper or with an additional layer underneath. It is important to choose a sleep sack without sleeves or one that can be left open around the legs to prevent overheating.
Layering is also key when dressing a newborn for summer sleep. This enables you to quickly add or remove layers to ensure your baby is comfortable. The number of layers will depend on the baby's health, physiology, and the temperature of the room. It is recommended to dress your baby in one additional layer than you would wear yourself.
Lastly, remember that the most important factor in determining how to dress your newborn for sleep in the summer is the temperature of their room, not the outside temperature. Keep the room cool and comfortable, between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C).
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Swaddling
When swaddling in the summer, it is crucial to use lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton, muslin, or bamboo. These materials allow for ample flexibility, making them ideal for easy wrapping and tucking. Additionally, they help regulate the baby's temperature, preventing overheating, which is a significant risk during the summer. It is recommended to opt for low TOG ratings when choosing summer swaddles, sleepsuits, or sleep bags.
The key consideration when swaddling in the summer is to ensure your baby's head remains uncovered. The baby's body heat escapes through the head, so keeping it uncovered helps them stay cool. It is also essential to monitor your baby's temperature regularly. The best way to do this is by feeling the back of their neck or tummy—it should feel cool and dry. If it feels hot or sticky, your baby is likely too warm, and you should adjust their clothing or the room's temperature.
When deciding what to dress your baby in underneath the swaddle, consider the temperature of the room. In warmer climates, a diaper or a short-sleeved bodysuit might be sufficient. In cooler environments, you can add layers, such as leggings or a lightweight zip-up sleeper, to ensure your baby doesn't get too cold.
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Sleep sacks
When choosing a sleep sack for the summer, it is important to select one made from lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric to prevent overheating. Fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, or muslin are ideal as they are gentle on the skin and allow for ample flexibility. It is also recommended to choose sleep sacks with lower TOG ratings, indicating a thinner fabric more suitable for warmer temperatures.
The appropriate TOG rating for your newborn's sleep sack will depend on the temperature of their room. If the room is cooler, around 18-20°C, a 1.5 TOG sleep sack can be used. In warmer rooms, a 0.5 TOG sleep sack is more suitable. It is a good idea to have a few sleep sacks with different TOG ratings to accommodate varying room temperatures. Additionally, ensure that your newborn's head remains uncovered during sleep, as this helps regulate their body temperature.
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Safe sleep practices
When it comes to newborn sleep in the summer, the temperature and clothing are important considerations. Here are some safe sleep practices to ensure your newborn stays comfortable and safe:
Temperature Control:
- Keep the room temperature cool: Aim for a range of 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C).
- Dress your newborn based on the temperature of their room, not the outside weather.
- Check your newborn's temperature by feeling the back of their neck or tummy. It should feel cool and dry. If it's hot or sticky, they might be too warm.
- Newborns are sensitive to temperature changes, so monitor them regularly and adjust their clothing or the room temperature accordingly.
Safe Sleep Environment:
- Always place your newborn on their back to sleep. Sleeping on their belly or side increases the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Use a firm mattress in a safe crib with tightly fitted sheets. Ensure the crib has slats no wider than 2-3/8 inches apart and sides that do not drop down.
- Keep the crib clear of any loose items that could cause suffocation, such as blankets, pillows, bedding, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys.
- Do not bed-share with your newborn. Bed sharing increases the risk of suffocation and SUIDS. Instead, room-sharing is recommended, where your newborn sleeps in the same room as you on a separate, safe surface like a bassinet, crib, or portable play yard.
- Use a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead of loose blankets to keep your newborn warm.
- Avoid using products that claim to reduce the risk of SUIDS, such as wedges or baby positioners, unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Clothing and Fabric Choice:
- Choose lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics such as cotton, organic cotton, or bamboo. These fabrics help regulate your newborn's temperature and prevent overheating.
- Opt for short-sleeved and short-legged bodysuits, rompers, or just a diaper/nappy on warmer nights. You can layer with leggings or a lightweight sleepsuit if needed.
- If swaddling, use lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin. Ensure your newborn's head is not covered, as it needs to stay uncovered to help them regulate their body temperature.
- Go for lower TOG ratings when choosing summer sleepwear, such as swaddles, sleepsuits, or sleep bags.
Frequently asked questions
The most important thing to remember is to dress your newborn according to the temperature of their room, not the outside. Newborns should be dressed in lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or bamboo to keep them cool.
The ideal room temperature for a newborn in the summer is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C). If the room is cooler, around 18-20°C, a long-sleeved newborn sleepsuit with a thicker 1.5 TOG sleeping bag is recommended.
Sleep sacks are baby-sized sleeping bags that are snug around the torso with a loose pouch of fabric around the baby's lower body and legs. They are useful in the summer as they help regulate the baby's temperature throughout the night and prevent them from getting cold when the temperature drops.
To check your baby's temperature, feel the back of their neck or tummy—it should be cool and dry. If it's hot or sticky, they're likely too warm. Other signs of overheating include heat rash, restlessness, and rapid breathing.
