Warm Seasons And Sleep! How Heat Can Impact A Baby Or Toddler’s Ability To Sleep Well And Safely.

Being a live music producer, coming in late night hours is common and as you know, a sleeping baby is a blessing. But this excessive heat we are going through can change everything so here's a few tips from Tara Mitchell, RN & sleep consultant for Riff Raff Baby

As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and former Registered Nurse specializing in Pediatrics for over 17 years, I’ve supported thousands of families through all kinds of sleep challenges and one of the most overlooked issues I see every Summer is how heat can impact a baby or toddler’s ability to sleep well and safely.

Whether you’re navigating heatwaves, trying to cool down a warm nursery, or figuring out what your baby should wear when the air conditioner is on, this is your go-to guide for helping your little one sleep safely and comfortably through summer.

***Always follow NICHD safe sleep guidelines

1. Body Temperature Drops at Sleep Onset- So Keep It Cool (But Not Cold)

It’s important to know that body temperature naturally drops when we fall asleep. This helps our bodies settle and stay asleep more easily. So if your baby or toddler is too warm when you’re putting them down, they may struggle to fall into a deep, restful sleep. This is why I recommend keeping the room temperature cool to neutral. You could use a fan or air conditioning at the beginning of the night, especially when it's still warm from the day, then reassess the temperature if it remains on later in the night. As their body temperature drops, we want to focus on keeping the room neutral - cool.

2. Dress for the Room Temperature, not solely the day temp.

I always tell families to dress their baby for the temperature of the room, it may be 95F outside, but with their air conditioning on in the room, it may be a lot cooler. This is when I recommend TOG-rated sleepwear and sleeping bags to ensure you can better understand what they may be best to wear. I often feel the back of their neck or chest to gauge warmth, more so than just feeling their fingers. You want to get a gauge on core temperature as well as peripheries.

3. Breathable Fabrics Are Essential

Whether you are layering lightly for warm nights or dressing for air-conditioned rooms, breathable fabrics are a must. Fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo allow airflow, help to prevent overheating, and they also support your baby by helping to regulate their temperature more naturally. In an air-conditioned room, underdressing can lead to a chill. So balance light layers with breathable fabrics and always monitor how your baby feels after they’ve been asleep for a while.

4. Fans and Air Conditioning

Ventilation plays a key role in safe, comfortable sleep. If you’re using fans, position them to keep the air moving. A great option is to have a fan running during the lead-up to bedtime, and if you notice a drop in temperature overnight, it can be adjusted. If you’re using air conditioning, keep an eye on room size, the fan speed or airflow intensity (not just the temperature).

5. Don’t Cover Strollers During Naps on the Go

This is an important safety tip I always remind families of. When your little one is napping in the stroller, avoid draping blankets over the top. Even light fabric can reduce ventilation and cause heat to build up quickly. Find safer options to keep baby out of the sun on hot days that still allow for airflow. Instead, stay in the shade where possible. Check your baby regularly and feel their neck or chest to monitor for overheating. Remember: It’s not just the temperature that matters; ventilation is essential.

6. Offer Cool Relief Throughout the Day

Helping your baby stay cool during the day can make a big difference to how they settle and sleep overnight.

Some of my go-to ideas where applicable:

• Put teething toys in the freezer for cooling relief.
• Extra breastfeeds/bottle feeds as dependent on the age, they may not be drinking water
• Mix frozen berries through yoghurt for older babies or toddlers
• Offer cool water or breastfeeds more frequently if your little one is over 6 months (always check with your healthcare provider).
• Instead, make hydration a priority throughout the day and just before bed, to avoid unnecessary wakeups due to thirst or discomfort

These small things can keep them more comfortable overall and reduce that hot, cranky feeling come bedtime

7. Helpful Summer Sleep Products

I’m not big on pushing products but I do love when the right tool gives parents confidence and peace of mind. Here are a few that I often recommend:

• Room thermometers or monitors with temperature readings
• TOG-rated sleeping bags to make layering decisions easier.
• Lightweight, breathable cot sheets made from cotton or bamboo.

8. Nap Time Is Affected Too

For naps, consider light clothing or even just a diaper when it’s warm, keeping in mind actual room temp. Use air conditioning or fans to keep the nap space cool. If needed, move naps to the coolest room in the house, temporarily still in a safe sleep space.

Summer doesn’t have to mean restless nights. With the right environment, breathable clothing, and a focus on room temperature, your little one can continue to sleep safely and soundly, even in the heat.

And if you’re ever unsure, remember to use common sense and trust yourself

Tara Mitchell, RN & sleep consultant for Riff Raff Baby

Website: https://riffraffbaby.com/