A registered midwife has cautioned parents against a common mistake during hot weather: leaving babies to sleep in just a nappy. Lily Foggan, a trained midwife, advises that even in high temperatures, babies need some layers for sleep.
Optimal Room Temperature for Baby Sleep
The recommended room temperature for a sleeping baby is between 16–20°C. Organisations like The Lullaby Trust advise keeping the nursery within this range to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. As temperatures rise, maintaining cool bedrooms can be difficult, leading parents to remove layers from their children.
Midwife's Advice on Dressing Babies
Foggan stated: "In hot weather, babies obviously need fewer layers than normal. Lightweight sleepwear and lower-tog sleep bags are usually preferable to blankets, which can be kicked off or accidentally cover a baby's face." She added that a common mistake is leaving a baby in a nappy overnight with nothing else, out of fear of overheating. She reminded parents that adults typically sleep with pyjamas and a duvet, so babies need something similar.
She suggested checking the baby's chest or the back of the neck for an accurate temperature indication, or using a thermometer. She recommended the Tommee Tippee No Touch Digital Thermometer to avoid waking the baby.
Tips for Keeping Babies Cool
The Lullaby Trust offers several suggestions for keeping babies cool during a heatwave:
- Use lighter bedding and clothing, with fewer layers.
- Open the bedroom door and a window, if safe, to allow air flow.
- Check baby sleep bag guidance for the appropriate tog for each season.
- Use a fan to cool the room, but avoid aiming it directly at the baby.
- Keep curtains closed during the day to prevent the room from heating up.
- Use a thermometer to check the room temperature, as it is hard to guess.
