Skip to main contentSkip to footer

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

Top tips to help your baby sleep well and keep cool in hot weather

Babies can become very ill in hot weather if they overheat - here's how to keep them safe and comfortable

baby sleeping tips
Andrea Caamano
Website Editor
Share this:

For the first time in the UK and the Met Office has issued the first ever Red warning for exceptional heat so parents and carers will be mindful of making sure their babies don't overheat. High night-time temperatures could have a negative effect on the health of our little ones and it's important that babies are kept cool in the sweltering heat.

They can't manage high temperatures so easily and can become very ill in hot weather - so get ready to say bye-bye to hot blankets and hello to cool fans!

RELATED: 23 personalised baby grows & bodysuits that are just perfect for the special little one in your life

MORE: 8 best baby play mats to entertain and educate your little one from home

babies sleep heatwave© Photo: iStock

Top tips to help your baby stay cool at night during the heatwave

  • Run them a cool bath before bedtime
  • Keep your child's bedroom cool during the day by closing blinds or curtains. You can also use a fan to circulate the air in the room, but don't aim it directly on the baby.
room fan

Cordless fan with nightlight, £34.99, Amazon

SHOP NOW
  • Only use cotton bed sheets and avoid any waterproof mattress covering as this will hold heat and make your baby sweat.
  • If your baby falls asleep in their pram, be aware that prams can soon become hot and airless. Products like the SnoozeShade ensure air flows freely and your baby can sleep on the go, while being protected from 97.5 per cent of UVA and UVB rays.
snoozeshade deluxe

SnoozeShade Original Deluxe, £24.99, SnoozeShade

SHOP NOW
  • Keep nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum. Consider putting them in just a nappy with a single well-secured sheet that won't work loose and cover their face or get entangled during the night.
  • A nursery thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of your baby's room. Your baby will sleep most comfortably when their room is between 16C (61F) and 20C (68F).
baby room thermometer

GroEgg colour-changing room thermometer, was £28.99 now £9.99, Amazon

SHOP NOW
  • Use ice to cool down the room: Large bottles of frozen water, placed in the baby's room may help to cool the air as they melt overnight.
  • Avoid dehydration: Like adults, babies and young children need to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. If you're breastfeeding your baby, you don't need to give them water as well as breast milk. However, they may want to breastfeed more than usual. If you're bottle-feeding, as well as their usual milk feeds, you can give your baby cooled boiled water throughout the day. If your baby wakes at night, they'll probably want milk.
sippy cup

Bebamour 6-36 months sippy cup, £19.99, Amazon

SHOP NOW
  • Consider changing rooms: If your baby still sleeps in your room or their nursery is too hot, consider temporarily moving the baby to a cooler room.
  • Use cotton nappies instead of disposable ones. Some mums find that babies can get uncomfortable when sweat collects around the synthetic waistband of a nappy.
cotton nappy

Bambino reusable cotton nappy, £14.99, Amazon

SHOP NOW
  • Use a cool wet flannel on their forehead. Try placing a cool wet flannel on your baby's forehead for a short while if they are reaally struggling with the heat. This is a good tip if the child or baby is very upset, as they are likely to make themselves even hotter when they are distressed.

RELATED: 8 baby bouncer chairs and swings your little one will love

MORE: 9 best prams for your baby – including brands loved by Kate and Meghan

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page

More Parenting

See more