RestRest+Kids
What Should My Baby Wear to Sleep in Summer?
Ashley Abramson
Monitoring the temperature is an important part of keeping your baby comfortable during sleep. Lightweight pajamas can help keep baby cool on hot nights, but you can also take other steps to cool off baby’s room.
Hot weather can make it hard to sleep — especially for babies, who can’t regulate their temperature as effectively as adults. The right pajamas can help keep them comfortable during hot weather, but it can be hard to know how to dress a baby for sleep in the summer.
Below, learn more about how to dress your little one for sleep, and the ideal baby room temperature to keep them cozy throughout the night.
What Temperature Is Ideal for a Baby’s Room in Summer?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping a baby’s sleeping space cool for safety and comfort. On the flipside, a too-chilly room can cause babies to wake up unnecessarily. Generally, a temperature of 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit can keep baby comfortable through the night.
Monitor the temperature in your home when you can, especially on particularly hot days. Many baby monitors include temperature sensors so you know when your baby’s room is too hot. A fan can also help circulate air in your little one’s room and make the space more comfortable.
How to dress your baby for sleep in hot weather
Sweat helps regulate body temperature in older kids and adults, but young babies don’t typically sweat as much as grown-ups, so they’re more sensitive to heat.
In general, breathable, lightweight fabrics such as bamboo, viscose, or cotton can help keep babies cool during hot, summer weather. Aim to keep baby covered in easy-to-remove layers, such as a short-sleeved onesie and a lightweight sleep sack or a breathable pair of zip-up pajamas. If it’s really hot, leaving the baby's arms and legs exposed can help keep them cool.
Signs your baby is too hot or cold
Checking in on your baby is the best way to ensure they are comfortable on hot or cold nights.
If your baby is too warm, you may notice:
- Skin that feels warm or clammy to the touch
- Wet hair
- Fussiness or more frequent wake-ups
If your baby is cold, you may notice:
- Shivering
- Skin that feels cool to the touch
- Fussiness or more frequent wake-ups
Safety tips for summer sleep
Keeping the air conditioner on and/or a fan running can help keep your baby's space cool. It may also help to keep the blinds closed throughout the day to prevent sun exposure that can make the room hotter.
Taking the following steps can also keep your baby safe during hot weather:
- Dress baby in lightweight layers
- Check the temperature frequently
- Look for signs baby is too hot
- Ensure baby is fed and hydrated
Frequently asked questions
Can my baby sleep in just a diaper?
On very hot nights, you may consider having your baby sleep in only a diaper, which can help keep them cool. If you have a fan or air conditioner on, it may help to put on a lightweight sleep sack to prevent them from getting too cool.
Is it okay to use a fan in the nursery?
Fans can help circulate air and keep your baby cool when it’s hot in your home. Position the fan strategically so it cools down the space without blowing directly on your baby. Cleaning the fan frequently can help prevent dust and other allergens in the room.
What’s the best material for summer baby pajamas?
Summer baby pajamas should be lightweight and cooling to help keep your baby comfortable. Cotton, viscose, and bamboo are great options. Choosing easy-to-remove pajamas (such as options with zippers) can help make outfit and diaper changes easier.
Conclusion
Keeping your baby comfortable during temperature fluctuations can help them (and you) get better sleep. Dressing baby in lightweight pajamas and taking steps to cool off their room can make a big difference.
Once you’ve got temperature down, focus on building sleep routines that help your baby wind down before bed. Baby sleep solutions like Hatch Rest can help you build routines that stick and create a calming environment that helps baby sleep. Along with white noise to block outside sounds, Hatch Rest has soothing audio and dreamy nightlights that can soothe baby at bedtime, allowing you to build routines that make bedtime easier (and sleep more restorative).