We're really glad to get some hot weather finally - even if it's only likely to last a day or two.

And as adults we know how to keep ourselves cool, we don't generally go running around in the heat.

But the hot temperatures can be a real worry for parents of babies or young children and it can be a health hazard.

It's important to keep babies cool in the sweltering heat - read on for more information and for 14 tips on how to help your little ones this summer from The Sleep Nanny, Lucy Shrimpton.

Risks of overheating

Your baby is likely to become restless if feeling too hot or too cold so he may let you know. He may be more difficult to settle to sleep than usual or wake more frequently due to the discomfort of the temperature.

Make sure you look after your little ones
Make sure you look after your little ones

Newborns are at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) if they overheat so check your newborn does not have a moist head or neck which are signs of sweating. If the face is redder than usual or he has a rash or you notice rapid breathing, these could be signs of overheating.

14 tips to keep your baby cool

1. Dress your baby appropriately

If the room is very hot, for example over 25 degrees for most of the night, just a nappy and thin cotton vest may suffice. If the room is between 20-23 degrees a shortie baby grow or shorts and t-shirt pyjamas perhaps with socks or just a nappy and a 1 tog sleep sack.

If your baby is too young for any kind of bedding and it is too hot for a sleep sack, simply dress them in suitable clothing for the room temperature so no covering is required.

Don't overdress them

2. Create a breeze

During the day, open all windows on the same floor to create a blow-through and pull curtains two thirds of the way across to block out hot sun but still allow the breeze through.

3. Ventilate your home


4. Use appropriate bedding

Use your common sense - would you want heavy covers? Use only cotton bed sheets and avoid any waterproof mattress covering as this will hold heat and make your baby sweat.

Give them a cooling bath

5. Give them a quick, refreshing bath

A luke-warm bath or slightly cooler bath than usual might help to refresh your baby before bedtime and relieve any clamminess. Make it a quick bath so that she doesn't get too chilly.

6. Get a room thermometer

...so that you know what temperature you are dealing with. Then you can be sure you've gauged right.

7. Put ice in baby's room


8. Electric fans need a bit of a boost

Electric fans will often just blow the warm air around - but here's a tip. A bowl of ice or some frozen water bottles in front of it will cool the air that circulates the room.

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9. Keep baby calm

A calm baby will remain cooler than a frustrated baby so try to maintain a calming bedtime routine and offer reassurance and comfort if he is agitated. A cool flannel or cold compress dabbed gentle on your baby may help to cool and calm him.

10. Keep some water refrigerated

Your baby may need to drink more than usual. Cold water is great so for young babies it is worth cooling some billed water and refrigerating it for night time use. Breastfed babies will stay hydrated on breastmilk.

11. Consider moving rooms

If you cannot keep your baby cool in her own room, consider moving her to a cooler room in the house temporarily.


Remember, no matter how hot it is at bedtime, the temperature will drop in the night so don't put your baby in his cot in just a nappy if it will drop below 25 degrees in the night. You might like to check on him before you go to bed to see how the temperature is.

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13. Accurately check baby's temperature


14. Put yourself in their shoes

