Here’s how to keep your baby cool at night during the UK heatwave

It’s important to keep your baby as cool as possible, especially during the warmer months, as they can’t regulate their body temperature very well.

Here are some important tips to help your child sleep peacefully in hot temperatures.

How to keep your baby’s room cool in a UK heatwave

Ensuring your baby sleeps safely in hot climates is essential, and in times of extreme heat, room temperatures can soar, reaching over 30 degrees.

We spoke to maternity nurse and sleep consultant Abi Thompson – mother of three and managing director of Baby sleeping soundly – for top tips for keeping your kids cool at night.

Abi said: “Babies can’t control their temperature as well as an adult.

“They also can’t tell us if they’re too hot or too cold, so we need to monitor their symptoms and dress them correctly to avoid dehydration.

“All babies are different, but you should regularly check for overheating by touching the back of the neck, and not checking the hands or feet, which are always cooler.”

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How can you monitor the temperature in the room?

You can install a thermometer to monitor rising heat levels in your baby’s room.

Abi explained: “One of my main purchases is the Gro-Ovo. It’s an accurate way to read the temperature in your baby’s room.

“In the UK, temperatures can change quickly, so check them regularly during the night.

“Also be sure to open windows and partially close blinds several hours before nap time and bedtime. This helps keep the room from heating up in direct sunlight but still allows airflow.

“A fan will keep air circulating around the room and create a very welcome breeze.

“Frozen water bottles in front of the fan help cool the room faster.”

What should a baby wear when it’s hot?

Abi suggests only putting a diaper on your baby when temperatures are above 27 degrees, both day and night.

For temperatures between 24 and 27 degrees, she recommends a short-sleeved vest and a 0.5 tog sleeping bag.

She explained: “I’m a big fan of sleeping bags. They are available in various tog ratings from 3.5 tog to 0.5 tog.

“As the temperature fluctuates, you may need to remove it or add more layers.

“And don’t be afraid to disturb your baby’s sleep – keeping them safe is the priority.”

Before bed, Abi recommends giving your baby a cooler bath than usual during a heat wave.

She said: “Your baby will be sweaty and clammy as sweat is babies’ natural way of regulating their temperature.”

Abi explained that babies may also need to increase their fluid intake during periods of hot weather,

breast milk or formula, as water can be dangerous for underdeveloped kidneys, doctors warned.

But throughout the six months, babies can take small sips of water, Abi said.

She said: “Breast milk is as hydrating as water, so no additional water is needed for breastfed babies, although they may need more feedings.

“Formula-fed babies should be offered boiled water cooled to excessive heat. I try not to do this too close to feeding (within 30 minutes) so they are still hungry for milk.

“It is also important to note that strict dietary regimes are not important at this time.

“Babies need lots of fluids on demand. I have recommended dream feeding (feeding the baby while sleeping) to parents who have difficulty getting fluids into their babies.”

Abi added: “What is essential to note is that this is just a guide. As always, my advice is just that – advice – to help guide parents in making decisions for their own baby.”