Having Baby Sleep Comfortably During The Summer
Summer is hands down my favorite time of the year!! The grilling, the beach, and having it stay light out until after 8pm are all amazing! However, I definitely sleep way better during the winter snuggled under my big comforter. With the high temps it can be hard to get comfortable if you don't have AC's or central air. Summer sleep for babies is also more of a concern as it is dangerous for baby to either overheat or be to chilled. Use this post to determine how to get baby to sleep comfortably all summer long!
What Temperature Should Baby Sleep In?
Depending on your home, it may be difficult to regulate the temperature of certain rooms. While we are blessed enough to have central air in our house, last year it was broken all summer long, and it was brutal! I know that based on the way our house was faced that our room got more sunlight than Baby O's, so while at night his would be a comfortable sleeping temperature, ours was not! The best temperature for sleeping is between 68-72 degrees. This perfect temp is called the "Goldilocks Zone". It's not too hot, and it's not too cold!
What Should I Dress My Baby In?
Every parent worries about how to dress their child in the summer. This is because having them overheated poses risks, as well as does chilling your baby too much. As a rule of thumb, babies should never be in more than one additional layer then you are wearing.
77-74 Degrees: Light sleep sack and short sleeve onesie
74-72 Degrees: Long Sleeve Pajamas and light sleep sack
71-69 Degrees: Short sleeve onesie, long sleeve pajamas, light sleep sack
68-64 Degrees: Long sleeve onesie, long sleeve pajamas, light sleep sack
Below 63 Degrees: Long Sleeve Onesie, Long sleeve pajamas, fleece sleep sack
What Should I Lay My Baby On/Under?
I spent a very long time looking into crib sheets before Baby O was born! Not because I was worried about the breathability of the fabrics, but because I had a vision in my head but couldn't find the right ones! (I finally found a set from Land Of Nod that I love!!). During the summer sleep months , be sure that you are aware of having light cotton fabrics on the sheets so decrease the risk of overheating. Some great sheets that I found are here.
Depending on your child's age, the same goes for a sleep sack or blanket. Under the age of 1 children should not have blankets in their cribs, even if they are classified as "lightweight" or "breathable". After the age of one, placing a lightweight blanket on your child can help them stay cool but feel cozy at the same time. Aden and Anais have some great one available that come in a pack of 4.
How Do I Keep It Dark When It Stays Light So Late?
Black out shades are one of my favorite things ever invented!! When it's still light out past 8pm, it's so hard to get yourself into that bedtime mood to start winding down for sleep. This is especially true for little ones as they are more sensitive to light than adults. Having black out window clings or shades help with this problem so melatonin level can start to rise and your child can start to get tired. Starting the bedtime routine with the lights low in addition to the blackout shades will also cue your child in that sleep is coming.
Enjoy those summer sleep days, and use these tips to get your little one sleeping comfortably! Have you tried all these but your little one still isn't sleeping well? Hop on over to babyoandiconsulting.com and see how I can help further!