When summer rolls around, it can be tough to keep your baby comfortable during sleep. You might notice your little one with damp hair, flushed skin, or even soaked in sweat, and start wondering How can I tell if my newborn is too hot while sleeping? With heatwaves becoming more common, it's crucial to create a safe and cool sleeping environment for your baby.
Google Trend Data shows a massive 9,900% increase in searches for "baby sleeping heatwave" over the past month. This surge highlights the difficulties parents face in keeping their babies cool and the potential dangers of overheating during sleep.
Going to bed too warm can cause mild discomfort or even heat rash, but more concerning is the link between overheating and an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
To help you navigate these hot nights, we spoke to sleep experts about the signs your baby is too hot while sleeping and how to ensure a safe sleeping environment.
What are the signs babies might be too hot when sleeping
When a baby is too hot during sleep, they can exhibit a variety of signs. According to Rosey Davidson, infant sleep consultant and founder of Just Chill Baby Sleep, here are some key indicators:
Warm or red skin
"A baby’s skin may appear flushed or feel unusually warm to the touch, especially on the cheeks or forehead.”
Sweating
"While babies typically don't sweat as much as adults, overheating might cause damp hair or a sweaty neck and back.”
Rapid breathing
"Overheating can lead to faster-than-normal breathing.”
Lethargy
"Some babies become more lethargic or unusually sleepy, appearing less responsive when overheated.”
Increased fussiness
"Discomfort from being too hot can make babies fussier or lead to more frequent crying.”
Heat rash
"Tiny red bumps, particularly in areas where clothing traps heat, can indicate overheating.”
Decreased appetite
"An overheated baby might show less interest in feeding.”
What temperature should the baby room be?
According to Martin Seeley, CEO of MattressNextDay and senior sleep expert, "Ideally, the room temperature of babies and small children should be kept between 16-20 degrees Celsius. This can be tricky as temperatures across the globe soar past the mid-30s."
He advises, "To reduce room temperature, keep the room's windows shut and curtains closed throughout the day. This will work to keep warm air out of the room and prevent the sun from streaming in and heating up the space."
Rosey adds, “If your baby is too warm, remove a layer of clothing or switch to a lighter sleep sack. Ensure the baby stays hydrated if they're older and not exclusively breastfed. Keep an eye on your baby’s behaviour and temperature, and adjust their environment as needed.”
Will a baby cry if it is too hot at night?
Yes, a baby might cry if they are too hot at night, but crying isn’t the only sign.
“It depends! Some babies may cry or become fussy when they're too hot, while others might become lethargic or sleepy due to overheating," says Rosey. "This can be concerning because it might mask the signs that the baby is unwell, so it’s crucial to monitor other symptoms to assess if your baby is too hot.”
Martin adds, "A baby will likely cry if they are too cold at night, but overheating can make them lethargic, preventing them from crying. It’s safer for a baby to be a bit chilly than too hot, so always lean on the side of caution when dressing them for bed in the summer."
Tips for keeping your baby cool
Dress Lightly
Rosey suggests, "Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton bodysuits or just nappies to keep them cool."
Use a Fan
"Use a fan to circulate air, but ensure it's positioned safely away from the baby," advises Rosey. "While a fan can provide soothing white noise, avoid direct airflow onto the baby as it may cool them down too quickly and pose safety risks if within reach." Placing a bowl of ice in front of the fan can also help cool the air.
Keep baby hydrated
Martin emphasises the importance of hydration, saying, "Keeping children hydrated is crucial to ensuring a good night’s sleep. Babies that are under six months should be given additional formula or breast milk. Babies above six months should be given small amounts of cooled boiled water."
Choose the right bedding
Martin advises, "Remove all waterproof bedding as it’s likely that its fabric will withhold heat and cause sweating. If age-appropriate, cotton bedding is perfect for keeping cool. Avoid swaddling the baby in hot temperatures."
Monitor signals of distress
If you're unsure whether your baby is too hot, Martin advises to keep an eye on the following signs:
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Is their temperature on or above 37.5°C?
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Do they feel clammy to touch?
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Is their face or body showing signs of redness, or are they pale?
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Are they exhibiting irritable behaviour?
"If a baby’s skin appears to be flushed, or there is redness around the neck or ears, they may be too hot. If the heart rate increases, fast breathing occurs or they develop a temperature above 38 degrees, then action needs to be taken. Overheating also impacts a baby’s mood. If they become irritable and lethargic, they may be overheating," Martin adds.
How to cool a baby down
If your baby feels hot to the touch when sleeping, Martin suggests, “giving them a cool (not cold) bath before bed.
“You can also use a cool, damp flannel to gently lower their body temperature. Opening a window and the bedroom door can help improve airflow and create a more comfortable environment for your little one.”
By watching out for the signs of baby overheating and taking steps to create a cool, comfortable sleeping environment, you can help ensure your baby stays safe and sleeps soundly, even on the hottest nights.
What should my baby wear through the night?
Sleep expert Martin's pro tip:
"It’s vital that your chosen sleep sack is the correct size. Too big, and the baby can ‘slip down’, the sleep sack, have difficulty breathing and/or become too hot. To small, and they may be able to move so freely that they roll to their stomachs. Weighted sleep sacks should not be an option for those under one as they serve as a suffocation risk.
It’s possible for a baby to overheat in a sleep sack. If a sleep sack is too heavy (they are available in various), or the temperature of the room is too high, there is a risk that the baby will overheat. The sleep sack should be made from breathable fabrics such as cotton."
About the experts
Rosey Davidson is founder and CEO of Just Chill Baby sleep, an infant sleep consultancy focused on providing straight forward, no-nonsense sleep advice to parents. As a successful businesswoman and content creator with a large social media following (@just_chill_mama), Rosey gives an insight into her work as a sleep consultant, entrepreneur, and busy parent to her three young children, based in London.
Martin Seeley is the CEO of MattressNextDay and a senior sleep expert with extensive knowledge in creating optimal sleep environments for both adults and children. With years of experience in the sleep industry, Martin is dedicated to helping people achieve better, healthier sleep through practical advice and high-quality sleep products.
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK. You can follow her on Instagram.