Ah summer! The long, lazy days, the slow sunsets, the sweaty, sticky snuggles.
Okay - some summer features are definitely more enjoyable than others. If you’re the parent of a newborn, infant, or toddler, one major downside of summertime can be disrupted sleep.
As adults, we’re no strangers to the way an uncomfortably warm room can put a serious dent in our ability to catch some quality shut eye. And for little ones experiencing their very first or second summer, the unexpected discomfort and unfamiliarity of a too-warm space might be all it takes to throw them off that sleep schedule you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Like most things, a little preparation can make a world of difference. Here are our three must-do steps to get your nursery ready for healthy, happy summer sleep!
Step One: Temperature Set!
For little ones, the ideal sleep temp is somewhere in the high 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. If you have AC, this step is a simple one - set your thermostat and carry on. But if you live in a place without central air, you might need to get a little creative to keep the room the temp your baby needs. Blackout curtains during the hottest parts of the day can keep your nursery from getting too warm, and fans placed strategically to move air through the room without blowing directly on your sleeping little one are essential. Try this routine: Every morning, close windows and blackout curtains to keep the room as cool as possible during the day. Every evening, when the temperature starts to fall, open curtains and windows and turn fans on high to circulate air through the room. Bonus: The white noise from fans might help baby sleep!
Step Two: Bedding Ready!
For babies and adults, natural fibers are the coolest possible option to sleep on (and in!) Prepare for summer with a linen, modal, cotton, or Tencel fitted sheet for baby’s crib, and lightweight cotton sleep sacks or onesies to sleep in. A thin layer of cool, breathable fabric helps keep things from getting too sweaty - just make sure to stay clear of synthetic fabrics whenever possible for the hottest nights. If it’s particularly warm, wipe down baby’s skin with a damp washcloth (not cold). The moisture will feel cool as it evaporates.
Step Three: Snuggles are a Go!
For the newest newborns, skin-to-skin time can help them regulate temperature. Make sure you’re not feeling overheated yourself, then enjoy some skin-to-skin time with your new little one as part of your pre-bedtime routine. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water! Keeping yourself hydrated helps keep your breastfeeding baby hydrated. And whether your baby is breastfed, formula fed, or a juice box toting toddler, keep in mind that babies can drink up to 50% more in hot weather. Make sure you offer liquids regularly to meet their needs!
Summer is full of some of our favorite #dadadamoments. Travel, adventures, long walks, picnics, potlucks, celebrations - there’s a lot to see and learn for our littlest loved ones. By making sure your nursery is summer proof and ready to go, you can help them get the sleep they need to enjoy every magical new discovery.
Don’t forget to share those magical summer moments with us using the #dadadamoment. We can’t wait to see what you’re up to!