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5 Ways to Improve Baby’s Summer Slumber

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The temperatures are rising, and summer is officially here. Summer is a great time of the year – being outside, swimming and enjoying more sunshine! But, many parents don’t realize that high temperatures and daylight savings time may pose problems for their baby’s summertime sleep. 

 

Here are a few tips to help keep your baby sleeping well during the summer months:

 

  1. Stick To Your Schedule

These months, we all love fun in the sun. But it’s still important to keep your sleep schedule consistent even in the summer. Vacations can throw everyone off schedule. Try to establish some structure to your days and create a summertime routine that lines up as closely as possible with your regular schedule. Keep wake time, bedtime and nap times the same.

 

  1. Limit Sunlight Close To Bedtime 

The longer hours of light may affect your baby’s sleep patterns. Spend some time inside, out of the sun, before bed. Coming inside and having about 30-minutes of cool, quiet pre-sleep activities will also help your baby to fall asleep easier. Also, consider closing the blinds at least an hour before bedtime, and putting room-darkening shades or curtains in the nursery.  Helps with nap time, too! Doing this will help your baby begin to relax and fall to sleep easier.

 

  1. Keep it Cool

Babies’ bodies do not regulate temperature as well as adults do. Did you know that the optimal temperature for sleep is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit? During the summer months, many of us have our air conditioners working overtime, but this may not be enough to help encourage sleep. You may want to keep the shades in the room drawn during hot days to reduce room temperature. Using a fan inside the room before bedtime will help cool it down.

 

  1. Limit Pajamas  

Dress baby in minimal clothing for sleep during the summer. Try a tee shirt or short sleeve onesie, or even just a diaper for your baby if it’s really hot. Switch to a lightweight cotton swaddle blanket or cotton jersey sleep sack. As always, no bumpers, blankets, stuffed animals, etc. in the crib. Not only are they unsafe, they can be stifling when temperatures are high.

 

  1. Use a Firm Mattress

To keep your baby’s crib cool from underside, use a firm crib mattress covered with a high-quality, fitted and waterproof mattress cover. Soft mattresses can increase the chance of suffocation and put your little one at risk. Babies should always sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. 

 

As parents, we will do anything to protect and bring comfort to our new bundle of joy. That’s why Colgate Mattress created DREAM SAFE. Through practical tips and expert advice, our goal is to educate and encourage caregivers to adopt lifesaving safe sleep practices. Together, we can ensure both you and baby enjoy sweet dreams.

 

Continue to make safe sleep a priority for your family so everyone can enjoy a wonderful summer!