Top tips to help your children to sleep in the hot weather

With so many parents having trouble getting their kids to sleep at night to begin with, the introduction of some hot, humid weather can make matters ten times worse. Young children that are too hot in their bed can be agitated, restless and unable to settle, therefore it’s important to prepare for the warmer summer weather with some help from these handy tips.

Prepare them for bedtime

Get your child ready for a peaceful sleep by introducing a new bedtime routine. Giving them a bath with cooler water than usual is a good way to help drop their temperature and make them more refreshed before bedtime. Since the heat can make children irritable, it’s vital to also keep them calm before they sleep. Try lightly dabbing your child with a cold flannel during their bedtime story to help them relax and drift into a peaceful sleep.

Make sure they have cotton bedding

Appropriate bedding is key to keeping your little one cool, and usual bedding options such as a waterproof mattress cover can encourage sweating and cause even more discomfort. Natural fibres such as white cotton bed sheets are your best bet, as they’re breathable and the light shade will stop the absorption of any sunlight that comes in the windows through the day. A high quality bed frame such as the Steens sleeper will also provide them with the right comfort and support for a good night’s sleep.

Keep the room cool

Bring a small fan into your child’s bedroom to keep them nice and cool throughout the night, making sure to angle it far enough away for them to not be bothered by the breeze. Placing ice cubes in containers may also cool the room down, and ensure you leave windows open through the day to let some breeze in - while still keeping part of the curtain pulled across to block any sunlight from filling the room.

Limit their nightwear

The fewer items of clothing your child wears on a hot night, the more comfortable they’ll be. Make sure you switch their usual nightwear for something thinner and cooler, or even just let them sleep in their nappy. For older children, pyjama sets and nighties made from materials such as cotton and other lightweight fabrics are a good option for the summer months.

Keep them hydrated

Hot weather can result in dehydration, and your baby or child may need to drink a lot more than usual to quench their thirst. Stick bottled water in the freezer through the day for your child to drink, and make sure they have a glass of water available on their bedside table to grab if they get thirsty through the night.