Summer brings longer days, warmer nights, and a fresh set of questions for parents, especially when it comes to how to dress their baby for sleep. With temperatures rising, knowing how to keep your little one cool, safe, and comfortable at night becomes essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to support safer sleep during summer, from ideal room temperatures to fabric choices and baby sleepwear tips.

In every season, but especially summer, dressing your baby appropriately for bed is more than just about comfort, it’s about safety. Babies are more susceptible to overheating, and high nighttime temperatures can increase risks like dehydration, heat rash, and in rare but serious cases, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Ensuring your baby’s sleep environment and clothing are suited to warmer conditions can significantly reduce those risks.

Unlike adults, babies are still developing the ability to regulate their body temperature. This means they can quickly become too hot or too cold. A baby’s normal body temperature sits around 36.4°C, but they may not show signs of overheating in the same way adults do, since their sweat glands are not yet fully developed. Premature or unwell babies may have even more difficulty maintaining a stable temperature. 

Since babies cannot tell you how they feel, it’s important to learn the physical cues that suggest they may be too warm or chilly. If your baby is too hot, you might notice that their skin feels damp or clammy, especially on the back of the neck or chest. A sweaty neck or back is a strong sign that they may be overdressed or that the room is too warm. Some babies may develop flushed cheeks, appear red in the face, or seem irritable and unsettled. Others may appear sluggish or overly sleepy during the day, which can also be linked to overheating. Vomiting or signs of heat rash—small red bumps on the skin—are further indicators that they are too warm. (Source)

In contrast, a baby who is too cold may cry more persistently than usual and struggle to settle. Their skin, especially on the chest or tummy, may feel cold to the touch. However, it is completely normal for babies to have cool hands, arms, feet, or legs—these parts of the body lose heat more easily and aren’t necessarily a sign that your baby is cold overall. If your baby’s core (tummy and chest) feels warm and not sweaty, they are likely dressed appropriately for the temperature. 

Maintaining a cool and safe sleep environment in summer is just as important as choosing the right clothing.  The Lullaby Trust  recommends keeping your baby’s sleeping area between 16 and 20°C, which can feel surprisingly cool to adults. If the room feels uncomfortably warm to you, it likely feels too hot for your baby as well.

To help regulate room temperature, close curtains or blinds to prevent sunlight from heating up the space during the day. In the evening, opening windows can help cool the room naturally as the outdoor temperature drops. 

It’s a good idea to check the temperature in the room regularly. A reliable way to do this is with Owlet Cam® 2, which offers real-time monitoring of your baby’s sleep space. This smart video monitor streams HD video and includes two-way talk and a wide-angle view, so you can see and hear your baby clearly. It also has a built-in temperature and humidity sensor, allowing you to track the environment continuously. 

Choosing the right nightwear and fabrics during summer is crucial. When temperatures climb above 24°C, minimal clothing is best. A breathable cotton vest or even just a nappy may be enough to keep your baby comfortable. If the room is slightly cooler, between 20 and 24°C, a short-sleeved bodysuit or lightweight sleepsuit is a good choice. On milder nights below 20°C, a long-sleeved sleepsuit or a cotton sleep bag can provide the right balance of comfort and safety.

The type of fabric you choose also plays a major role. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen are excellent choices for summer sleepwear. Both materials are soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin. Their ability to allow air to circulate helps your baby stay cool during the night. They are also naturally hypoallergenic, which is especially helpful for babies with eczema or skin sensitivities.

When nights are extremely warm, bedding should be kept to an absolute minimum. Instead, let your baby sleep on a firm, flat, waterproof mattress. Simply dressing them in a light vest or just a nappy is often the safest and coolest option. (Source) 

While warmer weather may require some adjustments to your baby’s clothing and sleep environment, the core principles of safe sleep remain the same all year round. These practices are designed to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and support healthy, safe sleep for babies from birth.

The  Lullaby Trust  recommends that all babies be placed on their back to sleep for every nap and at night. Your baby should sleep in a separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket, which is completely clear of loose bedding, toys, bumpers or pillows. A firm, flat, waterproof mattress is recommended, with a tightly fitted sheet and no soft padding.

According to their guidance the safest place for your baby to sleep is in the same room as you, day and night, for the first six months. Sleeping in the same room makes it easier to check on your baby and respond quickly if needed. They also advise that your baby’s head should be kept uncovered during sleep. Hats, hoods, or any head coverings should not be used indoors, as they can increase the risk of overheating or suffocation.

The  Lullaby Trust  strongly warns against sleeping with your baby on a sofa or armchair, even for a short time. These environments carry a significantly higher risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation. If you feel sleepy, it is safest to place your baby in their own sleep space before you sleep.

The Lullaby Trust summarises safe sleep with the acronym ABC:

• Always place your baby to sleep Alone

• On their Back

•  In a Cot or other safe sleep space 

During the warmer months, when maintaining a stable sleep environment can be more difficult, parents may find extra reassurance in using tools that help them monitor their baby’s wellbeing throughout the night. Dream Sock® is a smart wearable device that wraps gently around your baby’s foot and tracks key health metrics such as pulse rate and oxygen level, giving you a clearer picture of how your baby’s health and alerts you if readings fall outside the preset ranges.

Dream Sock® also provides insights into your baby’s sleep. One of its most helpful features is the ability to view sleep trends over time. In hot weather, babies may sleep less soundly or wake more frequently due to temperature discomfort. By tracking sleep trends, you can begin to identify subtle patterns, such as restless periods or shortened sleep stretches, that may be linked to room temperature, clothing choices, or time of day. These insights can help guide adjustments to improve your baby’s sleep quality and comfort during warm weather.

When used alongside Owlet Cam® 2, which monitors room temperature and humidity in addition to providing HD video and audio, Dream Sock® gives a more complete view of your baby’s sleep and surroundings, helping you make confident, informed decisions every night. 

Navigating summer nights with a baby can feel uncertain, especially when temperatures rise and your little one can’t tell you how they feel. But with the right approach, supporting safer, cooler sleep becomes much more manageable. From choosing breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, to dressing your baby according to the temperature, and maintaining a comfortable room environment, small decisions can make a big difference. Following safe sleep advice, such as keeping your baby on their back in a clear cot and sharing your room for the first six months, remains essential all year round. With tools like Owlet Cam® 2 and Dream Sock®, you can monitor your baby’s environment and health in real time, giving you peace of mind on even the hottest nights. By combining practical steps with trusted guidance and supportive technology, you can help your baby sleep safely and comfortably this summer and enjoy a little more rest yourself too.