Posted by Babies need to stay warm in the summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to bundle them up in layers of clothing and blankets to do it. With sleep sacks, you can keep your baby safe and snug without having to deal with too many extra clothes and blankets, which can be difficult to change throughout the night. Read this article for more information on summer baby sleep sacks and whether or not you should use them during the summer months.
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Are sleep sacks necessary in the summer months?
While sleep sacks are a great way to ensure your baby stays warm during chilly winter months, they’re not necessarily a necessity in hot summer weather. Some experts say that babies overheat more easily than adults because their bodies have higher surface-area-to-volume ratios and thinner skin. When your little one sleeps, her body temperature lowers to regulate her metabolism; getting too hot can inhibit normal cooling processes.
However, if you tend to keep your house air-conditioned throughout the day and night, then a sleepsack is a must to keep baby comfortable from the cooling temperatures in the house. In general, babies should be sleeping in rooms with temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees. Because that’s pretty cool, a lightweight baby sleep sack will keep her warm enough but not hot.
What are sleep sacks made from?
The material of a sleep sack can make a big difference in how warm or cool you feel. Cotton, for example, is breathable but not good for winter weather. Fleece and flannel are warm but can also make you sweaty if you’re hot-natured. Whatever you do, stay away from synthetic fabrics. Some synthetic fabrics retain heat and have toxic chemicals that shouldn’t be exposed to babies. The best sleep sacks include at least one natural fiber like cotton to ensure they breathe well even when it gets hot outside.
How do you know if your baby needs a sleep sack?
If you live in a warm climate, or even if you have air conditioning, your baby may still need a sleep sack. If your home is hot at night or your baby’s room is very warm (for example, if it faces south and gets direct sunlight), a sleep sack can make all the difference between an easy night’s sleep and tossing and turning. It will also help if you live in a humid area. Overheating during sleep can lead to poor sleep quality which could cause issues with daytime behavior. A good rule of thumb: If it’s uncomfortable for you to wear layers of clothing at night time, it’s probably too hot for your little one to be without something on as well.
Which sleep sack should I buy for my baby in the summer months?
Summer is almost here, and it’s a good time to get your baby acclimated to sleeping in a sleep sack. Before you do that, you’ll want to make sure to buy one of these two types of baby sleep sacks: A cotton sleep sack or an all-season one. Both are good for summer temperatures, but each has its own advantages for different reasons. To be sure that your baby won’t overheat, dress baby according to weather conditions. A lightweight romper underneath a sleep sack may be just the right amount of layers for those hot summer nights.
The best way to tell if your little one needs a sleep sack during the hot summer months is to let tell you. Although babies can’t talk, they will show you what they like and what they don’t. Listen to your baby and act accordingly.