5 Signs Baby Is Too Hot While Sleeping (And How to Prevent It)

There’s nothing sweeter than watching a baby snooze peacefully, but if they’re too warm while sleeping, it isn’t peaceful for them. Overheating can sneak up quickly, and since Baby can’t exactly lower the thermostat or say, “Hey, I’m too hot,” it’s on caregivers to spot the signs.

Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as easily as grown-ups, so it’s important to know what to look for and how to keep their sleep space feeling juuust right. This guide walks through it all, including signs your baby might be too warm while sleeping, plus simple ways to help them stay cool and comfy.

Newborns and young babies are still figuring out how to manage their internal thermostat. Unlike grown-ups, their systems are still developing, which means they can heat up fast and cool down way too slowly. That makes them more vulnerable to warm sunlight and temperature swings. 

When babies get too hot, it can lead to:

• Dehydration
• Heat rash
• Poor sleep
• Increased risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)

Yep, we know – that last one is scary! But awareness is power, and knowing the signs of overheating helps us act fast and prevent issues before they start. It all starts with staying in tune with your baby’s sleep environment.

Wondering what to look for? These are some common signs baby is too hot while sleeping:

• Flushed skin or red cheeks
• Sweaty and hot neck, back or hairline
• Rapid breathing or panting
• Heat rash (small red bumps on the skin)
• Restlessness, crying in their sleep or frequent waking

PSA: A quick forehead touch won’t always give you the full story. Instead, feel the back of their neck or chest to get a better read on their core temp.

So what’s the best way to keep your baby from getting too hot during naps and nighttime? It all starts with creating the right sleep environment. Let’s get into it.

The sweet spot for Baby’s sleep space is usually somewhere between 68-72°F (20-22°C). A simple room thermometer can help you keep tabs on the temperature in their nursery. It’s also worth checking where the crib is placed in the room. If it’s next to a heater or in a sunny window, that spot can heat up fast. It’s best to keep the crib away from any direct heat sources.

Instead of dressing your baby based on the time of year, dress them based on how warm the room actually is. A good rule of thumb is to give them one more layer than you’re wearing – but don’t overdo it. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

• Stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics like organic cotton (bonus: it’s also softer and gentler on their sensitive skin)
• Ditch the fleece onesies or thick footie pajamas unless the temperature is actually chilly
• Skip hats indoors – they’re cute but can trap heat quickly and make it harder for Baby to cool down
• Be careful to avoid overdressing or over-bundling Baby (especially at night!)

Your baby’s crib mattress and mattress cover matter more than you might think when it comes to heat. Breathable material like organic cotton can help promote airflow and reduce heat buildup. Avoid memory foam or other synthetic sleep surfaces since these tend to trap body heat. And when it comes to swaddles or sleep sacks, make sure you’re using one with an appropriate TOG rating – lower ratings (like 0.5 TOG) are ideal for warmer temps.

Less really is more when it comes to safe, cool sleep for Baby. You should:

• Use a snug fitted sheet only – no blankets, bumpers or lovies (no matter how cute)
• Skip thick mattress pads or extra layers under baby
• Make sure the crib isn’t near radiators, heaters or sunny windows

Hot weather brings extra challenges for baby sleep, but a few quick swaps can help keep their summer sleep environment breezy.

These small changes can make a big difference in helping your little one fall asleep (and stay asleep) when the temperatures rise:

• Use blackout curtains to block the sun to keep the nursery cooler
• Run a fan or air conditioning so air can circulate (just make sure it’s not blowing directly on baby)
• Dress Baby in a short-sleeve bodysuit or just a diaper if it’s really warm
• Keep babies hydrated – formula or chestmilk does the trick for infants, but if Baby is old enough, give them extra fluids

If your baby feels way too warm or starts showing unusual symptoms – like persistent irritability, lethargy, vomiting or a fever – it could be more than just overheating. When in doubt, trust your gut and call your pediatrician. There’s no such thing as being too cautious when it comes to your baby’s health.

Spotting the signs of baby overheating during sleep is an important part of creating a safer sleep space. With a few simple steps – like dressing baby right, picking breathable bedding and keeping the room at a comfy temp – you can help your little one sleep easier (and keep your peace of mind intact).