Tips For Better Baby & Toddler Sleep in the Autumn & Winter

Sophie Sleep
Nov 10, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Apr 29

“Every child begins the world again.” —Henry David Thoreau

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The cold winter months have started and you may be thinking is there anything I need to be aware of with my little ones sleep? If so I have put together some helpful tips to remember:

#16 - 20 degrees is the ideal room temperature

It can be useful to get a room thermometer to keep an eye on this. You don't need anything fancy just something that can accurately keep track of the room temperature. Even though it is cold outside, always remember to air out the bedrooms to let in some fresh air. In the winter we tend to keep the windows and vents shut and without proper ventilation mould can begin to grow

#In Scandinavian countries it is very popular for children to nap outside

The theory is that exposure to fresh air means you are less likely to catch coughs and colds, but it also avoids children and ourselves being stuck inside for long periods of time. This is becoming more popular in the UK, but obviously make sure your child is suitably dressed and geared up for the colder weather. You could choose to take your little one out in the pram for their morning or afternoon nap or even just take them out to fall asleep and bring them back inside, taking off blankets and hats, for the rest of the nap

#Other tips

It is best to use your normal lightweight sheet and blanket or sleeping bag rather than thick, fleecy, padded or weighted blankets. This is because it is safer and if you think your little one is cold, add an extra layer of clothing instead

Do not place your little ones cot or bed next to a radiator or portable heater and do not have one facing directly at them. Babies are not able to regulate their temperature so this poses a risk of overheating and if they become too hot they are unable to move themselves away from it

During the colder months it is likely your little ones are wearing hats, it is very important to remove them once you are inside or travelling in the car, train or aeroplane. The same applies to coats, take their coats off inside and when you are travelling in the car, train or aeroplane. We all lose heat through our heads, so if this is restricted, then overheating can occur

Avoid using hot water bottles in any of their sleep spaces as this can also cause overheating and again if they become too hot they are unable to move themselves away from it