When a heatwave sets in, bedtime often becomes a real challenge: babies struggling to fall asleep, restless children, night wakings… and sometimes very long nights for parents.
BeeBoo’s nannies, babysitters, maternity nurses and all childcare professionals share here their best tips, used daily with families in the canton of Geneva and Vaud, to help little ones sleep better despite the intense heat… including a very popular method among children: the famous “cuddly toy freeze…”
Why does heat affect babies’ and children’s sleep?
Babies and young children regulate their body temperature less efficiently than adults. During heatwaves, their bodies struggle to release heat, making it harder to fall asleep and increasing night wakings.
The ideal room temperature for a child is between 18 and 20°C… an ideal range that quickly becomes a distant memory during a heatwave.
Keeping a cool room before bedtime
If the ideal room temperature for a child is between 18 and 20°C, during heatwaves it is often difficult to stay within optimal conditions. Heat builds up quickly inside rooms and affects children’s comfort.
Close during the day
Keep shutters, blinds and curtains closed during the day to limit heat entering the room.
Ventilate at the right time
Only air out the room when outdoor temperatures drop, usually in the evening or early morning. This helps refresh the air and release accumulated heat.
In multi-level homes, opening an upstairs window can also help, as heat naturally rises and escapes more easily.
Use a fan carefully
- Never point the fan directly at the child
- Place a frozen water bottle in front to slightly cool the air
- Avoid direct drafts during sleep
How should you dress a baby during a heatwave night?
When temperatures rise significantly, choosing the right clothing is essential to prevent overheating. Overdressing a child can quickly increase discomfort and disturb sleep.
- A single diaper may be enough
- A light breathable cotton bodysuit
- A very thin summer sleeping bag if needed
Cotton remains the most suitable fabric to allow the skin to breathe.
💛 BeeBoo tips from nannies and babysitters
On a daily basis, BeeBoo nannies, babysitters and maternity nurses observe many situations related to hot weather. They have developed simple tips, tested and used directly with families in the canton of Geneva and Vaud.
❄️ The “cuddly toy freeze…”
This is a particularly popular tip among children… used in some households to make bedtime more soothing during very hot nights.
🛏️ Cooling the bed before sleep
Some maternity nurses recommend placing bed sheets in a clean bag in the freezer for a few minutes before putting them on the bed. This provides an instant cooling sensation that helps children fall asleep.
🚿 The lukewarm bath before bedtime
A lukewarm bath helps the body gradually lower its temperature. Unlike a cold bath, it avoids thermal shock and promotes natural sleep onset.
🌬️ The “enhanced” fan
Babysitter tip: use a fan without pointing it at the child and place a frozen water bottle in front to circulate slightly cooler air.
💧 Regular hydration
During heatwaves, it is essential to offer water regularly to children to help prevent dehydration.
Mistakes to avoid during heatwaves
- Overdressing the child at night
- Pointing a fan directly at them
- Letting the room overheat during the day
- Using synthetic clothing
- Neglecting hydration
Warning signs to watch for in children
- Unusual fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Low energy
- Fewer wet diapers
- Irritability or unusual behavior
BeeBoo supports families in the canton of Geneva and Vaud
BeeBoo nannies, babysitters, maternity nurses and childcare professionals support families every day in the canton of Geneva and Vaud, whether for childcare, post-partum support or occasional assistance.
Thanks to their hands-on experience with babies and young children, they share practical and adapted advice to help parents navigate hot weather periods more calmly.
