How to Keep Babies From Overheating

With concerns over babies dying from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as a result of overheating, many new parents wonder how their baby should be dressed when they sleep or what temperature is best for baby. To keep your baby from overheating, follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Dress your baby appropriately for the weather. The rule of thumb is in the summer, dress the baby as you would dress. In cooler weather, add one layer to what you'd wear.

2. Keep your house slightly cool. Set the thermostat for 65 to 68 degrees. Babies seem to sleep best and are most comfortable at a room temperature that is slightly cool.

3. Avoid using blankets when the baby is sleeping. Instead of using blankets, use a sleep sack or a swaddle blanket so that your baby is less likely to get caught up in the blankets and overheat. On warm nights, your baby may just sleep in a diaper and a swaddle blanket.

4. Don't use a knit hat in hot weather. Heat escapes from babies' heads, so in hot weather, covering their heads may cause a baby to get too hot.

5. Keep your baby well hydrated. Be sure your baby is eating throughout the day, especially on hot days.

6. Keep your baby out of extreme heat. Heat and humidity can contribute to overheating. Avoid direct sun and stay indoors when the sun is most intense between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. or when the humidity is oppressive.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using a swaddle blanket made of bamboo or other light, breathable fabric during summer.

• Never leave a baby unattended in a car. A car heats up extremely fast and can cause your baby to overheat quickly.

• Feel your baby's stomach or back. If it feels hot, your baby may be too hot. Remove some layers and move your baby to a cooler location.