How to Help Your Baby or Toddler Sleep in Summer

Tips for breastfeeding, heatwaves and hot nights

Summer days can be beautiful but summer nights? Not always easy. Especially with a breastfed baby or nursing toddler clinging to you in the heat. When you’re both hot sticky and overtired it can feel impossible to settle into rest.

I’ve been there and I want to share what’s helped us create calmer cooler evenings and a few more hours of sleep in a completely natural baby-safe way.

Do breastfed babies need water in hot weather? 💧

If your baby is under six months and exclusively breastfed they don’t need any water - even when it’s scorching hot. Breast milk is around 87% water. It hydrates nourishes and even adapts to the heat by becoming more watery and thirst-quenching when needed. Giving water too early can disrupt your baby’s feeding patterns and in rare cases be unsafe by putting undue pressure on their tiny kidneys. Instead, just offer the breast more often. Your body already knows what to do.

Creating a cooler sleep setup 🌡️

Here’s what’s helped us most during hot nights:

• Keep the room around 16 to 20°C with gentle airflow from a fan (pointed away from your little one)

• Use blackout blinds to block out long summer evenings and early sunrises

• Dress your baby in just a nappy 

The biggest shift came when I swapped our synthetic sleepwear for something natural and breathable. That’s where the Tropical Nights and All Season sleep sacks from Pure Earth Collection made all the difference. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Both sacks are made from 100% organic non-toxic materials and feel so soft against my baby’s skin. The Tropical Nights sack is just 0.2 TOG - the lightest on the market - made from modal, a bamboo-derived fabric that’s naturally cooling and breathable. It has a two-way zip for easy night changes and a detachable comforter which my son loves yanking - even now!

The All Season version gives more warmth and flexibility if you’re layering or if the temperature drops. They even come with a 30-day sleep trial so if it doesn’t work for you you can send it back. And with every purchase they remove 33 grams of plastic from beaches.

It’s not just an investment in your baby’s sleep. It’s an investment in the world they’re going to grow up in. I love that!

Day to night: what we use 👙

During the day I love Pure Earth Collection's swimwear, too - it’s soft breathable and the only swimwear in the world made from organic cotton for the whole family. No plastic no toxins no overheating. Just natural comfort that feels good on your skin and better for the planet.

Skin to skin still matters 🤱

Even in the heat skin to skin contact can be regulating for both of you. Your chest is the safest place on earth for your baby and it helps balance their temperature heart rate and breathing. When your little one is overwhelmed by the heat overstimulation or overtiredness you are still the answer. You are the perfect temperature, the perfect softness, the perfect scent There is nothing greater you can give.

And don’t forget about you - stay hydrated mama 🧃

Breastfeeding in the heat impacts you too. Your body is working hard to make milk cool you both down and stay balanced. That means you need extra hydration and nourishment especially in hot weather. Dehydration can lead to fatigue headaches low milk supply or just that deeply drained feeling we all know too well. Instead of sugary sports drinks, I like to make a simple adrenal cocktail. It’s packed with natural electrolytes and more supportive than most pre-made options.

My go-to summer hydration recipe 🍊

Adrenal cocktail (great for postpartum and breastfeeding)

• ½ cup orange juice

• ½ cup coconut water

• A pinch of sea salt

• Optional: a small amount of magnesium glycinate powder or a handful of pumpkin seeds on the side

Mix gently and sip slowly. I like having it with something protein-rich like eggs or nuts to help keep my energy steady.

Final words

This isn’t just about keeping your baby cool and safe - it’s about you too. Your hydration your rest and your wellbeing matter more than you know.

So while your little one sleeps peacefully in their breathable non-toxic sleep sack pour yourself something cool and gentle. You deserve that softness too.

With love,

Danielle X Pure Earth Collection

❤️

For evidence-based, heart-led support in all things nursing, pumping and beyond, my Penguin debut, 'The Breastfeeding Survival Guide,' is available to pre-order, here: https://www.thebreastfeedingmentor.com/book