Top Tips for Keeping Kids Cool at Night in the UK’s Heat Wave

When the UK heat wave hits, bedtime can become a battleground. Hot, sticky nights leave little ones tossing, turning, and parents longing for a good night’s sleep. At BROOD, we know how important restful sleep is for both kids and parents—especially when you’re juggling business and family life. Here are our top, tried-and-tested tips to help your children (and you!) sleep soundly, even when the temperature soars.

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1. Keep Bedrooms Shaded and Ventilated

During the day, keep curtains or blinds closed to block out the sun and prevent rooms from overheating. In the evening, open windows on opposite sides of the house to encourage a cross-breeze (as long as it’s safe to do so). A fan can help circulate cooler air—placing a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of it can make the breeze feel even more refreshing.

2. Choose Lightweight Bedding

Ditch heavy duvets and opt for a single cotton sheet or a muslin blanket. Natural fibres like cotton or bamboo breathe better than synthetics and help wick away moisture, keeping little bodies cool and comfortable.

3. Cool Down with a Lukewarm Bath

A quick lukewarm (not cold) bath before bed helps lower your child’s core body temperature and signals to their brain that it’s time to wind down. Avoid cold baths, which can have the opposite effect and cause the body to generate more heat.
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4. Hydration is Key

Encourage kids to drink water throughout the evening, but not so much that it disrupts their sleep with extra bathroom trips. Keep a water bottle by the bed for sips if they wake up feeling thirsty.

5. Sleepwear Matters

Dress children in loose, lightweight pyjamas made from breathable fabrics. In extreme heat, it’s fine for babies and toddlers to sleep in just a nappy and a vest.

6. Create a “Cool Pack”

Fill a hot water bottle with cold water, or use a gel ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth, and place it in your child’s bed before they get in. Remove it at bedtime so the sheets are cool but not damp.

7. Keep Electronics Out

Electronic devices generate heat, so remove tablets, laptops, and unnecessary chargers from the bedroom at night.

8. Consider Room Swaps

If your child’s bedroom is the hottest in the house, consider a temporary sleepover in a cooler room, such as downstairs or wherever there’s more airflow.

9. Prioritise Calm and Reassurance

Hot nights can make kids restless and irritable. Keep the bedtime routine calm and reassuring—read a favourite story, dim the lights, and remind them that everyone’s feeling the heat, but you’ve got it covered.

BROOD Tip:
If you’re struggling too, remember—rest for parents is just as important. A cooler, calmer night helps everyone wake up ready to tackle another sunny day with energy and motivation.

Stay cool, sleep well, and keep balancing work and family—BROOD style.
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