What makes my baby sweat at night?

Learn why your baby might be sweating at night and how to create the ideal sleep environment. Discover practical tips to help your little one sleep comfortably.

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By Nanit Team

Why do babies sweat so much when they sleep?

Newborns and younger babies, in particular, have immature temperature regulation systems, making them more prone to sweating. While it is normal for babies to sweat during sleep, especially in the first few months, if you notice excessive sweating, chances are, environmental factors are causing your baby to overheat.

Newborn vs. Toddler Sweating

Both newborns and toddlers can work up a sweat while they sleep, but the reasons why often differ a bit:

Newborns: As we mentioned above, babies have yet to master the art of temperature regulation, making them extra sensitive to things like room temperature, humidity, and what they’re wearing to bed.
Toddlers: Toddlers are better at managing their body temperature but can still overheat thanks to their busy, active days or the wrong sleep wear and bedding.

Overall, both age groups need a carefully balanced sleep environment to ensure they stay cool and comfortable, with breathable fabrics, proper room temperature, and the right amount of layers.

How to tell if your baby is too hot: what to watch out for

To tell if your baby is too hot, start by feeling their neck or back—they should feel warm but not sweaty. If they are sweaty, some of the environmental causes may include:

Inappropriate sleep wear. Dress your baby in breathable fabrics appropriate for the season.
Over-humidified air. A humidifier can be helpful if the air is dry in your home. But too much humidity creates an unnaturally moist environment, which can make your baby sweat. Also, aim to keep your baby’s room between 65 and 70 degrees.
Thick bedding. Heavy blankets can trap moisture and cause your baby to sweat more.

If none of the environmental factors are a problem and your baby is still sweating, environmental factor), there may be health or other issues at work. Reach out to your child’s doctor if you are concerned.

How to create the ideal sleep environment

When it comes to ensuring the proper temperature for your baby’s nursery, Goldilocks said it best: not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Ideally, a nursery should be kept at around 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity between 40 and 55 percent. These settings are key to preventing your baby from sweating at night and ensuring they remain comfortable throughout their sleep. The Nanit Sound + Light Machine is an excellent tool that can help monitor these optimal sleep settings and more.

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A comfortable nursery temperature will help your baby sleep better. And you’ll get more much-needed rest as well!

Tips to try if your baby sweats when sleeping

You know what to watch out for and how to tell if your baby’s too hot. These ideas can help solve your baby’s too-hot problem before it even starts.

Sleeping tips for summer

If you have trouble sleeping in sweltering heat, so will your baby—and unlike adults, babies aren’t as good at regulating their body temperature.

Here’s how to keep your child cool and comfortable:

Moisture-wicking fitted sheets
Lightweight pajamas or sleep wear
Air circulation (such as fans, open windows)
Cold compress before bed

Be aware that your baby may be more likely to get hotter at night during the summer, but they can overheat in the winter, too.

Sleeping tips for winter

While keeping your baby warm during the colder months is important, it’s easy to unintentionally create an environment where they overheat. To ensure your baby stays comfortable:

Use multiple layers wisely, but avoid over-bundling. If you’re using a baby sleep bag, select the appropriate TOG (thermal overall grade) for the room temperature. Pair it with breathable sleep wear that isn’t too tight or restrictive.
Avoid the common mistake of putting a hat on your baby overnight. Although adorable, hats can trap heat and prevent it from being released through the head, a crucial part of your baby’s temperature regulation while sleeping.

By choosing the right combination of layers, fabrics, and sleep wear, you can keep your baby warm without risking overheating during the winter months. Always monitor their neck or back to ensure they feel warm rather than sweaty.

Nanit Sleep Wear for comfortable sleep

High-quality sleep wear is a key ingredient in keeping your baby comfortable during the night. And Nanit’s Sleep Wear is designed specifically for comfort and safety, with cute and colorful patterns.

Our pajamas are made from super soft, 100% organic cotton—a breathable yet snug fabric your baby will love. And we have PJs for any season, from short-sleeved bodysuits to full-body swaddles.

Plus, our Breathing Wear pajamas offer extra insight into your little one’s sleep patterns. Together with the Nanit Pro Camera’s vision technology, our Breathing Wear monitors your baby’s breathing motions and sends real-time notification to your phone for even more enhanced peace of mind.

Key takeaways

Seasonally appropriate pajamas and a nursery at a just-right temperature are essential to minimize night sweating. But if you suspect something more is going on, speak with your child’s doctor about other possible causes.
Our proprietary Breathing Wear vision technology tracks temperature, humidity, and your baby’s breathing motions so that you can ensure a healthy sleep environment.
Soft and breathable sleepwear is one of the best ways to regulate your baby’s body temperature. Browse Nanit to find the perfect fit.

Sources:
Mayo Clinic. Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pediatric-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20376196

Riley Children’s Health. Hyperhidrosis. https://www.rileychildrens.org/health-info/hyperhidrosis

WebMD. What to do if Your Child Has Night Sweats. https://www.webmd.com/children/what-to-do-if-your-child-has-night-sweats

NIH. Night sweats in children: prevalence and associated factors. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21427123/

Sleep Advisor. What is The Ideal Sleep Temperature for https://www.sleepadvisor.org/room-temp-for-baby/

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CONTRIBUTORS

Natalie Barnett, PhD serves as VP of Clinical Research at Nanit. Natalie initiated sleep research collaborations at Nanit and in her current role, Natalie oversees collaborations with researchers at hospitals and universities around the world who use the Nanit camera to better understand pediatric sleep and leads the internal sleep and development research programs at Nanit. Natalie holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of New England in Australia and a Postgraduate Certificate in Pediatric Sleep Science from the University of Western Australia. Natalie was an Assistant Professor in the Neurogenetics Unit at NYU School of Medicine prior to joining Nanit. Natalie is also the voice of Nanit's science-backed, personalized sleep tips delivered to users throughout their baby's first few years.

Mackenzie Sangster is on the Brand and Community team at Nanit. She supports content development and editing for Nanit’s Parent Confidently blog as well as other marketing initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her friends, cooking, being active, and using the Pro + Flex Duo to keep an eye on her fur-baby, Poppy!

Holly Hays is a contributor and writer for Nanit, channeling her years as a mama and former magazine editor to create fun, useful content for fellow busy, trying-to-do-their-best parents and caregivers. Holly has written for a wide range of brands and media outlets (Ergobaby, HGTV, Manhattan Toy Company, OXO), loves to cook and read mystery novels, and leans heavily on her two daughters to keep her up to date on all the latest slang.