From winter woolies to summer sheets: How natural fibres help little bodies sleep soundly.
Written by Aleisha from Sure Sleep.
The chill of winter is finally fading! It can be a stressful time as we start peeling off those layers but as the seasons change, so does how our babies and toddlers sleep. Spring can be hot one minute and cold the next,
Suddenly those warm pyjamas that kept them snug in July are making them sweaty and restless in November. You might be left wondering why bedtime feels a bit “off” again even though nothing else has changed or your little one might suddenly be waking between 4-5am.
Well, it might just be their fabrics doing the talking.
How temperature changes can affect sleep
Babies and young children can’t regulate their body temperature as easily as adults can. They can overheat or get chilly much faster than us, which often leads to restless sleep, more wake-ups, and early mornings. We can easily add or remove layers when we wake in the night but for them it requires a little more planning.
When little ones are too warm, you might notice sweaty hair, flushed cheeks, or tossing and turning during naps and overnight sleep. When they’re too cool, they might wake more frequently or struggle to resettle.
That’s where natural fibres and an optimised sleep environment can make all the difference. By choosing breathable, temperature-regulating natural fibres you can help your child stay comfortable through seasonal changes and support more restorative sleep (for everyone!).
The magic of natural fibres for baby and toddler sleep
1.Breathable and airy:
Cotton, bamboo, and merino wool are naturally breathable fibres that allow heat and moisture to escape. That means fewer sweaty wake-ups and a much more settled night especially during the warmer months.
2.Naturally regulating:
These fabrics adapt beautifully to changing temperatures, keeping little bodies cool in summer and snug in cooler weather.
3.Gentle on skin:
Natural fibres are soft, hypoallergenic, and are low irritant for delicate baby skin or eczema sufferers. If your child has a skin flare up try sticking to 100% cotton clothing and bedding.
4.Sustainable and long-lasting:
They’re also eco-friendly and durable which is perfect for conscious parents who want baby sleep solutions that last through multiple seasons (and siblings!).
Simple ways to set up your summer sleep environment
As we move from winter into summer here in New Zealand, these small changes can make a big difference to your baby’s sleep and reduce the chance of temperature related sleep challenges.
🌿Switch to lighter natural layers: Opt for cotton or bamboo pyjamas and a lightweight such as 0.2–0.5 TOG sleep sack during the day or 1TOG overnight.
🌿Choose breathable bedding: Muslin or cotton sheets help airflow and prevent overheating as well as being breathable and contributing to a safe sleep space.
🌿Regulate room temperature: Aim for 18–22°C, and use a fan or open window for gentle ventilation in the early hours of the evening. During spring it can also be worth keeping a thermostat controlled heater on to click on when the temperature drops in the early morning.
🌿Trust your touch: Check the back of their neck (not hands or feet) to see if they’re too hot or cold.
💚 A little reassurance from me as a sleep coach (AKA baby sleep consultant)
You don’t have to overhaul your whole sleep setup! Often it’s the little tweaks that make the biggest difference. Using natural fibres is a simple, science-backed way to support your child’s body temperature and improve sleep quality.
If you’re still finding nights tricky, you’re not alone. Seasonal changes, nap transitions, and developmental leaps can all affect how babies and toddlers sleep. Sleep is not linear and it's ok to go through these phases. If things have been difficult for a while or it's affecting your whole family, that’s exactly what I help families with every day.
As a responsive, evidence-based baby sleep consultant based in New Zealand, I help families find practical, gentle solutions that work for your baby, your family, and your parenting style.
👉 Book a free 15-minute discovery call to chat about your little one’s sleep, your current setup, and how we can get everyone resting easier this summer.
Free 15min Discovery Phone Call | Sure Sleep
Warmly,
Aleisha
Family Sleep & Wellness Coach, Sure Sleep
Sure Sleep | Responsive sleep and settling
