Transform your child’s bedroom ready for the summer holiday’s

With the majority of school holidays starting mid-July and fast approaching, it’s important to consider what you can do to ensure your child’s sleeping schedule runs as smoothly as possible. During the summer holidays, routines can change. Whether due to days out, holidays abroad or sleepovers, it can be difficult to stick to a sleep schedule. However, it is important to try not to veer off too much as this can be detrimental when it comes to going back to school in September. Equally, in the instances where it’s difficult to stick to a routine, such as holidays abroad or at the occasional late-night BBQ, don’t beat yourself up. It's not only sticking to a routine that can be a challenge throughout summer, but also sleeping in general; especially in hot weather. There are a few things you can do in preparation for the summer holidays, to encourage quality sleep throughout.

1. Replace winter duvet

Higher tog winter duvets are a must have to ensure no warmth escapes during the colder months, but it is a good idea to have both a winter duvet and a summer duvet. Having a lower tog duvet for summer means less chance of being woken up on a hot summer’s night. June is the perfect time to make the switch to your lighter summer covers.

2. 100% cotton bed linen

Getting hot and stuffy in the night is bound to wake anyone up; it is no different for children. 100% cotton, silk or linen bedding is recommended year-round, but their moisture wicking properties makes them an even more vital addition over the summer holidays. Bedding made from one of these materials will help to keep your child cool and dry throughout the night, all making for a better night’s sleep.

3. Store winter throws

We all tend to have a collection of blankets and throws on our beds throughout winter for those extra chilly nights, but they really aren’t necessary throughout summer. It is a good idea to store them away, perhaps under-bed in a vacuum bag. If you are really missing the throws you could invest in a lightweight alternative made from cotton or linen, which allows for layering as and when your child gets a little chilly.

4. Blackout blinds or curtains

With summer comes longer, lighter days. Blackout blinds and curtains are life changing during the summer months and are great for children for two big reasons. Firstly, the evenings are much lighter until at least 9 pm, sometimes later, meaning children may struggle to get to sleep. Similarly, with an early summer’s sunrise, without blackout blinds, morning rays could wake little ones from 5 am! Blackout blinds keep the room dark ensuring they get the desired amount of sleep.

5. Invest in a fan

The optimal temperature for sleep is 16-18°C and on a hot summer’s night, room temperature can way exceed this. A fan is a worthwhile investment to keep your child’s room as cool as possible and encourage sleep. It is a great option if you don’t want to leave the windows open overnight. Check it is safe to leave your fan on overnight or turn it off once your child is asleep before you go to bed.