Baby's sleep on holiday

The increase in temperatures during the summer months can alter sleep homeostasis in children, interfering with the immature thermoregulation of infants, compromising sleep quality and increasing the risk of awakenings, dehydration, and irritability.

Daytime sleep routine on holiday

Maintaining a regular daytime sleep routine (nap) is essential even during the holiday period, as circadian regularity promotes neurophysiological stability and favors the integration of daytime experiences. A “power nap” of 60–120 minutes at the usual time helps to restore homeodynamic balance after intense environmental stimuli. Even a partially adapted routine reduces the risk of emotional dysregulation.

The possibility of having the child sleep in outdoor environments can offer sensory benefits and neuropsychological relaxation, provided that strict environmental safety criteria are respected:

• Choice of cool and shaded environments (e.g., pine forests or ventilated spaces) to minimize exposure to UV rays and the risk of hyperthermia;
• Avoid resting during hours of maximum insolation (between 11:00 and 16:00);
• Use strollers or mobile cradles compliant with safety regulations that promote thermal dispersion and body ventilation;
• Prefer consistent schedules even in mobile environments, avoiding chaotic overlaps between stimulating activities and sleep induction attempts.

Although outdoor sleep tends to be of shorter duration, it can still be rejuvenating. In case of difficulty falling asleep, it is advisable to propose post-prandial activities with low sensory load (reading, relaxing music) to facilitate the transition towards a parasympathetic state.

In case the child is unable to rest according to the established routine, it is a priority to respect the physiological signs of sleepiness. Sleep deprivation, voluntary or induced, can cause disorganization of ultradian rhythms and difficulties in affective regulation.

Rather than forcing wakefulness to respect a pre-established schedule, it is preferable to accommodate the need for rest, even if manifested at unconventional times (for example during car trips). If the nap occurs close to the evening, it is advisable to limit its duration to 30-45 minutes, in order to preserve the architecture of nighttime sleep and facilitate falling asleep in the evening.

Sleep rhythm in newborns

In newborns (0–3 months), the absence of a consolidated circadian rhythm results in a polycyclic sleep pattern that can reach up to 18-20 hours daily. In this phase, it is not appropriate to impose rigid schedules, but rather to follow the endogenous ultradian rhythm and respond flexibly to behavioral cues. In children older than 6 months, the bedtime can be temporarily modulated according to holiday dynamics, as long as it does not persist chronically and is counterbalanced by an adequate total sleep time over 24 hours. It is fundamental to carefully observe the child’s behavior in relation to schedule variations and adjust the nighttime routine gradually.

Summer nightwear

The choice of nightwear must be based on thermal safety and breathability criteria. The newborn should not sleep completely naked. The use of a diaper and a 100% cotton bodysuit is recommended, which represents the ideal solution as it effectively absorbs sweat and allows for good skin ventilation, thus reducing the risk of sweat-related dermatitis, such as sudamina (miliaria). An adequate nighttime environment, associated with a quick evening bath with lukewarm water, helps reduce the skin’s thermal load and facilitates the onset of sleep. Furthermore, the use of adequately ventilated sleep surfaces (cradle, cot or stroller compliant with safety regulations) is essential to maintain a stable microclimate.