Struggling to sleep in this heat? Here’s how to cool your home down
Keep your home cooler during a UK heatwave without breaking the bank with these 5 smart tips – plus clever product picks for babies, kids and hot nights.
With temperatures soaring across the UK, keeping your home cool can feel like a losing battle at the moment.
Many houses in the UK aren’t designed for extreme heat, and are built to keep heat in, not out — which is lovely in winter, but less so when your children are red-faced and sweaty by 10am.
But there are ways you can keep your home cool, using both quick fixes and smart swaps. We’ve rounded up the best heatwave hacks for parents, plus some handy products to help keep things chill.
Whether you’re trying to settle a baby in a stuffy nursery or juggle work, parenting and sleep during a heatwave, these tricks might just save your sanity this summer.
1. Block out the sunlight early
It might feel counterintuitive, but opening your windows as soon as the sun comes up can actually be worse for maintaining a liveable temperature in your home. Sun streaming through windows can raise the temperature significantly.
The better option is to shut curtains and blinds early – ideally before 9am – and keep windows closed during the hottest part of the day (usually 11am–3pm), particularly in rooms that get a lot of sun.
Blackout blinds work best at keeping rooms cooler. They also keep rooms darker which can be a lifesaver during light summer nights, especially if your kids rise with the sun. Look for thermal or reflective backing for extra protection.
MadeForMums reviewers loved the Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind with its suction cups that can be attached to any window — perfect for renters or families who like to travel.
2. Create a DIY cross-breeze using windows and fans
Good airflow is key to keeping a space cool. You can create a cross-breeze in your home by strategically opening windows and doors: in the evening, when the outside air finally starts to cool, open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a cross-breeze. Prop open internal doors to help air circulate through hallways and bedrooms, and if you have an attic or loft hatch, open that so that the hot air rises out of your living spaces.
Of course, be mindful of safety around open windows, particularly if you have young children. Ensure windows are secure or fitted with childproof locks if needed.
3. Use fans strategically
Fans are a quick way to provide some relief in hot weather, and you can boost their effect with a few tricks.
If you have two windows/doors opposite each other, you can increase any cross-breezes you’ve created. Place a fan near a window or door, facing into the room to draw cooler air in, and another fan facing out of the other window/door to suck warmer air out.
Some people use the “fan and ice” trick, too. To do this, place bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan to create a mini air-con effect as the air is cooled as it passes over the ice.
If you’re in the market for a fan, MadeForMums has compiled a list of the best tower fans this summer.
Some of the best tower fans offer features like sleep modes, oscillation, and quiet operation, making them suitable for use in bedrooms and living spaces. Bladeless fans can be a safe choice around young children.
4. Rethink your bedding
It’s obvious that fleece bedding and 13.5 tog duvets aren’t the best for heatwaves, but there are other changes you can make to your bedding to make sleeping in the heat slightly easier.
Bedding made from breathable, natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo can make a noticeable difference to sleep quality for you and the kids. Lightweight cellular blankets are ideal for babies in hot weather, as they have small holes to avoid overheating.
If you can’t buy new bedding right now, try using a spare sheet or a duvet cover without a duvet instead of a blanket.
If you're co-sleeping or still breastfeeding, it's even more important to keep things cool. Look for moisture-wicking cot sheets and pyjamas that help regulate temperature.
For older kids and grown-ups, try putting your pillowcase in the freezer an hour before bed for a nice cool bed.
5. Switch off the heat sources you don’t notice
Electronics and appliances give off more heat than you might realise, and in a heatwave, every degree counts.
Try switching off gadgets at the wall when they’re not in use, especially TVs, computers and kitchen appliances. Avoid using the oven or hob if you can – now’s the time for cold pasta salads, air fryer dinners, or picnics.
And don’t forget lightbulbs: swapping halogen bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs can reduce heat buildup, especially in smaller rooms.
6. Stay hydrated — and wet
Staying hydrated is essential in hot weather, as it helps the body regulate temperature, so encourage everyone in your household to drink water regularly throughout the day.
Taking cold showers, spraying yourself and the kids with water, or draping a wet towel over your shoulders can also be very effective at keeping you cool.
Keeping your home cool during a UK heatwave can feel like a full-time job, but with a few simple swaps – and the right kit – it’s doable. And while we can’t promise a good night’s sleep for everyone, we can help make things that bit more bearable.