What is the best temperature for your baby's room?

When creating the ideal conditions for your baby’s room, nothing seems more important than the room temperature. Armed with thermometers, many parents aim to balance the scales favourably despite the issue that we cannot control the weather. So, what exactly is the ideal baby’s room temperature? Below we will discuss the ideal temperature for your baby's room and how to make sure your baby is not becoming to hot or cold during their sleep and what you can do to keep your little one comfortable and sleep safely. 

What is the ideal room temperature for babies? 

The ideal baby’s room temp is generally recommended to be between 18-22 degrees Celsius. However according to Red Nose Australia it’s not necessary to monitor the room temperature during the night, but rather to make sure your baby is dressed appropriately for the climate they’re sleeping in.   

Why is room temperature important for a baby? 

It’s important that babies don’t overheat while they’re sleeping and that the room is properly ventilated. Overheating has been linked to an increased risk in SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Overheating can be caused by high body temperature, excessive layering of clothing or amount of blankets used, room heating or covering the baby's head. Their temperature if regulated through their head and face, so it is recommended to not have any head covering, hat or beanie when they are sleeping or taking a nap.
 

How do you know if a baby is too hot or too cold? 

You can spend a lot of time concerned about a baby's room temperature to make sure they are not too hot or cold as they sleep. The best way to check your baby's body temperature is to feel their chest or back of their neck rather than feet or hands. 

Signs your baby is too hot 

• Sweating 
• Flushed cheeks 
• Skin is clammy to touch 
• Rapid breathing  

Signs your baby is too cold 

• Skin feels cool to the touch. 
• Baby waking and unsettled mid-sleep, often corresponding with a temperature drop.  

How to check if your baby is too hot or too cold 

Most parents will check their babies hands and feet when checking their temperature. However, due to a baby’s developing circulatory system, babies’ hands can feel cold when they are at a perfectly comfortable temperature. Here’s what is best to do to check your baby’s temperature while they’re sleeping: 

Feel your baby’s chest or the back of their neck:

Gently feel the back of their neck or chest to gauge how comfortable they are rather than feeling your baby’s hands to test their comfort temperature. 

Listen to their breathing:

A baby's breathing can become more rapid if they are overheating. If you notice the speed of your baby’s breathing increase, it could be a sign that they are too hot and it’s time to remove some layers.  

How to keep your baby at a comfortable temperature during sleep 

There are a few things you can do to ensure your baby remains at a comfortable temperature during the night: 

Put your baby down to sleep on their back:

Putting your baby to sleep on their back allows them to regulate their own temperature more effectively. 

Keep your baby’s crib free of blankets, loose sheets and pillows:

While it may be a natural set-up to have loose blankets, sheets and pillows in a baby's cot or bassinet they are not recommended for safety reasons. This can ensure your baby's face cannot be covered during the night. They lack the strength to move away from anything that can obstruct their breathing during their sleep, so instead have a well-fitting  swaddle or safe sleeping bag, with safety features such as fitted necks and armholes (or sleeves).   

Avoid over-dressing your baby at night:

Make sure a little one is not wearing a beanie, hat or head covering while being dressed in lightweight, breathable clothing is your best approach. Their temperature is regulated through their face and head, so covering their head overnight increases the risk of overheating. 

Choose lightweight layers, rather than heavy sleepwear:

The advantage of dressing your baby in lightweight layers, such as bodysuits and rompers underneath a sleeping bag or swaddle, is that you can remove or add layers if the room temperature fluctuates during the night, or if you’ve noticed your baby is not at a comfortable temperature. Thick, heavy garments can lack breathability and may cause overheating. If you would like suggestions how to layer your little one in your babies current room you can find our dressing suggestions for different temperatures on our TOG rating guide. 

What can you do if your baby’s room is too warm? 

If it’s likely that the temperature of the room will rise above 22°C, make sure your baby is dressed in lightweight, breathable clothing and a swaddle with a low TOG rating. In very high temperatures, you can use a fan in the room to circulate the air. Make sure the fan is a safe distance away from the bassinet or cot and not in direct line with your baby's sleeping area.

What can you do if your baby’s room is too cold? 

On cooler evenings, dressing your baby in breathable layered clothing, with a temperature-appropriate swaddle, sleep bag or suit, could be all you need to make sure that baby is warm enough through the night. However, if you find they are not warm enough you can add an extra layer underneath the sleep bag or swaddle. 

While room thermometers can be a helpful aid in creating the ideal sleeping temperature for your baby, remember that dressing your baby appropriately and according to the climate is key. TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) ratings on clothing and sleep apparel are another helpful way to assist you in choosing the right sleepwear for the season and temperature.  

Check-in with your baby during the night if you know the temperature is due to fluctuate.