Key Points
- Your baby regulates their temperature predominantly through their faces and head
- You should dress baby as you would dress yourself – never dress in excess
- You should check their temperature by feeling their back or tummy
- You should always ensure your baby’s head or face is not covered when they’re sleeping
- You can use a baby sleep sack, as this is a great way to keep your baby warm without increasing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- You should never use hot water bottles and electric blankets for babies
When the temperature is too hot or too cold, it can make sleeping difficult. This is as true with babies as it is with adults. Still, when your body hasn’t fully developed the ability to regulate heat properly, these circumstances become a risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). So, what is an ideal room temperature for babies?
The ideal room temperature for babies falls between 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. Babies’ bodies are susceptible to changes in room temperature. At approximately 11 weeks old, they begin to regulate their temperature at night and can better adapt to changing temperatures.
Temperature extremes are uncomfortable for infants and potentially dangerous. It’s up to you as the parent or caregiver to find the best room temperature for them. Read on to see how you can better regulate your baby’s temperature.
In This Article
- How Can You Regulate A Baby’s Temperature?
- What Is Thermal Stress?
- How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Overheating?
- How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Too Cold?
- What Should You Do If Your Baby Is Sick?
How Can You Regulate A Baby’s Temperature?
For the first few weeks of your baby’s life, you are the primary way they can regulate their body temperature. Many parents opt to swaddle and wrap their babies, and while this is an excellent option for newborns, it’s essential not to use too many blankets or wrap them too tight, as this is a significant contributor to the risk of SIDS.
You may not be able to control the weather, but you can control a few factors to keep your baby’s room at the optimum temperature to create a safe sleeping environment. Here are some things you can do to help keep the room at an ideal temperature and help better regulate your baby’s temperature.
In Warm Months…
- Dress Your Baby AppropriatelyBabies don’t need much clothing when the temperature outside gets warmer. Ensure their heads and faces aren’t covered during very warm or hot days; this is the primary way babies release body heat.
- Have Good Ventilation You’ll need to ensure you’re keeping your baby cool, so keeping the windows open and using a fan on low heat index days are great options. The air should not blow directly on your baby. Provided it’s safe, open the door to your baby’s room to allow the air to flow properly throughout the space.
In Cool Months…
- Layer Clothes When the weather takes a turn for the colder months, it’s time to layer your baby’s clothes lightly. No more than you would an adult, so just a slightly thicker onesie on top of another should do well. You can put beanies on your baby while they’re awake and exposed to the cold, but leave their heads and faces uncovered while they sleep or in warmer areas to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Check The ThermostatAccess to technology that allows us to get the right room temperature makes creating a safe sleep environment easier. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature. As long as it’s a comfortable temperature for you, it should be the right room temperature for the baby.
Things To Avoid…
- Hot Water BottlesThese pose a risk of burning your baby because they are too hot, or there’s always a chance they could leak. However, you can lay a warm water bottle on the mattress to preheat your baby’s cot but remove it before putting your baby to sleep.
- Electric BlanketsThese are fire hazards and can cause your baby to go into thermal stress if they get too hot at night.
- Excessive BlanketsUsing minimal bedding in their cots is best when creating a safe infant sleep environment. Stick to using lightweight swaddles (if your baby isn’t rolling yet) and sleep sacks on a firm mattress.
What Is Thermal Stress?
Thermal stress is also known as overheating, and it’s a massive contributor to babies developing Sudden Unexpected Deaths In Infants (SUDI).
Things That Increase The Risk Of Thermal Stress:
- When babies sleep on soft surfaces, as they can trap heat easier
- When babies sleep with their heads or face covered
- When you overdress your baby
- When you use duvets or quilts in the cot
- When the room temperature is above 22 degrees Celsius
How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Overheating?
Since SIDS is a real threat and overheating poses a considerable risk, you must know when your baby is starting to overheat.
You can place your hand on your baby’s chest, tummy or neck to check their temperature. They should feel warm in these areas, not hot or cold. Never gauge by their hands or feet, as these parts will naturally be colder at night.
We’ve detailed the signs to look out for if your baby starts to overheat below:
- They’re hot to the touch
- They’re sweating excessively, especially on the neck
- They’re looking ill
- They’re refusing to drink
- They’re floppy
- They’re difficult to wake up
- They’re having fewer wet nappies
- They’re irritable
How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Too Cold?
Babies will often let you know if they’re too cold, as they’ll tend to get extra fussy and keep waking up. We have detailed some signs to look for to tell you that your baby is too cold:
- Their skin is pale or blotchy
- They’re shivering
- Their cheeks, arms, or legs are cold to touch
- Their chest or the back of their neck is cool to touch
- They seem overly sleepy or it’s difficult to wake them
- They’re extra fussy
Put additional clothing on your baby if you think they’re too cold. In most cases, warming them up with another layer will stop these symptoms. However, if you notice that your baby’s lips or skin turn slightly blue, check in with a doctor to advise you on the best course of action.
What Should You Do If Your Baby Is Sick?
When your baby is sick with a cold or a fever, their basal temperature usually increases, making them a bit warmer than usual. Your main objective when this happens is to help them to lower their fever to an average temperature.
You’ll need to dress them in fewer layers and keep them as cool as possible. Keep any coverings off their head and faces, as this is their main way to regulate temperature. Lukewarm baths can help to lower their body temperature.
Final Thoughts On What Is An Ideal Room Temperature For Babies
Babies can only regulate their body temperature by releasing heat from their heads and hands for the first few months, so providing a safe sleeping environment with the safest room temperature between 18 to 20 degrees Celsius is essential. Remember your baby is a little human, so as cute as they may look dressed like woolly sheep in thick winter clothes, stick to layers of lightweight clothing instead. This reduces the risks of thermal stress and SIDS.