Getting your baby's room to the right temperature during both the summer and winter is paramount to keeping your little one safe. If your baby is too hot, there is an increase in the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The ideal temperature of the baby's nursery or your room should not be too hot or too cold so your little one stays safe and also has a great night's sleep. Here are some top tips for keeping your bedroom or the baby's nursery at a safe and comfortable temperature.
Where Should My Baby Sleep?
For the first six months, you should try to have your baby sleep in the same room with you so that you can keep a regular check on them and their temperature. Sharing a room with your baby will reduce the risk of SIDS and allow you to both sleep soundly without the fear of overheating or your baby rolling over during their sleep. After 6 months, once you are happy to, it is fine to move your baby to their own room, but still just as important to maintain a good room temperature and check your baby's temperature while they sleep.
What is the Perfect Room Temperature for Babies?
No matter what season, the temperature of your baby's room should always stay within a range of 18 to 22 degrees Celcius (66 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit). There are a few things you can do to help when a room is too hot or too cold, but you should avoid turning the heating on too much during winter nights or blowing a fan/AC directly on your baby.
You can monitor the temperature in the room by using a room thermometer to get a more accurate reading and ensure a safe temperature for your baby. Not only will you need to monitor the room temperature regularly, but you should also be checking your baby's body temperature too.
How Do I Check the Temperature of My Baby Accurately?
To check a baby is at a safe temperature, parents should place a hand gently on the baby's chest or back of the neck. If your little one is too hot they will feel a little sweaty and hot to touch. A baby that is too hot may also breathe a little heavier than usual and can have flushed cheeks. If a baby is too cold they will feel cold to touch and may move around less than usual. Do not check if your baby is too hot or too cold by feeling their hands and feet, as these areas are usually colder anyway.
Although the average temperature for a baby is around 36 to 38°C (98 to 100°F), every baby is different. If you are worried that your child is overheating or if you take a temperature reading of over 38°C (100.4°F), you should contact a professional for medical advice, as your baby may be unwell.
How Do I Dress My Baby at Night?
Parents should dress their baby depending on the temperature of the room and house at night. For cold nights during the Autumn or Winter, you should dress your baby in a one-piece, with a thicker baby sleeping bag over the top. However, if it is extremely cold and you are worried that your baby will not get a good night's sleep, you can add another layer. Be sure that any layers you add are one-pieces and not loose blankets or material that could cause suffocation.
For warm nights, you can remove the sleep sack and have your baby sleep in a lighter one-piece. It is important to note that babies should never be dressed in accessories such as hats and gloves while sleeping.
How Can I Keep the Room at a Comfortable Temperature?
There are a few ways to help regulate the temperature of the bedroom where your baby sleeps. In the hot weather, you can keep a bedroom cool for your baby by keeping windows open throughout the day, with blinds or curtains shut to keep out the sun. It is also possible to run a fan in the baby's room, but face the fan to a wall and make sure it is away from your newborn or older baby. In cold weather, thicker bedding and clothing should suffice, but you can turn the heating on at a low temperature during the night if it is extremely cold.
Read our blog Keeping Baby Cool At Night
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Erica at Babogue is a Certified Child Sleep Consultant who has helped give over 2500 families across the world the gift of sleep. As a mother of 3 herself, Erica understands the problems and concerns parents may have when it comes to the safety of their children, as well as the quality of their sleep. Babogue's Sleep Series will provide you with relevant sleep advice for your baby, whether they are a newborn up to a toddler! Find our more on www.babogue.com and get started with our sleep series today by contacting us through [email protected].
