What Temperature Should a Baby’s Room Be?

One of the best sleep tips for parents is to ensure your baby gets enough sleep at night. To do that, they need to be comfortable. But what temperature should a baby’s room be?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ideal room temperature for babies, highlight the importance of a suitable temperature, and provide tips to help you keep your baby safe as they sleep. Read from start to finish for a comprehensive overview of baby room temperature, or use the links below to skip to the section that interests you.

• Key Takeaways
• The Best Room Temperature for Babies
• The Importance of Temperature for Sleep for Infants
• How Can You Tell If Your Baby Is Too Hot?
• How Can You Tell If Your Baby Is Too Cold?
• How to Keep Your Baby’s Room at the Right Temperature
• How Should You Dress Your Baby for Sleep?
• Tips to Keep Your Baby Safe While They Sleep
• Wrapping Up: Ideal Temperature for Baby Room

Key Takeaways

• The best room temperature for a baby is between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Retaining the room at a comfortable temperature can prevent babies from overheating, help them sleep better, and boost development.
• You can tell your baby is too hot when they sleep if they have warm hands or feet, red or flushed skin, and are irritable.
• You can tell your baby is too cold when they sleep if they have cold hands or feet, pale or blue skin, and are shivering.
• You can keep a room at a suitable temperature by monitoring a thermostat and ensuring it’s in the recommended range.

The Best Room Temperature for Babies

According to many experts, the best room temperature for sleeping babies falls between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 to 22 degrees Celsius. Generally speaking, if the room is uncomfortable for an adult, it’s most likely uncomfortable for the baby as well.

Keeping this room temperature in mind is especially important since the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) increases when the temperature falls above and below this range. SIDS is when a baby dies without explanation while sleeping, and it’s one of the leading causes of death for infants under one year old.

The Importance of Temperature for Sleep for Infants

The right temperature for a baby’s room can provide several benefits for the overall well-being of your little one, such as:

• Preventing overheating: Overheating can increase the likelihood of SIDS, especially during the winter months when parents may start using a heater, extra layers of clothing, and thicker blankets.
• Promoting deep sleep: When babies are too warm or cold, they may toss and turn, reducing the amount of sleep they receive and leading to irritability and stress. A suitable room temperature can ensure they receive plenty of rest.
• Encouraging development: Good sleep can have a significant effect on the mental and physical development of your child, strengthening vital areas of the brain.

Helping your baby obtain a good night’s rest by regulating a room’s temperature can also benefit you as a parent. A comfortable baby is a baby that’s more likely to sleep through the night and let you get the right amount of sleep.

How Can You Tell If Your Baby Is Too Hot?

Like adults, to help babies fall asleep faster, it’s important to ensure they’re sleeping in the right room temperature. While we often focus on keeping our little ones warm, it’s equally important to be aware of signs that indicate a baby might be too hot. Here are the signs your baby is too hot:

• Warm hands and feet: While we often check for cold hands and feet as a sign of being too cool, unusually warm hands and feet might indicate that your baby’s body is working hard to regulate its temperature.
• Red or flushed skin: If you notice your baby’s skin, particularly on the face, chest, or back, appears redder than usual or flushed, this could be a sign that they’re too warm. This occurs as blood vessels dilate to help cool the body.
• Restlessness or irritability: An overheated baby may become fussy, restless, or irritable. If your usually calm infant suddenly becomes difficult to soothe and you’ve ruled out other common causes like hunger or a dirty diaper, consider checking the room temperature.
• Damp hair: If you notice your baby’s hair is damp or wet, especially at the nape of the neck or around the hairline, it’s a clear sign that they’re sweating and likely too warm. Babies don’t sweat as efficiently as adults, so any noticeable perspiration is worth paying attention to.
• Sweat: While we mentioned damp hair, general sweating is also a key indicator. If you notice moisture on your baby’s skin, particularly in areas like the back, chest, or forehead, it’s a sign that their body is working to cool down.
• Heat rash: A heat rash known as prickly heat can develop when a baby overheats. It appears as small, red bumps or blisters, typically in areas where skin touches skin, such as the neck, armpits, or diaper area. If you notice this type of rash, it’s a sign that your baby has been too warm for some time.
• Rapid breathing: If you see that your baby is breathing faster than usual or seems to be taking short, quick breaths, this could be a sign of overheating. The body increases its respiration rate as a way to cool down, so this is an important indicator to watch for.

How Can You Tell If Your Baby Is Too Cold?

Just as it’s important to monitor signs of overheating, being able to recognize when your baby is too cold is equally crucial for their comfort and well-being. Understanding the signs of a chilly baby can help you determine when to adjust their room temperature to ensure they stay cozy and healthy.

• Cool hands or feet: While warm extremities can indicate overheating, cool hands or feet are often the first sign that your baby is getting cold. Feel your baby’s hands and feet; if they’re noticeably cool to the touch, it might be time to add an extra layer or adjust the room temperature.

• Pale skin: If your baby’s skin appears paler than usual, especially around the lips or fingertips, it could be a sign that they’re too cold. The body reduces blood flow to the skin’s surface to conserve heat, resulting in a paler appearance.

• Shivering: Just like adults, babies may shiver when they’re cold. However, not all babies will visibly shiver, so it’s important to look for other signs as well. If you notice your baby shivering, it’s a clear indication that they need to be warmed up.

• Lethargy: A cold baby might become unusually quiet or lethargic. If your normally active infant seems sluggish or less responsive, and you’ve ruled out other causes, consider checking if they’re too cold. Remember, the ideal temperature for a baby’s room should promote comfort and regular activity levels.

• Frequent waking during the night: If your baby is waking up more often than usual during the night, it could be due to feeling cold. Babies sleep better in a comfortably warm environment, so if the room temperature drops too low, it might disrupt their sleep patterns.

• Fussiness: Much like when they’re too hot, babies can become fussy or irritable when they’re too cold. If your baby seems particularly cranky and you’ve addressed other common needs, check if they’re at a comfortable temperature.

• Slowed breathing: In some cases, a baby who is too cold might exhibit slower than normal breathing. This is because the body slows down various processes, including respiration, to conserve energy and heat. If you notice your baby’s breathing seems unusually slow, it’s important to warm them up gradually and seek medical advice if you’re concerned.

Remember, “What temperature should a baby’s room be?” is a common question for new parents. Generally, experts suggest that the ideal temperature for a baby room is between 68-72°F (20-22°C). However, it’s always best to observe your baby’s comfort cues and adjust accordingly. If you’re unsure about your baby’s comfort or health, don’t hesitate to consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice.

How to Keep Your Baby’s Room at the Right Temperature

Now that you know the importance of keeping a room at the ideal temperature for a baby to sleep, how can you ensure that it’s maintained within the recommended range? There are several ways to keep a room cool, from blackout shades to keeping an eye on the thermostat. Below, we’ve listed a few simple ways to keep your baby’s room at the right temperature all year long:

• Monitor your thermostat: To reduce the likelihood of a heartbreaking tragedy like SIDS from occurring, consider keeping a close eye on your thermostat. This way, you can monitor the current temperature and make the necessary adjustments whenever it falls out of range. If you don’t have a thermostat in your home, you can use a portable one to determine the temperature of the room.
• Change the direction of your ceiling fan: Depending on the season, you can change the direction of the ceiling fan to fit your baby’s needs and prevent night sweats. For instance, in the summer, you can set the rotation counterclockwise to push cool air down and deliver a breeze. In the winter, allow the fan to spin clockwise to distribute the hot air emitted from the heater through the room.
• Block out the sun: During the day, the sun’s rays can enter through your windows and warm up the room. You can prevent this by using window shades and even blackout curtains.
• Check the insulation: A poorly insulated home can lead to the cold and hot air of your home escaping into the outside world. Proper insulation allows you to sustain an appropriate temperature much easier.

Because of their small size, babies have a harder time regulating their temperature. In fact, babies can lose heat four times more rapidly than adults. So, it’s essential to help them out as much as possible by maintaining the ideal temperature for a baby room in summer and winter.

How Should You Dress Your Baby for Sleep?

TOG, or Thermal Overall Grade, is a unit of measurement that indicates how warm a piece of clothing or bedding is. The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the item will be. For example, light clothing you use to dress your baby for sleep in the summer typically has a TOG rating of around .5, while heavier clothing you use to dress your baby for sleep in the winter typically has a higher rating near 2.5. This system helps parents choose appropriate sleepwear to ensure their baby’s body is at a safe and comfortable temperature throughout the year.

Here are some tips for dressing a baby for sleep across different seasons:

Spring (Room temperature around 68-72°F or 20-22°C):

• Use a 1.0 TOG sleep sack or lightweight onesie
• Dress your baby in a long-sleeved bodysuit underneath
• Add socks if their feet feel cool

Summer (Room temperature above 73°F or 23°C):

• Choose a 0.5 TOG sleep sack or a lightweight onesie
• A short-sleeved bodysuit may be sufficient
• On very warm nights, a diaper alone might be enough

Fall (Room temperature around 65-68°F or 18-20°C):

• Opt for a 2.5 TOG sleep sack
• Dress baby in a long-sleeved bodysuit and footed pajamas
• Consider adding a light blanket tucked securely below the armpit level

Winter (Room temperature below 65°F or 18°C):

• Use a 2.5 TOG sleep sack
• Layer with a long-sleeved bodysuit and warm-footed pajamas
• Add a hat if the room is particularly cool, but remove it once your baby is asleep

Remember, these are general guidelines. The temperature in your baby’s room can vary, so always check how your baby feels and adjust accordingly. Signs of overheating include sweating, flushed cheeks, and a warm chest or neck, while cold hands or feet might indicate your baby needs an extra layer.

Always prioritize safety by avoiding loose blankets, pillows, or toys in the crib, especially for babies under 12 months. Instead, use appropriately sized sleep sacks or wearable blankets to keep your baby warm without the risk of suffocation.

Tips to Keep Your Baby Safe While They Sleep

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 3,400 babies per year will experience a sleep-related death. While that number may be alarming, there are many steps you can take to keep your baby safe as they get some Z’s.

• Use a fan: Placing a fan in your baby’s bedroom will allow air and oxygen to circulate throughout the space. While this may not make the room cooler, it will provide babies with new, fresh air instead of having to re-breathe the same air. However, don’t point the fan directly at your baby.
• Share a room: As a parent, it’s important to keep an eye on your children, especially during the first six months of their lives. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends this to minimize the likelihood of SIDS and allow you to check their temperature throughout the night.
• Keep items like toys and thick blankets out of the crib: To keep your baby cool and safe while they sleep, remove toys, stuffed animals, pillows, and thick blankets out of the crib. Not only can overcrowding their crib increase their temperature, but it can also raise their chances of suffocating.
• Don’t over-bundle your baby: While babies may look cute wrapped in many blankets, over-bundling can cause them to overheat. Added layers on top of an existing fever or when they’re sick could also increase their body temperature.
• Gradually add and remove layers: If you believe your baby is too hot or cold, add or remove layers gradually and continue doing so until they’re comfortable. As far as layers go, use one to two layers for sleeping. However, don’t dress your baby in a hat or beanie during sleep; their face and head help regulate their temperature.
• Place the baby on their back to sleep: Although there are several comfortable positions to sleep in, not all of them are suitable for your baby. The best sleeping position for babies is on their back since this allows them to breathe easier and reduces the possibility of suffocation.
• Use a firm mattress: Make sure that the mattress is firm to prevent the fitted sheet or mattress cover from slipping off as the baby moves through the night.
• Place the baby in a crib, not an adult bed: One of the safest places for a baby to sleep is in their own crib or bassinet—even though it’s recommended that you and your baby share the same room for the first six months of their lives. Sleeping with your baby in the same bed can lead to overheating and suffocation. Parents can also roll over onto their babies by accident.
• Use lightweight bedding: Sheets for hot sleepers made from bamboo, cotton, linen, and percale don’t trap in body heat, so they’re a great summer bedding option for your baby during warmer months.

You can assess if your baby is overheating by gently touching the back of their neck or stomach as they sleep. If they’re hot to touch or feel sweaty, start removing layers to lower their body temperature. Additional signs of overheating to look out for include rapid breathing, rashes, restlessness, red ears, and flushed cheeks.

On the other hand, you’ll check the same areas, plus their chest and back, to gauge how cold they are. If they feel cold but are otherwise doing okay, keep adding one layer until they’re comfortable. Make sure to look for signs of hypothermia, including constant shivering, slow breathing, pale skin, and dilated pupils.

Wrapping Up: Ideal Temperature for Baby Room

Creating a safe and comfortable environment for your baby is a top priority for parents, and maintaining the right temperature in your baby’s room plays a crucial role in this endeavor.

The ideal temperature for a baby room, ranging between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 degrees Celsius), provides a comfortable setting for your little one to rest and thrive.

By taking the information and tips mentioned in this guide, you can help your baby stay comfortable and safe at the right temperature. At Layla Sleep, we have a wide range of resources and products available to help you and your family sleep comfortably at night, from guides on the best AC temperature for sleep in the summer to copper-infused mattresses that help keep you cool.