What Temperature Should a Baby's Room Be?
Getting your baby’s room ready for sleep can come with a surprising number of questions. Should the heating stay on overnight? Is your baby cold if their hands feel chilly? What should they wear when the temperature drops?
When it comes to a baby’s sleep environment, temperature is important. Babies are still developing their ability to regulate their body temperature, so it’s important to avoid them becoming too hot or too cold.
What temperature should a baby's room be?
The NHS recommends keeping the room where your baby sleeps between 16°C and 20°C. A room thermometer can be useful for keeping an eye on the temperature, but it’s also important to check how your baby feels rather than relying on the thermometer alone.
If your baby’s chest or the back of their neck feels hot or sweaty, they may be too warm. Cool hands and feet are usually nothing to worry about, as these can naturally feel cooler than the rest of the body.
Why is overheating a concern for babies?
Babies are less able to regulate their body temperature than older children and adults. Overheating during sleep is one of the factors associated with an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is why safer sleep guidance recommends avoiding excessive clothing, bedding and room temperatures.
This doesn’t mean you need to constantly monitor the temperature or worry every time it changes. Instead, aim for a comfortable room and adjust your baby’s clothing or bedding when needed.
How should I dress my baby for sleep?
There isn’t one outfit that will be right for every baby or every room. The amount of clothing and bedding your baby needs depends on the temperature.
A well-fitting baby sleeping bag can make it easier to adjust layers according to the temperature. If you’re using a sleeping bag, check its tog rating and the manufacturer’s guidance about what your baby should wear underneath.
If you’re using blankets, the NHS recommends lightweight bedding rather than thick or padded blankets. Your baby’s head should always remain uncovered.
What about summer?
During warmer weather, keeping your baby’s room cool can be more challenging.
You can:
- close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day
- keep air moving through the room where it is safe to do so
- remove unnecessary layers of clothing and bedding
- check your baby’s chest or the back of their neck regularly
- use a room thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature
The NHS advises that a baby may need very little clothing or bedding during particularly hot weather.
What about winter?
It can be tempting to turn the heating up when the weather is cold, but a very warm bedroom isn’t necessary.
Instead, focus on appropriate layers and bedding. If your baby feels hot or sweaty, remove a layer rather than increasing ventilation by placing them directly next to a heater.
Babies should never sleep next to a radiator, heater or fire, or with a hot water bottle or electric blanket.
How can you tell if your baby is too hot?
A baby’s hands and feet aren’t always a reliable guide to their overall temperature.
Instead, feel their chest or the back of their neck. If their skin feels hot or sweaty, remove a layer of clothing or bedding.
If you’re ever concerned that your baby is unwell or has an unusually high or low temperature, speak to your health visitor, GP or another healthcare professional.
Creating a calm sleep environment
Temperature is just one part of helping your baby sleep comfortably. A safe sleep space should also be clear of pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, toys and other soft items.
For the first six months, the NHS recommends that babies sleep in their own cot or Moses basket in the same room as their parent or parents, for both day and night.
At kinderzimmer, we know that sleep is an important part of a baby’s day. When babies are with us, we take the time to understand their individual routines and needs, helping them feel comfortable and secure as they rest.
Every child is different, which is why we take an individual approach to care and education from the very beginning. Explore the kinderzimmer approach
In summary
For most babies, the recommended room temperature for sleep is 16°C to 20°C. Keep your baby’s head uncovered, use appropriate lightweight bedding or a suitable sleeping bag, and check your baby’s chest or neck if you’re unsure whether they’re too warm.
For the most up-to-date safer sleep advice, always follow guidance from the NHS and The Lullaby Trust.
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