When your baby sleeps, so can you! That's just one of many reasons to aim for a comfortable environment that enables your little one to nod off more easily and stay asleep longer.
Good sleeping habits are crucial as your baby grows and develops, and supporting safe and healthy sleep comes down to a few basic strategies. One of them is making sure that your baby’s room is kept at an optimal temperature when it’s time for sleep.
So, how do you know what’s too high and what’s too low? Read on to learn what the best temperature is for your sleeping baby, how to get the room feeling just right, and how to help keep it that way.
Ideal Temperature for Your Baby’s Room
Did you know that temperature significantly impacts the quality of your baby’s sleep? Finding that sweet spot can seem difficult, but a general rule of thumb is to keep your baby’s room at a temperature that you find comfortable yourself.
When it comes down to the ideal temperature for your baby’s room regardless of winter or summer months, experts recommend maintaining a temperature within the range of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, or 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Why Setting the Ideal Temperature Is Important for Your Baby
When your baby’s room temperature is too high or too low, she may not sleep as long or as well. Keeping your baby’s room at the best temperature for sleep can help foster the quantity and quality of sleep necessary for healthy development.
Maintaining the right ambient temperature for your sleeping baby also helps prevent overheating. This, in turn, can help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other serious health issues.
Keeping Your Baby Comfortable During Sleep
In addition to maintaining a comfortable room temperature, these are some other steps you can take to help keep your baby safe and comfortable as she sleeps:
Put your little one down to sleep on her back up until her 1-year milestone. This is the safest sleep position for your baby, as it helps reduce the risk of SIDS. Daily tummy time is important but should only be done under your supervision and only when your baby is awake.
Keep your baby’s crib free of everything except for the mattress and fitted sheet. Avoid blankets, loose sheets, pillows, bumpers, and stuffed toys, as they can lead to suffocation or choking.
Avoid over-dressing your baby at night. Too much clothing can cause your little one to overheat and may restrict breathing.
Place your baby’s crib in the same room as you for the first 6 to 12 months. You’ll be better able to monitor her sleeping habits and will be close by if she needs you during the night.
The best way to ensure your baby’s room temperature is just right and best for sleep is with a thermostat. Certain video monitors come with built-in thermostats to help you track temperature and humidity easily.
Don’t miss these must-watch sleep tips from a pediatric sleep consultant.
Signs Your Baby May Be Too Hot or Too Cold
If you’re worried that your baby appears to be hot or feverish, or is becoming overheated even when the room’s temperature is cool and comfortable, contact your baby’s healthcare provider right away for expert advice.
Good sleeping habits are important for your baby’s well-being. Fortunately, if her room is kept at a cool and comfortable temperature, she’s more likely to sleep safely and comfortably.
FAQs
One of the key ways to help your baby sleep better and longer is by maintaining a temperature of 68-72°F. Multiple studies, and our own experiences, show this is the ideal temperature for nurturing your baby's sleep. It's not too hot and not too cold – the Goldilocks number.
What is the optimal sleep temperature for a baby? ›
Keeping your baby's room cool, but comfortable is one way to maintain a safe sleep environment. In fact, it's recommended that babies sleep in a temperature between 68° and 72°F (20° to 22.2°C).
What is adequate room temperature for baby? ›
You don't want your baby's room to be either too hot or too cold. It's recommended that the best temperature for babies is between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.
How do I know if my baby is warm enough to sleep? ›
If your baby is too cold or uncomfortable, they will likely cry to let you know! The ideal temperature for the body to sleep well is between 68-72 degrees F, but if that's not possible in your home or part of the world, that's ok! Don't stress - you can always adjust factors to ensure that your baby is comfortable.
What temperature can a baby sleep in just a diaper overnight? ›
A baby wearing a diaper, and t-shirt will only need a sheet as bedding if the temperature in his room is 24 degrees C / 75.2 degrees F. If he is still hot, he could sleep in just his diaper. Remove any padding around his crib to allow the air to circulate.
What temperature causes SIDS? ›
The results showed a positive correlation between temperature and SIDS in 3–12 month-old infants specifically. On days when temperatures were greater than 29 °C, there was a 2.78 times greater chance of sudden infant death than on 20 °C days.
Is 75 too hot for a baby room? ›
Q: Is 75 degrees too hot for a baby to sleep? A: According to most pediatricians, your baby's ideal room is between 68 to 72 degrees. However, if you're living in a very hot climate, then temperatures of up to 75 degrees are acceptable.
How cold is too cold for a baby room? ›
The ideal baby's room temp is generally between 64-71°F Fahrenheit.
How to tell if baby is too cold? ›
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, breathing slowly and having pale, cool skin. Babies who are hot, tend to look uncomfortable. Like adults who overheat, a baby's skin will become red, and they will look flushed. Where possible, consider dressing your baby in natural fibres such as cotton or bamboo.
Will baby cry if too cold at night? ›
Babies are more likely to cry if they are cold at night, than if they are hot. This is because if a baby is overheating they may become lethargic and not as responsive.
One of the key ways to help your baby sleep better and longer is by maintaining a temperature of 68-72°F. Multiple studies, and our own experiences, show this is the ideal temperature for nurturing your baby's sleep. It's not too hot and not too cold – the Goldilocks number.
How do babies overheat while sleeping? ›
Room Temperature: Keeping the baby's sleeping environment too warm can contribute to overheating. The ideal room temperature for a baby is generally recommended to be between 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C). Using a room thermometer can help monitor and maintain a comfortable temperature.
At what age can babies regulate their body temperature? ›
Typically, by the age of six months, most babies start to develop a more effective thermoregulatory system. Their bodies become better equipped to adjust to temperature variations and maintain a consistent internal temperature.
Will babies cry if they are too hot? ›
The temperature can make your baby cry. They may cry because they are too hot or too cold. If your baby is fussy because of the temperature, there are signs that you can look for. Signs of the baby being too hot are sweating, damp hair, heat rash, or clammy skin.
What should a baby wear to sleep at 68 degrees? ›
69 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit: Use a swaddle that's less than or equal to 2.0 TOG and dress your baby in long- or short-sleeve cotton pajamas. 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit: Use a swaddle with a 2.0 to 3.5 TOG and dress your baby in long-sleeve cotton PJs with or without a cotton bodysuit.
Should I check baby temperature while sleeping? ›
Temporal artery thermometers.
These thermometers use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead. This type of thermometer can be used even while a child is asleep.
What is too cold for a baby to sleep in? ›
When it comes down to the ideal temperature for your baby's room regardless of winter or summer months, experts recommend maintaining a temperature within the range of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, or 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.
What temperature should my baby wear to sleep? ›
A room temperature of 16 to 20C is comfortable and safe for sleeping babies. Your baby just needs light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleep bag. If it is very warm, your baby may not need any bedclothes other than a sheet. Even in winter, most babies who are unwell or feverish do not need extra clothes.
What should baby sleep in in 72 degrees? ›
Layering at a Cozy 72 Degrees
1.0 TOG: A snug, yet breathable 1.0 TOG sleep bag that's just right for those 72-degree nights, wrapping your baby in a layer of comfort akin to a soft hug. Smart Outfitting: Begin with a lightweight PJ, then layer with a 1.0 TOG sleep sack for a peaceful sleep setup.
Is 72 too hot for baby to sleep? ›
Room Temperature: Keeping the baby's sleeping environment too warm can contribute to overheating. The ideal room temperature for a baby is generally recommended to be between 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C). Using a room thermometer can help monitor and maintain a comfortable temperature.
