Bringing home a new baby is a joyful yet stressful time. You want to get everything just right, including choosing the ideal room temperature for a newborn. A chilly nursery can make your baby fussy, but an overheated one could be even more dangerous. To ensure your infant is both safe and comfortable, follow these tips from the experts at Aire Serv®.
The Dangers of Overheating Your Baby’s Room
The common assumption is that newborns require warm temperatures to mimic conditions in the womb. However, an overheated nursery may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in babies ranging from one to 12 months old.
This terrifying condition occurs when babies are unable to wake when something goes awry with their physiology. An overheated sleeping baby is more likely to remain unconscious rather than stirring and crying in alarm when something’s wrong. Then, by the time a parent arrives to check on the child, irreparable harm has already been done.
Set the Ideal Room Temperature for a Newborn
To help decrease the chance of SIDS, strive to keep the nursery at 68 to 72 degrees F in all seasons. Temperatures of up to 75 degrees are acceptable in very hot climates. The rest of the house can stay at the recommended 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer since SIDS is only a concern while babies are sleeping.
To maintain a safe, comfortable house temperature for your babyin the summer:
- Use light bedding and dress your baby in seasonal clothing.
- Locate the nursery in a cool part of the house, such as a north-facing room, on the same floor as your bedroom.
- Install an attic ventilator to help the air conditioner perform better.
- Make sure the crib is positioned away from supply registers to prevent cold air from blowing directly on your baby.
- Only open a window in the nursery if the outdoor temperature allows.
- Consider using a fan to improve air circulation and drown out noises, but don’t point it directly at the infant.
- Make sure your baby gets plenty of fluids to remain well hydrated.
- Watch for signs of overheating, which include sweating, damp hair, rapid breathing, flushed cheeks, and heat rash. If you see these indicators, remove one or more layers of clothing to help your baby cool off.
To maintain a safe, comfortable house temperature for your baby in the winter:
- Dress your baby in one extra layer, such as a sleep sack over his or her pajamas. Be careful not to over-bundle, especially if the child has a fever, which further increases body temperature.
- Keep comforters, quilts, and blankets out of the crib to avoid overheating and the risk of suffocation.
- Don’t put a hat on your baby at bedtime. The head is important for body temperature regulation, and a hat may stifle this.
- If the nursery requires a space heater, do not place it near the crib. Also, direct the flow of warm air away from your baby.
Aire Serv Can Help You and Your Baby Stay Safe and Comfortable
When it comes to regulating your baby’s temperature, nothing is more important than a functioning furnace and air conditioner. Turn to the experts at Aire Serv for help maintaining, repairing, and replacing your HVAC equipment as needed. We can also install programmable thermostats and zoning systems to help you customize the temperature in your baby’s room.
For more heating and cooling tips, or to schedule HVAC services in your area, please contact Aire Serv today!
FAQs
Set the Ideal Room Temperature for a Newborn
What temp should your house be for a baby? ›
It's recommended that the best temperature for babies is between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Is a 75 degree room too hot for a baby? ›
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.
Is 78 too hot for a baby room? ›
Yes, in my experience, 78 degrees is too hot for a baby to sleep well both in the summer and the winter. Overheating can also increase the risk of SIDS so can be unsafe. Ideally, the room temperature will be between 68 and 70 degrees.
Is 78 too hot for a house? ›
According to Energy Star, it's an ideal temperature. 78 degrees keeps you fairly cool and comfortable during the day. It also shouldn't make your electric bill skyrocket. Start with your thermostat at 78.
Do babies sleep better in cold or warm rooms? ›
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 should AC be set at for a baby? ›
Most pediatricians recommend you keep your baby's room between 68 to 72 degrees. Unfortunately, there are certain situations where your baby's room will be too cold, due to the strength of an air conditioning unit.
What temperature increases SIDS? ›
There were a total of 60,364 SIDS cases during our study period. A 5.6°C (10°F) higher daily temperature on the same day was associated with an increased SIDS risk of 8.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6%, 13.8%) in the summer, compared to a 3.1% decrease (95% CI: -5.0%, -1.3%) in the winter.
What is the best AC temperature for a baby to sleep? ›
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 should a baby sleep in 77 degrees? ›
Match Clothing to Different Temperatures
| >77 °F (>26 °C) | Minimal clothing E.g. Light bodysuits (short sleeve) or swaddle garments |
|---|
| 71-76 °F (22-24 °C) | Thin layers E.g. Light bodysuits (long sleeve) or swaddle garments |
| 64-70 °F (18-21 °C) | Standard clothing E.g. Light bodysuits (long sleeves) and a onesie or swaddle garment |
2 more rowsWhat's the ideal temperature for a baby's room in summer? According to the AAP, the ideal temperature for a baby's room is between 68 and 72 degrees. Keeping a baby's room cool is especially important when they sleep, as overheating can put an infant at risk for SIDS.
What should baby wear to sleep in 78 degrees? ›
0.5 TOG: Ideal for balmy 78-degree nursery temps, a 0.5 TOG sleep bag is the equivalent of a light summer breeze over a single layer. Just the Basics: For 78 degrees or more, just a diaper will suffice under the sleep bag! Or, you can opt for just some breathable PJs instead of the sleep bag altogether.
Can you sleep in 78 degrees? ›
“Anything under 68 degrees overall is ideal for sleep. If you get too hot in the middle of the night, reduce layers of clothing or sheets, turn on fans, or drink a little cold water.”
Is 77 too hot for house in summer? ›
Summer Thermostat Settings: 72–78 degrees
Homeowners wishing to keep cool without busting their budget should set the summer temperature to 72 degrees when home. At night and when not home, increase the maximum temperature by 6 to 8 degrees (to 78–80 degrees) to reduce energy consumption.
Does setting your thermostat at 78 degrees really help? ›
Seventy-eight degrees has been shown to be the ideal balance between being easy on the wallet while still keeping your house cool; it's the ideal energy efficiency temperature, basically. Indeed, it's recommended to have the thermostat set to 78 even when you're not at home, rather than turning the thermostat off.
How cold is too cold for a baby room? ›
The ideal baby's room temp is generally between 64-71°F Fahrenheit.
What temperature should a baby's room be at night? ›
So as a general rule, if the bedroom temperature is comfortable for you, it's most likely comfortable for your baby too, and vice versa. Most adults and babies feel cool but comfortable at the recommended temperature of 68° and 72°F (20° to 22.2°C), especially when appropriately dressed.
Should I use fan or AC for baby? ›
It isn't necessary to use an AC or cooler at all times. Some days are not as hot as others, especially indoors. If the temperature indoors is below or around 25 degrees C, use a fan instead of the AC. Read more about simple ways to keep your baby cool and comfortable.
Can a house be too hot for a baby? ›
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.
