Creating and maintaining a safe sleep environment for your little one is vital to protect them in their first few months. While there are several factors to consider when creating a safe sleep space, room temperature plays an important role in ensuring your baby’s comfort and safety.
Maintaining the right room temperature can protect your baby from overheating, which has been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). But how do you know what’s too hot or too cold for your newborn?
Let’s explore the ideal room temperature for babies and why it matters.
Why baby’s room temperature matters for sleep
According to the Sleep Foundation, babies cannot immediately self-regulate their body temperature or adjust to their sleep cycles. Furthermore, maintaining a comfortable room temperature for your little one is important for numerous reasons.
Firstly, it helps promote better sleep. If their room is too hot or cold, it could affect the quality of your baby’s sleep and cause frequent nighttime awakenings.
If the room is too hot, or your baby is over-bundled (in too many layers), they could overheat, which increases the risk of SIDS. Lastly, a comfortable sleep space ensures your baby sweats less, preventing them from drastically cooling down.
What is the ideal room temperature for babies?
While a room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit is the consensus among experts, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has refrained from specifying one specific temperature.
This is because the best room temperature for your baby will depend on the climate where you live as well as your home environment. Inside your home factors such as insulation, room location, and number of storeys can influence the temperature within your home.
For example, if you live in a colder climate, your baby could handle a cooler sleep space. However, extreme temperatures inside your home like excessive heating or air conditioning are not ideal for your little one.
Besides room temperature, it is important to dress your baby in enough layers while maintaining comfort. If their chest feels too warm to the touch, or if they are sweating at the nape of their neck, either lower the room temperature or remove a layer of clothing to help cool your baby down.
Similarly, if your little one is too cold you may notice them shiver or they may feel cold to the touch (hands, toes, chest). If you feel your baby is too cold, either increase the temperature or dress them in an additional warm layer.
Tips to maintain the right room temperature
When trying to maintain a consistent room temperature for your baby, the Sleep Foundation recommends:
- Checking your baby frequently during naps and keeping them close in the first 12 months (place their crib or bassinet in your room so you can monitor them more closely).
- Buying an indoor thermostat so you can control the bedroom temperature better.
- Place your baby’s crib or bassinet away from radiators or windows that can affect the temperature around their sleep space.
- In summer when it’s very hot outside, consider using a fan or air conditioner but ensure the breeze is angled away from your little one.
- If your baby was born prematurely, know that they take longer to regulate their body temperature. So, keeping the room slightly warmer and watching them closely is vital.
When to consult your doctor
If you have monitored your baby and adjusted the temperature if they were too hot or cold but there has been no change in how their skin feels, you should check with your doctor to be safe. This is especially necessary if your little one has other symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Fever
- Pale skin
- Lethargy
- Feeding problems
- Limp muscles
- Breathing difficulties
Conclusion
Room temperature, although often overlooked, is a crucial factor in creating a safe sleep space for your baby. By maintaining an appropriate temperature (within the recommended range), you can significantly reduce the risk of overheating and SIDS while ensuring your baby stays comfy and gets a great night’s sleep.
While maintaining an ideal room temperature, remember to dress your baby appropriately for the weather and use tools such as a thermostat to monitor their sleep space. With the right balance, you’ll not only promote better sleep but also peace of mind for you and your family.
