Article medically reviewed by Emily McInnes, a Paediatric nurse and sleep coach.
Like Goldilocks' porridge, you want your baby to sleep in a safe room temperature that's not too hot and not too cold and so it's a good idea to get a baby thermometer to check they are just right! While it is important your little one is comfortable, and not too hot or cold, it is also vital for safe sleep. Babies that are too hot at night are at greater risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) because of overheating, so it's important you pay close attention to the temperature of their room to ensure it is a safe room temperature.
What is a safe room temperature?
You should aim for a room temperature of 16-20⁰C according to the Lullaby Trust. However, we do understand it can be tough to gauge the temperature in their room, especially with changeable weather, so we think it's worth investing in a baby room thermometer. Paediatric nurse, Emily McInnes, says "it is better for your baby to be slightly on the cooler side than the hotter side" and she agrees that the ideal room temperature is 16-20⁰C for "safe, comfortable sleep." Emily says, "ensure that the child is dressed according to the temperature of the room - I personally recommend sleeping bags with the appropriate tog as this helps to ensure that the child remains a consistent temperature throughout the night." The chart below suggests the ideal tog for sleeping bags, along with appropriate clothing for under the sleeping bag.
How can I tell if my baby is too warm or too hot?
As with most things, every baby is different. Just like some of us grown ups can get too warm in pyjamas and find it uncomfortable to sleep, so it's a good idea to keep checking in on your baby to make sure they're not overheating.
The easiest and most reliable way to check baby is by feeling their chest or the back of their neck. If their skin feels hot, clammy or sweaty to touch, it's a good idea to remove one or more layers of their bedding or bed clothes and make sure you have read up about what a baby should sleep in so you can put them to bed in clothes that will keep them safe and comfortable. Remember, don't use their hands or feet as a guide as they'll always be colder.
How can I tell if my baby is too cold?
If your little one is too cold they might become more fussy than usual, or less active, and they might cry. Their skin will also be more cold to touch. You can warm them up by adding another layer of clothing, and also cuddling and skin-to-skin contact will make them feel warmer. Emily advises, "avoid adding extra layers on top of the sleeping bag as this can cause a baby to overheat. Add layers underneath the sleeping bag if your child is cold." She also adds, "if you are putting on the heating then setting the upper limit on the thermostat to 20'C is recommended."
How do I keep my baby cool in summer?
During the warmer weeks of summer, we understand it can be much harder to regulate a safe room temperature. Start by opening the bedroom door and windows (if it's safe) and keep curtains or shutters closed during the day. It's also a good idea to dress them in lighter clothing. Emily says, "a thermometer for the bedroom is highly recommended so that you are aware of the ambient temperature."
If you have a fan, you can also turn this on, just make sure you don't aim it directly on your baby. Fluids are essential during the hot weather, and you may find your baby is keen to feed more often than usual. If you're bottle feeding, it's okay to give your baby a little cool boiled water if they are thirsty.
What about keeping them warm in cold weather?
You shouldn't need to keep the heating on all night, even on the coldest of winter nights. If you're worried that your baby might be too cold, simply dress them in some warmer night wear or add an extra layer. You can get baby sleeping bags in different tog ratings, so choose a higher tog for those chilly nights. If you are leaving the heating on, make sure you don't set the heating to over 20⁰C to ensure a safe room temperature.
What's the correct body temperature for a baby?
According to the NHS, babies usually have higher body temperatures than older children and adults. A normal body temperature for babies is 36.4°C but of course this can vary.
What if my baby is unwell?
If your little one is suffering from a fever, don't dress them in extra layers to keep them warm. If you dress them in fewer layers, they can allow their body temperature to lower.
FAQs
What temperature should a baby's room be?
The ideal temperature for a baby's room is 16 - 20 degrees.
What age can babies regulate their own body temperature?
The ability to regulate temperature will develop as a baby grows. Normally, by 6 months they are better at thermoregulating and maintaining a more consistent body temperature, however, it's not until around 2 years old that they can regulate their temperature well.
Will a baby cry if they are too hot at night?
While babies are likely to cry or become more fussy when they are too cold, they might not do the same when they are too hot which is why there is more risk of them overheating.
About the expert
Emily McInnes is a Paediatric Nurse, Certified Holistic Sleep Coach and Founder of Sound Asleep Coaching. She has over ten years experience in the healthcare setting and has a passion for supporting parents with their child's sleep. She has a vast amount of knowledge in paediatric sleep which she is passionate about sharing with the wider community to educate and reassure parents about the biologically normal sleep behaviours of babies and toddlers.
Lorna White is the Products Editor for Mother&Baby. After running the Yours magazine website, specialising in content about caring for kids and grandchildren, Lorna brought her expertise to Mother&Baby in 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics from potty training and nutrition to baby names and early development and has a wide range of experienced medical experts and professionals at her fingertips. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two young sisters, dog walking and enjoying the outdoors with her family.