What is the Ideal Room Temperature for Babies?

A newborn is a true life changer, both to your family and to the way you run your home. Setting a suitable room temperature for babies is one of the simplest yet most important steps in creating a safe sleep environment.

Unlike older children and adults who can self-regulate their body temperature, babies aren’t developed enough to have that capability. It makes them more prone to being too hot or too cold.

A room that is too warm can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS aka “cot death”), while a cold room can leave your little one unsettled and irritable.

Many parents worry about how to keep their baby’s room at the ideal temperature, especially overnight. The good news is, with the right setup, it’s easy to keep a safe room temperature.

How to Determine the Best Room Temperature for Your Baby

So, to repeat the key question, what is the ideal room temperature for babies?

As the well-known authority on infant health Red Nose Australia suggests, it’s not so much about a one-size-fits-all specific room temperature as it is about ensuring they are comfortably warm in winter or cool in summer. But for a good temperature range that helps infant safety and well-being, many experts suggest setting the temperature between 18°C and 22°C with 20°C being the sweet spot.

This range stops your baby from getting too hot or too cold while sleeping, but it’s important to adjust accordingly for the season. Check your baby’s head, chest or back regularly to ensure they’re warm, not hot. You may also want to consider air conditioning installation with a licensed technician.

Why a Comfortable Temperature Matters for Baby’s Sleep

A baby’s sleep and safety are inextricably linked to the temperature of the room in which it sleeps.

If your baby gets too hot or too cold, it cannot settle. This makes getting to and staying asleep considerably harder. Overheating is a big concern as it’s linked to an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Signs your baby is too hot include:

• sweating
• damp hair
• rapid breathing
• flushed cheeks
• excess heat from your baby’s chest or back

If your baby’s hands or feet feel cool, don’t take that to mean your baby is cold. Therefore it’s always wise to check other areas like their chest or back. Focus on keeping your baby comfortably warm – not hot – for safe sleep.

How to Dress Your Baby Appropriately for Safe Sleep

Aside from the room temperature, choosing the right clothes will help to regulate your baby’s temperature and keep them warm all night. Here are some simple tips to make sure your baby is dressed appropriately for the

• Dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear.
• In warmer months, put them in a light cotton onesie that offers breathability and comfort.
• In winter, a long-sleeved sleepsuit or sleeping bag with the correct thermal overall grade (TOG).
• Don’t have too many blankets, baby nests or anything that might cover your baby’s face.
• Check your baby’s chest or back to keep them warm without getting sweaty.

By following these steps you can create a safe, perfect temperature for your baby to sleep through the night.

Setting up the Right Sleep Space for a Baby

For a baby, a safe sleep environment extends far beyond the cot – it takes in the entirety of the baby’s room.

As we mentioned earlier, aim for a room temperature in the 18°C to 22°C range, and monitor that temperature with a room thermometer. Keep the cot free of excess bedding, toys and baby nests. Have your baby sleep on their back, with their head and face uncovered. Don’t use electric blankets or hot water bottles, as these can cause overheating. Instead, use breathable layers and make sure your baby’s chest feels warm but never gets sweaty.

These small steps go a long way towards creating a safe sleep environment for your baby.

Managing Room Temperature Year Round

Given the natural changing of the seasons, it’s important to maintain a consistent room temperature for babies in the house. And this will likely require some seasonal adjustments to get things just right.

In summer, keep your baby’s room at a comfortable temperature by using fans or air conditioning. That being said, avoiding direct airflow on your baby is a must. In winter, you can warm the room with a heater but always check your baby’s chest or back for excess heat.

Use a room thermometer to monitor and dress your baby accordingly − lighter layers in summer and an extra layer or sleeping bag with the right TOG rating in winter. Monitoring the specific temperature of the room will keep your baby safe and sleeping better.

Why Professional Installation is Crucial

If you’re considering air conditioning installation for your baby’s room, make sure you use a licensed and qualified technician for the process.

A licensed professional will also move vents away from your baby’s cot and provide qualified advice on various key factors including:

• The best placement of vents to avoid direct airflow on your baby.
• Choosing a system with appropriate temperature controls and energy efficiency.
• Setting up a programmable thermostat to maintain a consistent room temperature overnight.
• Selecting air conditioners with built-in air purification for improved indoor air quality.
• Regular servicing to ensure the system runs safely and reliably.
• The benefits of inverter air conditioning for your home.

They will ensure your system is the right size and installed correctly to avoid hot spots, cold spots or airflow that can make your baby too hot or too cold. Poor installation can cause uneven temperatures increasing the risk of discomfort or overheating.

Keeping Your Baby Safe, Cosy and Asleep

Setting the right room temperature for babies is key to their safe and comfortable sleep. Babies can’t tell us if they’re too hot or too cold so it’s up to us to create the environment.

Aim for a room temperature of 18°C to 22°C, monitor with a room thermometer, and dress baby accordingly. Don’t have too much bedding and keep their face and head uncovered.

Whether summer or winter maintaining a safe sleep environment will reduce the risk of overheating and give your baby the sleep they need. Contact Red Nose Australia for essential health and safety tips for your baby, and Metropolitan Air Conditioning for all your heating and cooling needs.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “What is the Ideal Room Temperature for Babies?”. This information is provided for heating and cooling advice purposes only. For health and medical advice, always contact a licensed medical professional. Air conditioning regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.