The Ideal Room Temperature for Newborns

Last Updated: February 15, 2024

Newborns in the house mean baby-proofing everything under the sun from table corners and windows to electrical sockets. Likewise, their sleeping environs must also be made suitable just like any other adult. When the bedroom is too cold or cold to sleep in, you miss out on a good night’s sleep. Newborns tend to be fussy throughout the day if they don’t sleep for 17 hours every day (9 hours in the daytime and 8 hours at night with intermittent feedings every three or two hours).

Keeping your baby’s room cool is one way to give them a safe sleeping environment. When you have taken all precautions to prevent SIDS, take care to keep your thermostat at the right temperature. But what is the ideal room temperature for newborns? Do they like to sleep well in hot or cold environments?

We have answered all your worries about first-time mums and dads in this article. Read on to find out more about the best room temperature for newborns and even how to dress them to sleep!

What is The Ideal Room Temperature for Newborns?

The right room temperature in a newborn’s room will reduce overheating, a cause linked to SIDS. However, even if you have the right temperature, it might be hard to understand if your baby is comfortable. The best way to gauge that is to consider how you feel in the room. Most adults sleep comfortably in a cool room, i.e., in a temperature between 20℃ to 22.2℃ (68℉ to 72℉).

So how do you maintain the ideal room temperature for newborns?

Keep a track of your thermostat and turn down the temperature to keep a cool environment.
Remember that a room with many windows won’t have the same temperature as the rest of the house.
Check the ductwork of the house.
Maintain proper insulation.

Use indoor thermometers to measure the room temperature of your newborn’s room.

How to Prevent SIDS While Sleeping?

SIDS is an unexplained unfortunate death of a newborn or babies under the age of one. According to research, being overheated can lead to a deep sleep from which waking up is difficult. To easily maintain the cool temperature for your baby, you might make them sleep in your room but not in your bed. Adult beds have been deemed unsafe for babies by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as it could lead to SIDS.

Instead, get a bassinet or a crib near your bed for the first year of your baby’s life. AAP also reported that sharing your room with your baby reduced the risk of SIDS by 50%. The main reason behind SIDS is deep sleep. Both overheating and no noise in the background can induce deep sleep in babies.

Here’s how to prevent SIDS in babies apart from setting a cool room temperature:

Limit smoke exposure to the baby
Maintain a smoke-free home
Use a firm crib mattress (crib sheets are also fine to use)
Offer your baby a pacifier for bedtime and naps
Remove thick blankets, stuffed toys, and thick padding from the crib to prevent suffocation
Put your baby to sleep on their back

A Final Word: How to Dress a Newborn to Sleep?

In addition to keeping your little one’s room temperature cool be sure to not overdress them while they sleep. If heavy pajamas and heavy blankets are uncomfortable for you then it is the same for your baby. Check out for these signs of your baby feeling too warm:

Breathing heavily
Sweating
Flushing
Damp hair
Clammy skin
Heat rash

But how do you know if they are too cold? Gently touch their belly or the back of their head to check if they are cool or warm. Check here to read more about how to dress a newborn baby.

You can get special sleepwear to help your baby feel more comfortable at night such as a wearable blanket or footed pajamas during the winter months. In the summers, you can switch to lighter pajamas or a onesie with socks.

FAQs: The Ideal Room Temperature for Newborns

1. What temperature should my room be for newborns?

The ideal room temperature for newborns is 68°F to 72℉. It is up to you to find the right temperature for them by noticing how they react to different temperatures in the mentioned range. The room should be neither too hot nor too cold.

2. What room temperature is too cold for a baby?

Any temperature above 24°C or 75°F can be too cold for newborns or even older babies. According to the study that proved this, higher temperatures can affect the way babies wake up to auditory signals.

3. Do babies cry if they are too warm?

Yes, babies cry when they feel too hot. If your baby seems fussy check out these signs of the baby feeling hot:

Clammy skin

Heat rash

Damp hair

Sweating

4. How do I know if the baby is too cold?

Your baby will not cry if they are feeling cold. Bizarre? All their energy is spent trying to keep warm. They will also not be interested in feeding. Touch their hands, feet, and chest to see if they are cold to the touch. This could mean a medical emergency for the child.

5. Do babies sleep better in a cold or warm room?

Research suggests that babies sleep well in a cool room (not a cold one). This is so because babies or newborns have a greater proportion of exposed area for their weight. It is easier for them to lose body heat.

Sources:

On behalf of the editorial team at Parenthoodbliss, we follow strict reporting guidelines and only use credible sources, along with peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and highly respected health organizations. To learn about how we maintain content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

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