Quick Answer
The ideal temperature for a baby’s room in winter is between 68-72°F (20-22°C). Any lower than 68°F and babies may get too cold. Any higher than 72°F and there is an increased risk of SIDS. The best way to maintain a comfortable temperature is to use a room thermometer and dress baby appropriately in breathable cotton pajamas or sleep sacks. Having the right room temperature, bedding and clothing helps babies sleep soundly through the night.
What is the Recommended Room Temperature for Babies?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping a baby’s room between 68-72°F (20-22°C) for optimal sleep. This room temperature range provides a comfortable and safe sleeping environment for babies.
Temperatures lower than 68°F can make it difficult for babies to stay warm, while temperatures above 72°F have been associated with an increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Here are the recommended temperature ranges:
Newborns 0-3 months:
– 68-72°F (20-22°C)
3-12 months:
– 68-72°F (20-22°C)
The ideal room temperature may vary slightly based on factors like insulation, humidity, baby’s weight and health conditions. But in general, 68-72°F provides a safe and cozy environment.
Why is 68-72°F the Best Temperature for Baby’s Room?
There are several reasons why pediatricians recommend keeping baby’s room between 68-72°F:
Prevents Overheating:
Babies cannot regulate their body temperature well in the first 6 months. Keeping the room too warm can lead to overheating, which has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS. The 68-72°F range prevents overbundling and lets babies sleep comfortably without getting sweaty.
Avoids Hypothermia:
Young infants also struggle to keep themselves warm. Letting the room get cooler than 68°F can result in hypothermia. Low body temperature causes babies to use extra energy to stay warm, interrupting sleep.
Reduces SIDS Risk:
Studies show that having a room temperature above 72°F significantly increases the risk of SIDS in babies under 3 months old. Keeping the temperature in the 68-72°F zone provides optimal safety.
Allows for Long Restful Sleep:
The right room temperature helps babies sleep more soundly through the night. It prevents disruptions from being too hot or too cold. Good uninterrupted sleep is essential for baby’s growth and development.
How to Maintain Ideal Room Temperature
Follow these tips to keep baby’s room comfortably between 68-72°F during winter:
Use a thermometer:
Invest in a room thermometer to monitor the temperature. Digital thermometers are inexpensive and make it easy to check that the room is in the 68-72° range. Place it away from windows and out of direct sunlight.
Adjust the thermostat:
If the room is consistently too hot or cold, adjust the thermostat to maintain temperatures between 68-72°F. You may need to change the thermostat setting seasonally.
Use fans and heaters safely:
A ceiling fan on low can circulate air and keep hot spots from developing. If a room is chilly, use a space heater cautiously, away from cribs and out of baby’s reach.
Dress baby in breathable pajamas:
Choose light cotton sleepwear to avoid overheating. In really cold climates, dress baby in one more layer than an adult would wear. Swaddle newborns to keep them cozy.
Use sleep sacks:
A wearable blanket or sleep sack keeps babies warm without loose bedding. Make sure it’s the right tog rating for the room temperature.
Keep doors/windows closed:
Keep the baby’s room isolated from drafts. Fix any leaky windows that lower temperatures. Close vents that may redirect hot or cold air into the room.
What to Do if Baby’s Room is Too Hot or Cold
It’s normal for temperatures to occasionally fluctuate outside of the ideal range. Here’s how to get baby comfortable if the room becomes too hot or cold:
If the room is too hot:
– Dress baby in only a diaper and light short sleeve bodysuit
– Keep blankets/sleep sacks very lightweight
– Use a fan to circulate air
– Cool baby with a wet washcloth if needed
– Lower thermostat if room is consistently over 72°F
If the room is too cold:
– Add blankets/adjust sleep sack tog
– Dress baby in footed pajamas under sleepwear
– Place crib away from windows/drafts
– Use a space heater to safely raise room temperature
– Set thermostat higher if room is consistently under 68°F
A few degrees outside the ideal range once in awhile is normal. But if baby’s room is regularly too hot or cold, take steps to get the temperature back to 68-72°F.
Setting the Temperature for Older Babies
As babies grow beyond the first year, the optimal temperature range expands slightly. Here are the recommendations:
1-2 years old:
– 65-70°F (18-21°C)
2-5 years old:
– 65-68°F (18-20°C)
The expanded range gives toddlers and preschoolers more flexibility. But it’s still important not to let rooms get too hot or cold. Dress kids appropriately and use the same strategies to maintain safe temperatures.
Tips for Monitoring Room Temperature
Here are some additional tips for checking and regulating baby’s room temperature:
– Place thermometers at baby’s crib level to get the most accurate reading
– Take temperatures throughout the day/night to see how they fluctuate
– Thermometers with humidity readings help account for moisture
– Change out of season bedding as weather shifts between hot and cold
– Check temperature when baby seems too hot or cold while sleeping
– Adjust thermostat incrementally to find ideal setting for the room
Signs Baby is Too Hot or Cold
Look for these cues that baby may be too hot or cold while sleeping:
Signs baby is too hot:
– Sweating
– Flushed, red skin
– Warm to the touch
– Fussiness
– Difficulty sleeping
Signs baby is too cold:
– Cold to the touch
– Hands and feet feel cool
– Shivering
– Lips look blueish
– Waking up frequently
Respond quickly if baby shows any of these signs of being uncomfortably hot or cold. Adjust the temperature, clothing and bedding to get baby back into the ideal 68-72° range.
Conclusion
A bedroom temperature of 68-72°F provides the safest and most comfortable environment for babies. This range reduces the risks of overheating, hypothermia and SIDS. Monitor room and body temperature carefully. Use thermometers, adjust thermostats, utilize safe heating/cooling methods and dress baby appropriately. Taking these steps will help ensure baby sleeps soundly through cold winter nights. Don’t hesitate to make changes when baby appears too hot or cold. With some tweaking to find the right settings and clothing, parents can keep baby sleeping happily all winter long.