A newborn baby has very specific temperature needs in order to stay healthy and comfortable. The ideal room temperature range for a newborn is 68-72°F (20-22°C). Maintaining the nursery or any room the baby spends time in within this narrow temperature range is important for a baby’s wellbeing. Let’s explore why room temperature matters so much for newborns, what health risks they face if the temperature is too hot or cold, and tips for maintaining the optimal temperature range.
Why Room Temperature Matters for Newborns
Newborns cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults can. Babies lose heat rapidly from their head, so they have a hard time staying warm enough if the room is too chilly. However, babies also have difficulty cooling themselves down if they become overheated. Since newborns cannot control their body temperature, the room temperature needs to be controlled for them.
Newborns should not get too hot or cold. Their body temperature normal range is 97-100°F (36-37.8°C). If their temperature goes out of this range, into hypothermia (below 97°F) or fever (100.4°F and up) territory, it is dangerous for the baby. Room temperature needs to be warm enough to prevent hypothermia but cool enough to avoid overheating and fever.
Dangers of Hypothermia in Newborns
If a newborn gets too cold, they can develop hypothermia as their body temperature drops. Hypothermia in newborns is defined as a core body temperature below 97°F (36°C). This dangerous drop in body temperature can lead to the following risks and complications:
- Lethargy, sleepiness, and lack of interest in feeding
- Shivering, irregular breathing
- Slow heart rate, low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Coma and respiratory failure in severe cases
Hypothermia needs immediate medical treatment to warm the baby’s body temperature back to normal levels. If a newborn’s environment is too cold, hypothermia can develop rapidly and have severe consequences.
Risks of Overheating for Newborns
Having a room temperature that is too hot can also be very dangerous for a newborn. Babies do not have fully developed sweat glands, so they cannot cool themselves effectively when overheated. Risks of overheating in newborns include:
- Dehydration
- Heat rash
- Fever
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Overheating has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS, which is the unexplained death of an infant under 1 year old. Keeping babies from becoming uncomfortably warm may help reduce the chance of SIDS.
Ideal Temperature Range for Newborns
The ideal room temperature range to promote safe, comfortable conditions for newborns is 68-72°F (20-22°C). Some key points about this recommended range include:
- The air temperature should be maintained within this range at all times, both during the day and night.
- All rooms that the newborn regularly occupies should be kept 68-72°F, including the nursery, living spaces, etc.
- Exceptions are for brief trips outside the home where temperature cannot be controlled.
- Premature babies may need the room even warmer, from 72-76°F.
- A newborn’s room should feel comfortably cool to an adult. Avoid overheating.
Use a thermometer placed at newborn level, such as in the crib or bassinet, to check that the room temperature stays between 68-72°F. The optimal room conditions will help keep the newborn’s body temperature in the ideal range of 97-100°F.
Tips for Maintaining Proper Room Temperature
Here are some tips to help maintain the safest, most comfortable room temperature for a newborn baby:
Adjust the Thermostat
Set your thermostat to a range that allows for temperatures between 68-72°F. You may need to adjust it lower in summer and warmer in winter. Portable room air conditioners or heaters can help if central heating/cooling does not keep baby’s room in the ideal range.
Use Layers and Swaddling for Warmth
Instead of overheating the environment, put baby in layers such as footed pajamas or sleep sacks suitably weighted for the room temperature. Swaddling provides additional warmth and comfort. Offer a hat until temperature regulates.
Circulate Air
Use a fan or open windows to circulate air if baby is too warm. However, do not aim fans directly at the crib. Avoid drafts and any direct skin contact with cold window panes.
Watch for Sweating
Babies normally do not sweat much, so damp hair or sweat on the head or body may be a sign of overheating. Remove layers if sweating is observed.
Check Temperature Often
Frequently check the thermostat reading and use an in-room thermometer at baby’s level. Make adjustments as needed to keep the temperature in the target range.
Use Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
Ideal humidity is around 50 percent. Very low humidity can dry out baby’s skin. High humidity adds to heat index. Monitor humidity level and use appliances as needed.
Take Outside Temperature into Account
If the outdoor temperature is very hot or cold, the heating/cooling system will have to work harder to maintain indoor temperatures. You may need to modify the thermostat more.
Dress Baby Appropriately
Do not overdress or underdress the baby based on adults feeling chilly or warm. Check baby’s chest or back to see if they feel hot or cold.
Use Lightweight Blankets
If a blanket is needed for warmth, choose a thin cotton or muslin blanket that will not cause overheating. Do not use excessive bedding.
| Room Temperature Range | 68-72°F (20-22°C) |
|---|---|
| Ideal Humidity Level | Around 50% |
| Maximum Temperature for Newborns | 100.4°F |
| Minimum Temperature for Newborns | 97°F |
What to Do if Baby Feels Hot or Cold
Frequently check baby’s temperature by feeling their chest or back to see if they feel hot or cold. Here is what to do if you notice signs of overheating or chilling:
If Baby Feels Hot
- Reduce room temperature slightly
- Remove any excess clothing/bedding
- Offer smaller, more frequent feedings
- Give a sponge bath to help cool down
- Make sure baby is not dehydrated
If Baby Feels Cold
- Increase room temperature slightly
- Add layer of clothing like a sleep sack
- Swaddle or use a sleeping bag
- Offer hat and socks if needed
- Do skin-to-skin contact to help warm baby
If the room feels comfortable to you as an adult, it is likely the right temperature for a newborn as well. But always double check baby’s temperature by touch and watch for signs of overheating or chilling. Make adjustments to ensure baby stays in a comfortable, safe temperature range.
Conclusion
Newborns need to be in a tightly controlled temperature environment between 68-72°F to stay healthy and safe. Room temperature outside of this range can lead to dangerous hypothermia or overheating. Monitor room and body temperature closely. Make adjustments to heating, cooling, clothing and bedding as needed to prevent heat-related risks and keep baby comfortable. Maintaining the ideal room temperature range will provide the best environment for a newborn’s health, growth and development.