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Room Temperature for Newborn and Toddlers (NHS)

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Most ideal baby room temperature (from age 0 months to 4 yrs)

As a parent providing the safest environment for your baby is one of the most important things you have to do. You put all the measures you can in place to ensure total safety. One way you do that is by making sure your baby’s room temperature is ideal for them.

You do not want your little one to be too cold or too hot. If you are not aware, an overheated room can increase the risk of your baby getting SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). SID is the unexplained death of a baby below one year and usually happens when they are asleep.

Likewise, Cold room temperatures will also risk your baby contracting respiratory diseases e.g., pneumonia. You want your baby to sleep in a room that is cool and comfortable.

Health experts recommend that infants and toddlers sleep at a room temperature between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (18- 22)

How to maintain baby room temperature

Now that you know the ideal temperature your baby should be sleeping in, you might be wondering what to do to maintain it; there are several tips that you can use:

Use a thermostat: This is the most reliable way is monitoring temperature. You can adjust to make the room hotter or cooler, but note that a thermostat controls the temperatures of your entire house, not just the baby’s room. Temperature also varies in different rooms within your home because they are affected by other factors; for instance, some rooms have more windows, others might have ductwork problems or poor insulation all affecting airflow.

Use an indoor thermometer: this tool can give accurate readings of your baby’s room or any other room.

Use a fan: a fan increases air circulation leading to cooler temperatures. Just ensure it is pointed towards the ceiling and not directly at your baby. Adjust the fan meter as you measure the temperature to get the one most comfortable for the baby.

Gauge by how you feel: enter the room and judge how it feels if it’s too hot for you most likely it’s also hot for the baby and likewise if it feels chilly.

It is also recommended that you sleep in the same room for the first 6 -12 months of your baby so you can keep a watch on them throughout the night. However, it is not advisable to sleep with babies in your bed because you risk injuring them when you turn or your heavy bedding covers their faces. Instead, place your baby next to your bed in their crib.

Can baby drink room temperature breast milk

Yes! Room temperature breast milk is safe for the baby to drink. You can also warm it if you wish by dipping it in a jar with warm water or holding it under running warm water.

You can also feed your baby with leftover breast milk that wasn’t finished from the previous feeding but only do so within 2 hours if it was left under room temperature. Otherwise, if the milk is left for a more prolonged time, bacteria introduced into the milk from the baby’s mouth during the first feeding will continue to grow, rendering the milk unsafe.

Can baby drink room temperature formula

The formula at room temperature is safe for the baby to drink. Any leftover formula must be discarded.

Baby room temperature what to wear/ baby room temperature clothing guide

You need to dress your baby appropriately depending on the room temperature to keep them comfortable. We understand it can also be hard to tell which clothes are suitable for your baby to sleep in at room temperature.

Below are some suggestions of how to dress the baby in different room temperatures:

Below 16 degrees Celsius (60)

  • Hat
  • Long sleeve bodysuit
  • Gloves
  • Socks
  • Pajamas
  • Sleeping bag

Between 16-17 degrees (61-63)

  • Long sleeve bodysuit
  • Pajamas
  • Socks
  • Sleeping bag

Between 18-19 degrees (64F-68)

  • Long sleeve bodysuit
  • Pajamas
  • Sleeping bag

Between 20-21 degrees (69-70)

  • Short sleeve bodysuit
  • Pajamas
  • Sleeping bag

Between 22- 23 degrees (71-74)

  • Pajamas
  • Sleeping bag

Between 24-25 degrees (75-77)

  • Short sleeve bodysuit
  • Sleeping bag

At 26 degrees (78)

  • Short sleeve bodysuit

Above 27 degrees (80)

  • Diaper only

A lot of parents used to temperatures above 22 degrees, get concerned that the recommended baby room temperatures are too cold for their little ones. Still, health experts advise that a baby is more comfortable under cooler temperatures when appropriately dressed than warmer temperatures. They also recommend feeling the baby’s belly or back of the head to check if they are warm or cold.

What should a baby’s room temperature be

Anywhere from (18-22) degrees Celsius

Baby room temperature in winter and during summer (& what baby should wear)

Whether it is winter or summer, it is critical to try and make sure the baby’s room temperatures are safe and comfortable. Ideally, (18-21) degrees Celsius (65-72)

Use a fan or heater to maintain the temperatures within the room, depending on the weather. However, use a heater only to get rid of the chill and make sure you don’t leave it on the whole night because it would cause the temperatures to continue rising steadily.

How to dress the baby during winter:

Babies lose more body heat during cold seasons than adults because their bodies are smaller. Being exposed to cold increases the risk of the body getting into a state of hypothermia, which can be fatal, so it is vital to dress the baby appropriately dressed for winter.

Layered clothing: choose layers that are easy to put on and off to offer the necessary protection while being easy to remove. If you are headed outdoors, make sure the baby is covered from head to toe. You may use thick coats, a hat, socks, and gloves or a snowsuit but ensure you remove them first thing when you get back in the house to prevent overheating, even if your adorable one is sleeping!

Lose the hat too when the baby is indoors because the baby uses the area on the top of the head to release excess body heat.

If you are traveling by car, shed off the coat or snowsuit to secure the seat belt strap for the baby’s safety. Then, to keep the baby warm, place the coat or blanket on top of the car seat.

Also, you need to create a cozy sleeping environment for your little one. You can use a fitted flannel for your baby’s cot or a one-piece sleeping bag to keep your baby warm while preventing the baby from wriggling down under their blanket.

How to dress the baby for summer:

During summer, when the temperatures are high, you need to dress down your baby. Otherwise, overdressing will cause heat rash and excessive sweating.

Whenever your baby is indoors, dress them in loose-fitting and light layers of clothes made from breathable materials such as cotton as it absorbs sweat better. When outdoors ensure the baby’s head, and face is shielded, for instance, if you are strolling them use the canopy or a light hat. Exposing your child to direct heat can cause sunburn and, on the extreme, heatstroke, which is fatal.

When using a carrier, keep in mind that you also contribute to the body heat in addition to the carrier, and sometimes this can cause the baby to be uncomfortable. Choose a carrier that is not made from heavy materials such as nylon. During summer, if your baby’s face appears flushed, remove them from the carrier immediately.

It is also essential to keep in mind that babies are not able to control their temperatures like adults. Therefore, they have a higher risk of being overheated, so it would be disastrous to leave them in a hot environment, such as inside a parked car. Ensure you keep the baby in a well-ventilated environment.

It is also vital to ensure that your baby is well hydrated to prevent dehydration, give them cool boiled water or fruit juice. However, if your baby is under six months and is doing exclusive breastfeeding, there is no need to give extra fluid until they start taking food.

Room temperature for baby with a fever

It is common for babies to experience a fever from time to time and is usually caused by infections, teething, and medications such as antibiotics or even being overly dressed in hot weather. Fever, in most cases, is nothing to be alarmed about, and most parents can manage it without a visit to the doctor. Some of the interventions one can use are: shedding down to just a light cloth, patting the baby with lukewarm water, and giving the baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen suitable for kids at a doctor advised dosage.

Also, keep the baby under a cool environment. You can judge how it feels for you and use a fan on low setting, if it feels too warm. The ideal room temperature for a baby with a fever is between (70-74

Baby room humidity

Studies have shown that humidity levels also affect the baby’s ability to sleep and general health. If the humidity level is too low it causes the baby’s nasal passage to dry out, and the skin to crack and become itchy. On the other hand, when humidity level is high, it promotes the growth of mold and allergens that affect the baby’s respiratory system when inhaled.

The EPA (environmental protection agency) recommends that humidity levels in a baby’s room should be kept between 30% and 60%.

To maintain these levels, a parent can use tools like the humidifier system. There are even smaller plug-in humidifiers available in the market.

Baby’s room temperature at night and during daytime

The recommended temperature of (65-72) degrees Fahrenheit should be maintained in the baby’s room, whether it is day or night.

You can open the windows and door as well as drawing the blinds to promote free circulation of fresh air. It also cools the room.

Baby room temperature and layers

Within the ideal temperature range in the baby’s room, just dress the baby appropriately and add one layer to cover the baby. A swaddling would work out better than adding a garment instead.

A general rule of the thumb to follow is: babies need one more layer than adults.

Below is a suggestion for how to cover the baby in different room temperature:

23 degrees and above- only a sheet

(20-22) degrees Celsius- A sheet and one blanket

18 degrees Celsius- A sheet and two blankets

16 degrees Celsius- A sheet and three blankets

12 degrees and below- a sheet and four or more blankets

Baby room temperature Celsius and Fahrenheit

The baby room temperature should be between 18-21 degrees Celsius equivalent to 65-72F

Baby room temperature chart

Baby room temperature Canada

Parents in Canada should try to maintain a baby room temperature of between 18-21 degrees Celsius. If it feels cold for the baby, add a layer of cover.

Baby room temperature clothing guide NHS

Below is a clothing guide for babies by the National Health Service (NHS). Check out this graphic.

Check out if the baby is safe being in a room with these temperatures:

Baby room temperature 30 degrees: too hot for the baby, risk getting heatstroke.

Baby room temperature 28 degrees: too hot and unsafe for baby

Baby room temperature 29 degrees: too hot and unsafe for baby

Baby room temperature 26 degrees: hot and uncomfortable for a baby

Baby room temperature 23 degrees: Slightly hot and uncomfortable for a baby

Baby room temperature 25 degrees: Hot and uncomfortable for a baby

Baby room temperature 21 degrees: ideal for baby

Baby room temperature 22 degrees: comfortable and safe for baby

Baby room temperature 17 degrees: safe for baby

Baby room temperature 15 degrees: chilly for baby and uncomfortable

Baby room temperature 80 degrees: fatal

Baby room temperature 13 degrees: too cold and unsafe

Baby room temperature 14 degrees: too cold and unsafe

Baby room temperature 19 degrees: ideal

Baby room temperature thermometer

There are varieties of thermometers in the market that a parent can use to detect if the baby’s room is too cold or hot. The best ones are the digital ones that can also be used in the bath, and others can also measure the humidity and dryness of your home. You can purchase from stores like Amazon, Target, etc.