Your baby’s safety is most likely your number one priority. One of the things new and experienced parents both worry about is the safety of their babies while they sleep. A major factor in keeping your baby safe at night is ensuring they stay at the right temperature to avoid sleep accidents or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
There are a variety of factors that impact your baby’s safety while sleeping but maintaining the right temperature of the room they’re in is essential. Keep reading to learn the best temperature for your baby’s room and more to keep them safe every time you put them down to sleep.
What is the best temperature for your baby’s room?
Keeping your baby’s room at a safe temperature is essential to prevent them from overheating, which is linked to SIDS. It can be hard to tell if your baby is comfortable in a specific temperature room, so use yourself as a gauge. Most people prefer cooler temperatures at night and may wake up if they become too hot or sweaty. Your baby is no different.
The ideal temperature for your baby’s room while they sleep is 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, as long as your baby is appropriately clothed. This temperature range should keep your baby safe from overheating and further issues such as SIDS, affecting babies up to one year of age.
How should you maintain the temperature in your baby’s room?
Ideally, the temperature of your baby’s room should be maintained using a thermostat while they sleep. Setting it at a constant temperature will allow your heating and cooling systems to work to keep it at the ideal temperature, regardless of the outside temperature. However, a thermostat often controls the temperature of the whole house, so it’s important to make sure your baby’s room stays at the temperature you intend. Consider keeping a thermometer in your baby’s room for a more accurate reading and adjusting your thermostat accordingly.
Certain features of your baby’s room may also impact its ability to maintain temperature. If you find that your baby’s room fluctuates easily, check the seals around the windows, doors, and air ducts to ensure they are working correctly. New sealant or replacing insulation may make a significant difference in your ability to maintain a safe temperature for your baby’s room while they sleep.
If you are afraid of your baby overheating during the night and do not have a cooling system, fans can help reduce the risks. Make sure the fan is pointed up towards the ceiling to help circulate air and not directly at your baby. While it is not safe to have your baby sleep in bed with you, if their room is unsafe or you fear they are overheating, you can place a crib or bassinet in your own bedroom, which can help reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
What should your baby wear at night to stay comfortable?
Our advice for determining what your baby should wear at night is similar to determining the best temperature; imagine what would make you the most comfortable. Most people would find themselves waking up hot and sweaty in fleece pajamas or sweatpants, and your baby is probably similar.
Keep a close eye out for signs that your baby may be overheating, such as sweating, flushing, or heavy breathing. On hot nights, make sure to check on your baby regularly by touching the back of their neck. If you find they are getting warm quickly, swap out their pajamas for lighter-weight options or a onesie with a pair of socks.