In order for the human body to sleep, the core body temperature needs to dip. The ideal temperature for sleeping varies with age.A child's room temperature of 16-20°C is comfortable and safe. For your sleeping baby a room temperature of 20 to 22.2 degrees Celsius is recommended. For your toddler to sleep comfortably, the room temperature should be between 18.3 and 21.1 Celsius.
The temperature of the room where your child is sleeping definitely affects your child’s sleep.
It is very important that you do not overheat your baby’s room temperature. Studies have shown overheated rooms lead to an increase in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, using a fan can decrease the risk of SIDS by 72%.
What Temperature Should Your Baby Be?
Babies regulate their temperature through their heads, particularly their faces. If you wrap your baby, 85% of total heat loss is through their face. If you restrict this normal method of heat loss with bedding, a bonnet, or a hood covering their face, thermal stress can occur.
Since your baby controls their body temperature predominantly through their face, placing your sleeping baby on their back with their head and face uncovered is the best way to protect your baby from overheating. A good way to make sure the baby’s face is not covered is to use a baby-fitted sleeping bag with either armholes or sleeves. Dress your baby comfortably for sleeping – neither too warm nor too cold.
How To Check Your Baby's Temperature?
A good way to check your baby’s temperature is to feel the baby’s chest, which should feel warm to the touch. Your baby’s hands and feet will probably feel cool, which is normal. If your baby has a red face and is sweating, remove some clothing. Remember, your baby will not be able to keep a cover on all night until around 18 months of age.
When your toddler sleeps, dress them in a extra layer of long pants and a top with long sleeves. Use a heavier fabric during cool winter months and a lighter fabric on hot summer nights. If your toddler complains of being cold, try a pair of pyjamas with feet.
If you have no choice but to put your baby or toddler down in a warm room, have them wear short sleeves or nothing but a nappy.
What Is The Ideal Sleeping Temperature For Your Child?
The ideal sleep temperature for your child varies because every child is different
Baby Room Temperature
The ideal temperature for babies to sleep in is 20°C to 22.2°C (68°F to 72°F).
Toddler Room Temperature
The ideal room temperature for toddlers to sleep in is 18°C to 22°C (65°F to 70°F).
It is important to check your child’s room to make sure it is neither too hot nor too cold. As soon as your child is six months old, consider teaching how to say “hot” and “cold” in sign language. Doing so makes it possible for them to tell you when the room temperature is not comfortable for them.
Remember. The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first six months of their lives is in a room with you. Not only is this safe, but it will also help you judge the bedroom temperature that is most comfortable for them. A baby's room temperature affects your child’s sleep, so make sure your child is neither too hot nor too cold. A room that is at the right temperature will help your child have acomfortable and restful night’s sleep.
13th Sep 2021 rtg
FAQs
It's believed that being too hot raises a baby's risk. According to research , being overheated can lead to a deep sleep, from which it's difficult to wake. In addition to keeping your child's sleeping room at a comfortable temperature be sure not to overdress your baby with heavy layers of clothing.
What is the best room temperature for a child to sleep in? ›
The ideal room temperature for toddlers to sleep in is 18°C to 22°C (65°F to 70°F). It is important to check your child's room to make sure it is neither too hot nor too cold. As soon as your child is six months old, consider teaching how to say “hot” and “cold” in sign language.
Do children sleep better in the cold? ›
The theory is that the crisp fresh air is good for babies' lungs and that it actually helps them nap longer than when inside or in warmer temperatures; it may also help littles acclimate to the seasons and get them in tune with their circadian rhythms.
How does room temperature affect sleep? ›
The stereotypical effects of heat or cold exposure are increased wakefulness and decreased rapid eye movement sleep and slow wave sleep. These effects of the thermal environment on sleep stages are strongly linked to thermoregulation, which affects the mechanism regulating sleep.
Do babies sleep better in a cold or warm room? ›
One of the key ways to help your baby sleep better and longer is by maintaining a temperature of 68-72°F.
What room temperature is too cold for kids? ›
That said, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), newborns and babies are most vulnerable to hypothermia when they're sleeping in a cold room. Generally speaking, your baby's room temperature should be between 68 and 72 degrees F in the summer and the winter.
How cold is too cold for a child's room? ›
Health professionals often recommend keeping the room where your baby sleeps between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. But this is not just about keeping your little one from getting chilly; there are important health implications too.
How do I know if my child is too cold at night? ›
When babies are particularly restless and moving around their cot through the night, it can be a sign that they are cold. They might move constantly to warm themselves up, or they might move all around the cot to try and find the warmest place and position to sleep.
How do I know if my child is cold at night? ›
A simple way to check their body temperature is to place your hand on the skin of their chest, tummy or back. Their skin should feel dry and warm to touch. If they feel too warm, remove a layer where possible. If they feel cold, you can attempt to add a top layer.
Is 75 degrees too warm for a baby? ›
Set the Ideal Room Temperature for a Newborn
To help decrease the chance of SIDS, strive to keep the nursery at 68 to 72 degrees F in all seasons.
In general, the ideal room temperature and your home for both efficiency and comfort fall somewhere between 68° and 76°F.
What is a healthy sleeping room temperature? ›
The best room temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius). This may vary by a few degrees from person to person, but most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 20 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.
What happens if you sleep in a room too cold? ›
Sleeping in cold temperatures can cause your muscles to cramp quite severely, making getting up in the morning a painful experience. This is because the cold can cause the muscle to spasm through the night.
Can a baby sleep in a 65 degree room? ›
Ideal room temperature for a baby to sleep
The ideal temperature for a nursery/bedroom while sleeping is 65°F - 69°F degrees, regardless of the season.
Can a baby sleep in an 80 degree room? ›
Room Temperature: Keeping the baby's sleeping environment too warm can contribute to overheating. The ideal room temperature for a baby is generally recommended to be between 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C).
Is 64 too cold for a baby room? ›
The ideal baby's room temp is generally between 64-71°F Fahrenheit.
Do toddlers sleep better in a cold room? ›
Cool temperatures.
Our core body temperature has to dip in order for us to fall asleep, so don't overdress your toddler. Of course, you don't want them to be shivering, either. Shoot for a room temperature of about 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and dress your toddler in light cotton pajamas.
What temperature should a 3 year old's room be? ›
Temperature. Keep the temperature in the bedroom at a comfortable temperature, ideally 16-18 degrees Celsius. Ensure their bed is comfortable; try lying on it yourself. Always end the day with praise and happy thoughts.
Is 75 too hot for a baby room? ›
Q: Is 75 degrees too hot for a baby to sleep? A: According to most pediatricians, your baby's ideal room is between 68 to 72 degrees. However, if you're living in a very hot climate, then temperatures of up to 75 degrees are acceptable.
