What Is the Ideal Room Temperature for a Sleeping Baby?

When your baby sleeps, so can you! That's just one of many reasons to aim for a comfortable environment that enables your little one to nod off more easily and stay asleep longer.

Good sleeping habits are crucial as your baby grows and develops, and supporting safe and healthy sleep comes down to a few basic strategies. One of them is making sure that your baby’s room is kept at an optimal temperature when it’s time for sleep.

So, how do you know what’s too high and what’s too low? Read on to learn what the best temperature is for your sleeping baby, how to get the room feeling just right, and how to help keep it that way.

Ideal Temperature for Your Baby’s Room

Did you know that temperature significantly impacts the quality of your baby’s sleep? Finding that sweet spot can seem difficult, but a general rule of thumb is to keep your baby’s room at a temperature that you find comfortable yourself.

When it comes down to the ideal temperature for your baby’s room regardless of winter or summer months, experts recommend maintaining a temperature within the range of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, or 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.

Why Setting the Ideal Temperature Is Important for Your Baby

When your baby’s room temperature is too high or too low, she may not sleep as long or as well. Keeping your baby’s room at the best temperature for sleep can help foster the quantity and quality of sleep necessary for healthy development.

Maintaining the right ambient temperature for your sleeping baby also helps prevent overheating. This, in turn, can help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other serious health issues.

Keeping Your Baby Comfortable During Sleep

In addition to maintaining a comfortable room temperature, these are some other steps you can take to help keep your baby safe and comfortable as she sleeps:

• Put your little one down to sleep on her back up until her 1-year milestone. This is the safest sleep position for your baby, as it helps reduce the risk of SIDS. Daily tummy time is important but should only be done under your supervision and only when your baby is awake.

• Keep your baby’s crib free of everything except for the mattress and fitted sheet. Avoid blankets, loose sheets, pillows, bumpers, and stuffed toys, as they can lead to suffocation or choking.

• Avoid over-dressing your baby at night. Too much clothing can cause your little one to overheat and may restrict breathing.

• Place your baby’s crib in the same room as you for the first 6 to 12 months. You’ll be better able to monitor her sleeping habits and will be close by if she needs you during the night.

• The best way to ensure your baby’s room temperature is just right and best for sleep is with a thermostat. Certain video monitors come with built-in thermostats to help you track temperature and humidity easily.

Don’t miss these must-watch sleep tips from a pediatric sleep consultant.

Signs Your Baby May Be Too Hot or Too Cold

If you’re worried that your baby appears to be hot or feverish, or is becoming overheated even when the room’s temperature is cool and comfortable, contact your baby’s healthcare provider right away for expert advice.

Good sleeping habits are important for your baby’s well-being. Fortunately, if her room is kept at a cool and comfortable temperature, she’s more likely to sleep safely and comfortably.