Room Temperature for Newborn Baby – What is Safe?

Newborn babies, having just emerged from the safety and security of the mother’s womb, transition into the daunting world where uncertainty reigns supreme. Inside the womb, the mother’s body orchestrates an environment of unparalleled comfort and stability for the developing baby. However, upon birth, the responsibility shifts to caregivers to meticulously regulate the newborn’s temperature, ensuring a delicate balance between comfort and safety. This transition from the cocooned sanctuary of the womb to the unpredictable external realm underscores the critical need for proactive measures and attentive care to shield the newborn from potential hazards and discomforts in their newfound environment. Read on to know the ideal room temperature for newborns.

Why It Is Important to Set the Right Temperature for Baby?

Setting the right temperature for a baby is vital for their well-being on multiple fronts. Maintaining a suitable room temperature for newborn ensures their comfort, supports essential physiological functions, and reduces the risk of overheating or hypothermia, both of which can lead to serious health complications. Quality sleep, crucial for a baby’s growth and development, is facilitated by a comfortable temperature environment. Additionally, the right temperature helps bolster the baby’s immune system, reducing the likelihood of illness. Emotionally, a comfortable temperature promotes a positive state of mind, fostering social interactions and healthy emotional development. Overall, ensuring the right temperature for a baby is essential for their physical health, emotional well-being, and overall growth.

What Should Be the Ideal Room Temperature for a Newborn Baby in Different Seasons?

You will need to pay attention to your baby’s room temperature based on the time of the year and the season.

1) Summer

Summers can get quite taxing at times but that does not mean that the house needs to be at its coldest. The sudden shift in temperatures if the baby were to be taken outside can be harmful to him. An ideal temperature for baby room in summer is somewhere around 22 degrees, or even a tad higher. Make sure the temperature does not go below 20 degrees, which can cause the baby to fall ill, too.

2) Winter

Winters are wonderful since a child can be quite cosy and warm with sweaters, bundled blankets and so. Even then, the surrounding temperatures need to be maintained appropriately. An ideal temperature for baby room in winter is at the most 23-24 degrees. Any temperature between 18 to 23 degrees is apt during the daytimes. At night, the temperature can be set on the lower side while rolling up your baby in a warm blanket.

3) Rain

Monsoons are one of the fascinating times for a baby. The noise of the raindrops, thunder and lightning, and the cosy evenings can make it quite exciting as well as comfortable for the little one. Temperatures during monsoons can fluctuate between being quite hot in the day and cooler towards the night. The temperatures in the home can then be set around 19-22 degrees in a comfortable range. Babies can fall in love with breathing the fresh air, but make sure to close the windows if the nights are too cold.

Right Room Temperature for a Baby During the Day?

The optimal room temperature may also vary throughout the day for your little one.

1. Day Time Temperature

The day temperature in a baby’s room should be kept stable throughout. Fluctuations in the temperature can mess around with the baby’s cycle. In winters, babies may end up sweating at times due to them being wrapped in multiple layers of clothing. At the same time, their hands might be cold, too. In such cases, it is best to increase the temperature slightly and remove a few layers of clothing.

2. Night Time Temperature

Night temperatures are best kept towards the lower end since they tend to lull the body into sleep and keep the baby comfortable through the night. Generally, babies have been observed to sleep really well without blankets, unlike adults. Therefore, do not force a blanket on him if he sleeps fine without it. The temperature in the room can be kept between a cosy 19-21 degrees which ensures a sound sleep.

How to Know Whether Your Baby is Cold or Hot?

Checking if your baby is comfortable and not too hot or cold can be easily done by checking the temperature of certain areas of the body. These are the baby’s ears and chest. If they are sweaty and the baby seems slightly upset, he might be a tad too hot. The dehydration can also result in a small depression above the head.

At times, the hands and the feet of the baby can seem quite cold even when everything is perfect. This is primarily because the baby’s circulatory system is still growing and needs time to maintain uniform body temperature throughout the body.

A foolproof way to check for comfort is to feel your own self. If you feel too cold in your baby’s room, there are high chances that he might be feeling cold, too. So, either pull up the temperature or add a small blanket on him.

Tips to Keep Your Newborn Baby Safe and Comfortable While Sleeping

• If your baby is feeling too hot, his chest and hair would be sweaty, the cheeks would be slightly red, and he would be taking quick short breaths. Sleep would also be restless. Reduce the room temperature and take off any blanket that might be on the baby.
• Don’t pack the baby completely, especially in winters. A few layers of clothing are sufficient. If your baby is ill, it is best to reduce a layer or two since an untimely fever can raise the body temperature.
• Avoid crowding the cribs. Keep them empty and spacious, except for maybe a favourite soft toy or two.
• Opt for using a fan instead of an air-conditioner. The fan keeps the air moving around without cooling it a lot. This can maintain a safe room temperature for the baby.
• Sleep together in the same room if possible, especially in the initial months of the baby’s growth. This not only ensures the temperature is proper but makes the baby feel safe, too.
• Let your baby sleep on his back since that is the best and the most comfortable position.
• Use a firm and flat mattress in the crib to reduce the risk of suffocation and ensure proper spinal alignment.
• Keep the room dark and quiet during sleep time to promote better rest for your baby.

FAQs

1. What should I do if the room temperature fluctuates throughout the day or night?

If the room temperature fluctuates, consider using a fan or opening windows to regulate airflow. Additionally, dress your baby in appropriate clothing layers to accommodate temperature changes, and adjust bedding accordingly.

2. Should I use a space heater to maintain room temperature for my newborn?

When it comes to maintaining the ideal temperature for baby room in winter, it’s generally not recommended to use space heaters in the baby’s room due to potential safety hazards such as fire risk, burns, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Instead, rely on central heating systems or safe alternatives like room fans or opening windows for ventilation.

3. Is it safe to use a humidifier or dehumidifier in the baby’s room to adjust room temperature?

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help maintain optimal humidity levels in the baby’s room, which can indirectly affect the perceived temperature. However, ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of these devices to prevent mold growth or air contamination, which could pose health risks to your baby. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional if unsure.

Sleep is extremely important in a baby’s growth cycle. By ensuring proper room temperature and taking care of certain sleeping conditions in the room, your baby can enjoy a good sleep in every season at any time.

References/Resources:

1 Jhun. I, Mata. D, Nordio. F, Lee. M, et. al.; Ambient Temperature and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in the United States; Epidemiology; https://journals.lww.com/epidem/fulltext/2017/09000/ambient_temperature_and_sudden_infant_death.13.aspx; September 2017

2. Trevisanuto. D, Testoni. D, Almeida. M; Maintaining normothermia: Why and how?; Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine; https://www.sfnmjournal.com/article/S1744-165X(18)30063-5/abstract; March 2018

3. Moon. R, Darnall. R, Feldman-Winter. L, et. al.; SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/5/e20162938/60309/SIDS-and-Other-Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated?autologincheck=redirected; November 2016

4. Tips for Dressing Your Baby; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Dressing-Your-Newborn.aspx

5. Fever: When to Call the Pediatrician; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/When-to-Call-the-Pediatrician.aspx

6. Huang. J; Thermal parameters for assessing thermal properties of clothing (Journal of Thermal Biology); Science Direct; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306456506000507?via%3Dihub; August 2006

7. Ponsonby. A, Dwyer. T, Gibbons. L, Cochrane. J, et. al.; Thermal environment and sudden infant death syndrome:
a case-control study (BMJ); National Center for Biotechnology Information; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1881052/pdf/bmj00058-0017.pdf

Also Read:

Baby’s Bath Temperature
Low Body Temperature in Babies
Baby’s Head is Hot, But No Fever
How to Check the Temperature of Your Baby?