What is the ideal room temperature for a baby?
Creating a calm, comfortable sleep environment is one of the easiest ways to help your baby rest safely - and room temperature plays a big part. With so much advice out there, it’s natural to wonder what the ideal room temperature is for a baby, and how to get it right all year round.
In this guide, we’ll explain the recommended temperature range, how it can change with the seasons, and how to tell if your baby is too hot or too cold, so you can feel confident at sleep time, day or night.
What is the ideal temperature for a baby’s room?
The ideal room temperature for a baby is between 16°C and 20°C. This range is widely recommended by health experts, including the HSE and The Lullaby Trust.
Keeping your baby’s room within this range helps to:
- Reduce the risk of overheating
- Support safer sleep
- Keep your baby comfortable throughout the night
Why does temperature matter?
Babies aren’t yet able to regulate their body temperature in the same way older children and adults can, especially while they’re sleeping. In the early months, a baby’s temperature is more easily affected by their surroundings - including the warmth of the room, their clothing and bedding.
Unlike adults, babies can’t remove layers, kick off covers or adjust their position if they become too hot or too cold. Their bodies are also still developing the ability to control heat through sweating and circulation, which means they can overheat more quickly. Overheating has been linked to an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is why safe sleep guidance places such emphasis on room temperature, breathable fabrics and avoiding excess layers.
How to create a comfortable sleep temperature
Keeping your baby’s room within the recommended range usually comes down to small, simple adjustments rather than big changes. Here are some practical tips for managing room temperature day and night as first time parents:
1. Use a room thermometer
A room thermometer placed near your baby’s cot is one of the easiest ways to monitor temperature accurately and respond if needed. If you don’t already have one, they’re widely available and affordable, with many costing as little as £5.
2. Make the most of windows and ventilation
Windows play an important role in temperature control all year round. Opening them briefly during the day can help refresh the air, while closing them in the evening helps retain warmth and maintain a more stable temperature overnight. Gentle ventilation supports comfort without creating draughts.
3. Use portable heaters or fans carefully
In many UK homes, heating systems warm the whole house, which can make it difficult to adjust just one room. Portable heaters or radiators can help add gentle warmth in colder months, while portable fans can circulate air during warmer weather when air conditioning isn’t common.
Always place heaters or fans well away from your baby’s cot, keep cables out of reach, and avoid directing warm or cool air straight towards your baby. Used thoughtfully, they can help fine-tune the room temperature when needed.
4. Consider smart or automatic systems
In more modern homes, smart thermostats or temperature-controlled radiators can help maintain a consistent room temperature by adjusting automatically when the room becomes too warm or too cool. While not essential, they can reduce sudden temperature changes overnight and offer extra reassurance.
5. Think about room layout
The layout of the room itself can affect temperature. Rooms that receive direct sunlight, sit above kitchens, or are close to boilers and radiators may warm up more quickly, while north-facing rooms can feel cooler. Simple changes - such as positioning your baby’s cot away from heat sources, vents or draughts - can make a noticeable difference to comfort.
Summer sleeping: How to keep your baby cool
Warm weather can make sleep more challenging, but the ideal temperature for a baby’s room in summer remains 16–20°C where possible. Rather than relying on one solution, combining a few gentle cooling strategies can help keep the room comfortable.
To help keep your baby cool in hotter months:
- Close curtains or blinds during the day to block direct sunlight
- Open windows in the early morning or evening when the air is cooler, then close them before bedtime
- Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton
- Use a fan to circulate air, positioned well away from your baby and never directed at them
- Avoid extra layers or heavy bedding
If the room temperature rises above 20°C, reducing clothing layers is usually more effective than changing bedding. A simple, breathable sleep setup allows heat to escape more easily and helps prevent overheating.
Winter sleeping: How to keep your baby warm
When the weather turns colder, it can be tempting to turn the heating up - but babies don’t need a warm room to stay cosy. The ideal temperature for a baby’s room in winter is still 16–20°C, and comfort is best achieved through layering rather than extra heat.
Instead of increasing the room temperature:
- Dress your baby in light, breathable layers that can be adjusted if needed
- Use a well-fitting baby sleep bag with a suitable tog rating
- Keep heating low and steady overnight, rather than switching it on and off
- Ensure the room is free from cold draughts without blocking ventilation
If your home cools significantly at night, a thermometer will help you make small, safe adjustments without overheating the room.
How can I tell if my baby is too hot or too cold?
Every baby is different, so regular checks are key.
Signs your baby may be too hot:
- Sweating or damp hair
- Flushed cheeks
- Rapid breathing
- Feeling hot on their chest or back
Signs your baby may be too cold:
- Pale skin
- Fussiness or unsettled sleep
A simple rule of thumb is to feel your baby’s chest or the back of their neck - it should feel warm, not hot or cold. Hands and feet often feel cooler and aren’t a reliable indicator of your baby’s overall temperature.
Remember:If your little one is unsettled despite a comfortable sleep environment, it’s worth remembering that changes in sleep aren’t always linked to temperature. Learn more in our guide to what baby sleep regression is, and why disrupted sleep can be a normal part of development.
Dressing your baby for the right room temperature
Once you know the ideal room temperature for a baby, dressing them appropriately becomes much easier.
As a general guide:
- Babies usually need one more light layer than an adult
- Choose breathable fabrics that help regulate temperature
- Avoid hats indoors once your baby is asleep
Light, adjustable layers make it easier to respond if the temperature changes during the night. If you’re unsure how to layer your baby for different room temperatures, our guide on what to dress your baby in at night offers simple, temperature-based advice to help you choose sleepwear with confidence.
For younger babies, swaddling can also help them feel secure while they sleep. If you’re considering this option, see our guide on how to swaddle your baby for tips.
Silver Cross products to support a comfortable night’s sleep
At Silver Cross, our premium bedding and textiles range is designed to support your baby’s comfort and temperature regulation through the night. From soft fitted sheets and cosy blankets to well-fitting sleeping bags, each piece is designed to work gently with your baby’s natural sleep patterns.
Crafted using breathable bamboo and organic cotton, our textiles feel soft against delicate skin while helping to regulate temperature and manage moisture - keeping your baby comfortable as they sleep. Naturally hypoallergenic and kind to sensitive skin, the fabrics are chosen to offer reassurance as well as everyday practicality.
