By 
Expert Reviewed By - We all want to ensure our baby is comfortable and safe while sleeping. And it’s a perfectly normal feeling to have. Creating a safe sleep environment is equally about having a safe crib and mattress as it is about dressing baby appropriately.
In this article, I will share with you what the ideal room temperature is for your baby as well as explain what you should dress your baby in when the seasons change. As a handy bonus, I’ve also created a printable baby sleep temperature chart to ensure your baby never overheats or gets too cold!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The recommended room temperature for baby sleep is between 16-20°C (60-68°F). This helps to prevent overheating, which is a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome risk factor.
- Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature using layers and sleep sacks. Avoid overdressing by referring to our temperature/clothing chart below.
- Monitor for signs of overheating (sweating, flushed skin) or hypothermia (shivering, lethargy). If you notice these signs, make adjustments as soon as possible to baby’s clothing and environment.
Ideal Room Temperature for Baby Sleep
The ideal room temperature for your baby’s sleep space is between 16-20°C (60-68°F) combined with light bedding or a lightweight well-fitting baby sleep bag, to offer a comfortable and safe sleeping environment.
Baby Sleep Temperature Chart – PRINTABLE
Here is a handy printout you can refer back to time and time again to make sure baby will always be appropriately dressed and comfortable in their room.
| Age | Room Temperature in °F | Room Temperature in °C | What Baby Should Wear To Sleep |
| 0-3 Months (Newborn) | 78 and above | 26 and above | A vest OR swaddle vest |
| 75-77 | 24-25 | 0.5 tog swaddle and a vest OR a short sleeve sleepsuit | |
| 71-74 | 22-23 | 1 tog swaddle and a vest | |
| 64-70 | 18-21 | 1 tog swaddle, a sleepsuit, and a vest | |
| 59-63 | 15-17 | 2.5 tog sleeping bag, a sleepsuit, and a vest | |
| 59 and lower | 15 and lower | 3.5 tog sleeping bag, a sleepsuit, and a vest | |
| 4+ Months (Baby and Young Toddler) | 78 and above | 26 and above | Vest |
| 75-77 | 24-25 | 0.5 tog sleep sack and a vest | |
| 71-74 | 22-23 | 1 tog sleep sack and a vest | |
| 64-70 | 18-21 | 1 tog sleep sack, a sleepsuit, and a vest | |
| 59-63 | 15-17 | 2.5 tog sleep sack, a sleepsuit, and a vest | |
| 59 and lower | 15 and lower | 3.5 tog sleep sack, a sleepsuit, and a vest |
My Recommendations For Sleep Clothing
Two of my favorite brands to purchase baby sleep clothing from include Burt Bees Baby and Nested Bean.
I love Burt’s Bees Baby because they are committed to producing high-quality, organic, and sustainable baby products that are gentle on babies’ delicate skin.
They prioritize using natural ingredients and materials, and their products are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
Additionally, they are dedicated to social and environmental responsibility and support various initiatives to give back to their community and reduce their carbon footprint.
I also love Nested Bean products because they have developed innovative and safe products that help babies sleep better. Their Zen Swaddle and Zen Sack incorporate a unique weighted design that mimics the feeling of a parent’s touch, providing comfort and security for babies.
Additionally, Nested Bean is committed to using high-quality, breathable, and hypoallergenic materials that are safe for babies’ delicate skin.
They also prioritize safety and transparency, and their products meet or exceed all safety standards for baby’s sleep.
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The Best Vest
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My Favorite Swaddle
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My Favorite Romper
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My Top Sleep Sack
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Burt's Bees Baby Bodysuits are the perfect choice for parents looking for a comfortable and stylish option for their little ones. Made from 100% organic cotton, these bodysuits are gentle on baby's delicate skin and feature a lap shoulder neckline for easy dressing. Perfect for layering and sleeping, you're giving your baby the very best. |
Made from 100% cotton, these beautiful swaddles have a 2-in-1 design that will allow them to grow and adapt to your baby's sleeping habits. And with a weighted pad to mimic a parent's comforting hand, your baby will sleep deeper and more peacefully when cuddled up in these swaddles! |
Get your little one ready for any adventure with the Burt's Bees Baby One-Piece Jumpsuit. Made from 100% organic cotton, this jumpsuit is not only comfortable but also environmentally friendly and kind to your baby's skin. The convenient zipper closure makes dressing a breeze, while the playful designs are sure to capture your little one's imagination. Perfect for sleeping in or lazy days at home, these jumpsuits will become part of your everyday life! |
Nested Bean's Sleep Sacks provide gentle pressure that mimics your reassuring embrace. This creates a secure feeling that prevents wakeups from sleep regressions and facilitates self-soothing, resulting in deeper periods of sleep that are so essential for healthy development. The arms-free design allows baby to self-soothe and to move their chest if they roll, making it the ideal next step from the swaddle. |
Burt's Bees Baby Bodysuits are the perfect choice for parents looking for a comfortable and stylish option for their little ones. Made from 100% organic cotton, these bodysuits are gentle on baby's delicate skin and feature a lap shoulder neckline for easy dressing. Perfect for layering and sleeping, you're giving your baby the very best.
Made from 100% cotton, these beautiful swaddles have a 2-in-1 design that will allow them to grow and adapt to your baby's sleeping habits. And with a weighted pad to mimic a parent's comforting hand, your baby will sleep deeper and more peacefully when cuddled up in these swaddles!
Get your little one ready for any adventure with the Burt's Bees Baby One-Piece Jumpsuit. Made from 100% organic cotton, this jumpsuit is not only comfortable but also environmentally friendly and kind to your baby's skin. The convenient zipper closure makes dressing a breeze, while the playful designs are sure to capture your little one's imagination. Perfect for sleeping in or lazy days at home, these jumpsuits will become part of your everyday life!
Nested Bean's Sleep Sacks provide gentle pressure that mimics your reassuring embrace. This creates a secure feeling that prevents wakeups from sleep regressions and facilitates self-soothing, resulting in deeper periods of sleep that are so essential for healthy development. The arms-free design allows baby to self-soothe and to move their chest if they roll, making it the ideal next step from the swaddle.
How To Check If Your Baby Is Too Hot Or Too Cold
All babies are different and you must adjust your baby’s sleepwear and sleep environment to suit their individual needs. Therefore, knowing how to check if your little one is too hot or too cold is very important and you should not rely on the thermostat alone.
The Lullaby Trust suggests that you “Feel your baby’s chest or the back of their neck (your baby’s hands and feet will usually be cooler, which is normal). If your baby’s skin is hot or sweaty, remove one or more layers of bedclothes or bedding”.
Once you have removed a layer of clothing check your baby again after 10 minutes to see if they have cooled down.
Remember to refer to our baby sleep temperature chart to know roughly what baby would be wearing at given temperatures.
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Signs Of Overheating And Hypothermia In Babies
Overheating and hypothermia can both have serious consequences for your baby’s health. Although rare in our modern world, you MUST know the signs of hypothermia and overheating in your baby:
Overheating Signs
- Your baby’s skin feels hot to the touch
- Your baby is sweating, particularly on the forehead or neck
- Your baby is restless and fussy
- Your baby is breathing rapidly or has a rapid heartbeat
- Your baby’s face is flushed or red
- Your baby has a heat rash
- Your baby is vomiting or has diarrhea
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take action to cool your baby down. You can do this by removing any excess clothing or blankets and moving your baby to a cooler environment.
You can also give your baby a cool bath or use a cool damp cloth to lower the temperature of their skin.
Hypothermia Signs
- Your baby’s skin feels cold to the touch
- Your baby is lethargic or unresponsive
- Your baby is breathing slowly or irregularly
- Your baby’s lips or fingertips are blue
- Your baby is shivering
- Your baby is not feeding well
If you suspect that your baby is experiencing hypothermia, it is important to warm them up as quickly as possible.
Move your baby to a warmer environment and wrap them in warm blankets. You can also place baby against your body (skin to skin) with blankets on top, to use your body heat to warm your baby up.
REMEMBER: Prevention is key. By keeping a close eye on your baby and their sleep environment you should not have to be concerned by either hyperthermia or overheating.
3 Factors Affecting Baby Sleep Temperature
3 main factors affect your baby’s room temperature, all of which you need to take into consideration when adjusting what baby wears to sleep and how you set up their room. These factors include:
1. Seasonal Changes
The temperature of your baby’s sleeping environment will be affected by seasonal changes. During the summer months, you may need to adjust the temperature of the room to keep your baby cool and comfortable.
In the winter, you may need to add extra layers to keep your baby warm. Therefore, it is important to check the temperature of baby’s room regularly and adjust air flow and baby’s clothing as necessary.
TOP TIP: In countries that have variable weather all year round it is especially important to keep an eye on the temperature of your baby and their sleep space as this can sometimes change by several degrees from day to day.
2. Baby’s Age
The age of your baby can also affect their sleep temperature. Newborns and infants have a harder time regulating their body temperature and will need a slightly warmer sleeping environment.
As your baby grows, they may need a cooler sleeping environment.
You will also find that as your child grows, they will find a temperature preference to sleep in. Just like adults, some children prefer lots of airflow and a cold bedroom, while others will enjoy feeling cozy and warm.
3. Health Conditions
There are certain health conditions that can affect your baby’s sleep temperature.
- If your baby has a fever or is sick, they may need a cooler sleeping environment.
- On the other hand, if your baby is premature or has a medical condition that affects their body temperature, they may need a warmer sleeping environment.
It is important to consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s health and sleep temperature.
I always recommend using a portable, indoor thermometer to keep track of how warm or cool the room is rather than relying on your home’s general thermostat.
Offering peace of mind at a glance, the wonderful GRO-Egg changes colour with the temperature of a room. A yellow glow means a safer temperature for children to sleep in which also doubles up as a gentle nightlight for your baby!
Temperature Safety Measures For Safe Sleep
Of course, preparation is the best way to keep your baby at the correct temperature and there are some top safety measures DO’s and DON’Ts that you must be aware of to ensure your baby sleeps comfortably and safely.
| NEVER ❌ | DON’T 🛑 | DO ✅ |
| NEVER put your baby to bed with a hot water bottle or electric blanket. These devices can scold baby’s skin and cause severe injury. | DON’T check your baby’s temperature by touching their hands or feet. This is because they are often cooler than the rest of the body. | DO open windows and doors to circulate the air. |
| NEVER place a crib near windows or direct heat sources, such as radiators or heaters. | DON’T place extra bedding in the cot such as bumpers, cushions, or thick blankets. | DO close blinds and curtains during the day to keep baby’s bedroom cool. |
| NEVER dress baby in tight, restrictive clothing. Make sure the clothing is snug, but easy to move in. | DON’T dress baby in wool and fleecy materials as it’s easy for them to overheat in these materials. | DO choose appropriate swaddles and sleeping sacks in different thicknesses and tog ratings for the time of year. |
| NEVER use a loose hat or hood on a sleeping baby. Any clothing near the face should be form-fitting and designed for sleep to prevent suffocation. | DON’T dress baby in one thick layer of clothing. Instead use several light layers in cooler weather to make it easier for you to regulate their temperature. (It’s much easier to remove one long-sleeved top than it is to change an entire outfit!) | DO maintain the humidity levels in your baby’s room. They should be between 30-50% to prevent mold growth and allergic reactions. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate humidity levels. |
NOTE: Although there is still a lot we do not know about SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) it is thought that one of the main contributing factors is baby sleeping in a room that is too hot. So do your very best to avoid overheating practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Sleep Temperatures
Looking for more information about baby sleep temperatures? Here are the most commonly asked questions.
Q: What is the recommended temperature range for dressing a baby at night?
A: The ideal temperature range for a baby’s room is between 16-20 degrees Celsius (60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit). Remember to refer to our baby sleep temperature chart to know what baby should be wearing to sleep for this temperature range.
Q: How do I dress my baby for sleep without a sleep sack?
A: If you don’t have a sleep sack, dress your baby in light layers to keep them comfortable. Start with a onesie or a light sleeper, add a light blanket, and adjust as needed. Avoid using heavy blankets, as they can cause baby to overheat and pose a suffocation risk.
Q: What should my baby wear to bed at 22 degrees Celsius without a sleeping bag?
A: At 22 degrees Celsius, if you do not have a sleeping bag, dress your baby in a breathable onesie (with foot coverings) with a short-sleeved vest underneath. This will help them remain comfortable and cozy.
Q: How do I know if the temperature of the room is too hot for my baby to sleep?
A: The best way to check if the temperature of the room is too hot is to use room a thermometer. If the temperature reading is above 21°C (+ 70°C), it may be too hot for your baby to sleep comfortably. Look for signs of overheating, such as sweating, flushed cheeks, and rapid breathing. If you notice any of these signs, adjust the temperature or dress your baby in lighter layers as soon as possible.
Need More Parenting Help?
- Download our FREE Perfect Sleep Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use and proven formula designed for parents of 0-5 year olds to master the art of consistently undisturbed and restful sleep without the yelling, nagging or exhausting long-winded evenings.
- Check out our Parenting Toolbox. You’ll get access to expertly-chosen products that you can guarantee are the best for your little one and your wallet.
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Laura Williams "This is a life saver! I'm so glad I downloaded your bedtime & nap cheat sheet. My little one actually asked me to put him to bed last night! Unbelievable! Thank you so much!"
Click Here For The FREE Cheat Sheet
