Room Temperature For Babies: The Safest, Comfiest Temperature (and how to get it right)

Getting your baby to sleep isn’t just about routines and timing—your sleep environment matters, and room temperature for babies is one of the biggest levers you can control.

Newborns and young infants lose heat faster and don’t regulate body temperature as efficiently as adults. That’s why a nursery that feels “fine” to you can still run too warm (overheating risk) or too cool (discomfort, frequent wake-ups) for them. 

This guide covers the practical “how” (measuring, adjusting, dressing) and the safety “why” (overheating and sleep-related risks), without the fluff.

Quick Answer: What’s the Ideal Room Temperature for Babies?

You’ll see two commonly cited temperatures depending on where you live:

• UK/EU guidance often points to 16–20°C (about 61–68°F) for infant sleep. 
• In the U.S., many sleep resources use ~68–72°F (20–22°C) as a typical comfort zone, but official guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes keeping baby comfortable and avoiding overheating, rather than prescribing one exact number. 

A Simple Rule That Works Anywhere

Aim for a room temperature that supports light sleep clothing (not heavy layers), and adjust based on your baby—not just the thermostat.

Why Room Temperature Matters So Much

1) Overheating is a safety issue

Overheating is associated with increased risk in sleep-related infant deaths, and safe-sleep guidance repeatedly flags “don’t let baby get too hot.” 

2) Temperature affects sleep quality

A baby who’s too warm may sweat, breathe faster, and wake more often. Too cool can also cause restlessness and difficulty settling. (Comfort drives sleep continuity—especially in the first months.)

3) Babies aren’t great at self-regulating

They can’t reliably kick off covers or shift layers the way adults do, which is why your setup matters more.

How to Measure Room Temperature Correctly (most people do this wrong)

Thermostats often reflect hallway air, not the microclimate near the crib.

Do this instead:

• Use a simple digital room thermometer placed at about mattress height, a few feet from the crib (not touching an exterior wall). For accuracy and convenience, electronic thermometers are standard for measuring air temperature. 
• Avoid placing the sensor in direct sunlight, under a vent, or next to a radiator—those spots lie.

Pro tip: Track trends, not single readings. If the room swings 3–4°C overnight, you’ll likely need a different plan (layering, airflow, or moving the crib away from drafts).

Baby Monitor Temperature Readings: Helpful, but Don’t Treat Them as Lab-Grade

Many baby monitors include temperature sensors, which are great for alerts—but accuracy depends on placement(near a warm wall, under a vent, or close to electronics can skew readings).

Best practice:

• Use the monitor’s temp as a warning system, and confirm the “real” nursery temp with a dedicated room thermometer placed thoughtfully. 

Also: consumer breathing/oxygen wearables and similar devices don’t replace safe sleep practices and haven’t been shown to reduce SIDS risk.

The Easiest Way to Keep Baby Comfortable: Dress for the Room (Not for the Season)

Safe-sleep guidance favors clothing layers or a wearable blanket over loose blankets in the crib. 

The “One Extra Layer” Rule

A practical rule of thumb from pediatric guidance: dress your baby in no more than one additional layer than you’d wear to be comfortable in the same room.

Skip hats indoors during sleep

Hats can trap heat and increase overheating risk. 

If you use sleep sacks (TOG): match TOG to the room

NHS guidance often references these temperature ranges for sleep bags:

• 2.5 TOG: roughly 16–20°C (61–68°F)
• 1.0 TOG: roughly 20–24°C (68–75°F)
• 0.5 TOG: roughly 24–27°C (75–81°F)

(Brands vary—always check the manufacturer chart too.)

How to Tell if Your Baby Is Too Hot or Too Cold

Don’t rely on hands/feet—they’re often cooler normally.

Check the right spot

Feel the chest or the back of the neck:

• Hot/sweaty = too warm → remove a layer
• Cool but comfortable (not cold) = usually fine 

Signs baby may be too warm

• Sweating or damp hair
• Flushed skin
• Hot chest
• Faster breathing
• Unusual fussiness 

Signs baby may be too cold

• Cool torso
• Shivering (uncommon in very young babies but possible)
• Difficulty settling, frequent waking

If you suspect hypothermia, it’s an emergency: hypothermia is generally defined as core temp below 35°C (95°F).

Keeping the Nursery in Range: What Actually Works

Setup changes that give immediate wins

• Move the crib away from windows, exterior walls, radiators, and space heaters.
• Seal drafts (door draft stopper, window insulation film in winter).
• Use blackout curtains to prevent daytime heat buildup in summer.
• Don’t aim heating/cooling vents directly at the crib.

Airflow: fans can help (with caveats)

Air circulation improves comfort, and one observational study found fan use during infant sleep was associated with lower SIDS risk—especially in warmer rooms—but this doesn’t prove causation. If you use a fan, don’t point it directly at baby.

Hot Weather Playbook (when the room won’t cool down)

If your baby’s room creeps above your target:

• Use lighter layers (short-sleeve bodysuit or diaper + appropriate sleep sack).
• Run a fan for circulation, not as a direct blast. 
• Open windows safely (only if it doesn’t create hazards and outdoor air is cooler/cleaner).
• Reduce heat sources: turn off unused lamps, keep doors closed during the day, block sun.

If your baby seems overheated and unwell, treat it seriously and contact a clinician.

Cold Weather Playbook (without over-bundling)

If the nursery is below your goal:

• Add warmth via a higher-TOG sleep sack or an extra clothing layer (still avoiding overheating).
• Keep the crib away from drafty windows.
• If you use a heater, prioritize central heating or a safe, well-maintained unit, positioned far from the crib, cords secured, and never with loose blankets in the sleep space.

And remember: many safe-sleep sources still prefer adding a layer to baby over overheating the whole room. 

Fever vs. A Warm Room: Don’t Confuse the Two

• A rectal temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) is generally considered a fever. 
• Any fever in a baby under 3 months should be treated urgently—call your clinician immediately. 

Also: when babies are sick or feverish, caregivers sometimes add layers—safe sleep guidance warns that over-bundling can worsen overheating.

Safe Sleep Checklist (Temperature Edition)

Use this as your nightly reset:

• Baby sleeps on their back on a firm, flat surface
• Sleep space is clear (no loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys) 
• Room is comfortable, baby is in one extra layer at most
• No hat indoors during sleep 
• Consider room-sharing (same room, separate sleep space) for at least 6 months; some guidance suggests up to 1 year 
• Temperature is measured near crib height with a reliable thermometer

FAQ: Room Temperature for Babies