What Is The Best Temperature For Your Baby’s Room?

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When creating the ideal conditions for your baby's room, nothing seems more important than the room temperature. Armed with thermometers, parents aim to balance the scales favourably despite factors we can't always control, namely the weather. So, what exactly is the best baby room temperature? Below, we'll explore the ideal temperature range for a baby's room, how to tell if your baby is becoming too hot or too cold during sleep, and what you can do to help your little one sleep safely and comfortably overnight.
reviewed by Genevieve Titov, Sleep Angel
5 min read |
31 August, 2024

What is the ideal room temperature for babies?

You might be surprised to learn there isn't one magic number. Both Red Nose and Raising Children Australia don't recommend an exact room temperature for babies, because what's "safe" depends on a few things working together: the room temperature, how your baby is dressed, and the bedding they're using.

So why does room temperature still matter?

While there's no single number to aim for, the overall goal is to make sure your baby doesn't overheat. Overheating has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and it can happen when a room is too warm, baby is wearing too many layers, or both.

Rather than chasing a perfect thermostat reading, Red Nose recommends focusing on how your baby feels and making sure their sleep setup is well balanced. A few simple things that help: keep the room well ventilated, dress baby in appropriate sleepwear for the conditions, and skip hats, beanies or head coverings for sleep (babies actually regulate temperature through their head and face).

How to check if your baby is too hot or too cold

Often the first port of call for parents when checking their baby's temperature is to feel their hands and feet. However, due to a baby's developing circulatory system, babies' hands can feel cold when they are at a perfectly comfortable temperature. Here's what to do to check your baby's temperature while they're sleeping:

Feel your baby's chest or the back of their neck:

Rather than feeling your baby's hands to test their comfort temperature, gently feel the back of their neck or chest to gauge how comfortable they are.

What can you do if your baby's room is too warm?

On warmer days, make sure your baby is dressed in lightweight, breathable clothing and a swaddle with a lower TOG rating. In very high temperatures, you can use a fan in the room to circulate the air.

Important: ensure the fan is a safe distance away from the crib or bassinet and not in direct line with your baby.

What can you do if your baby's room is too cold?

On cooler evenings, dressing your baby in breathable layers with a temperature-appropriate swaddle or sleep bag could be all you need to keep them comfortable through the night. If your baby still feels cold, try adding an extra layer underneath, but always check a dressing guide for recommendations based on your room temperature.

A room thermometer can be a handy tool to help you choose the right layers. Red Nose Australia advises keeping baby's sleep environment at a comfortable temperature and dressing them appropriately for the conditions, rather than focusing on one specific number. What really matters is how your baby is dressed for the room they're sleeping in. That's where TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) ratings come in. They take the guesswork out of choosing the right sleepwear for the temperature.

For more on creating a safe, comfortable sleep space, check out our nursery setup guide.

How to keep your baby a comfortable temperature during sleep

Choose lightweight layers, rather than heavy sleepwear

Lightweight, breathable layers like bodysuits and rompers underneath a sleeping bag or swaddle are ideal. They make it easy to add or remove a layer if the room temperature changes overnight. Thick, heavy garments can lack breathability and increase the risk of overheating. Red Nose Australia recommends light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting sleep bag to help keep your baby comfortable without overheating. If you're unsure what to dress your baby in, our TOG rating guide has dressing suggestions for different room temperatures.

Avoid over-dressing your baby at night

If you're on the fence between two options, go lighter. Overheating is a known risk factor for SIDS, while a baby who's a little cool will usually wake and let you know. Skip the hats, beanies, duvets, and quilts for sleep. To check whether your baby is a comfortable temperature, feel their chest or the back of their neck. Their hands and feet may feel cool, and that's completely normal

Keep your baby's cot free of blankets, loose sheets and pillows

The safest cot is a clear cot. Red Nose Australia recommends removing anything that isn't essential, including loose blankets, pillows, bumpers, and toys, as these could cover your baby's face and obstruct their breathing. A well-fitting swaddle or sleeping bag with fitted necks and armholes is a safer alternative to loose bedding.

For more on creating a safe, comfortable sleep space, check out our nursery setup guide.

Choosing the Right TOG for Your Baby

  • Swaddle Up™ 2.5 TOG Cotton Olive Bees Swaddle Up™ 2.5 TOG Cotton Olive Bees
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    2.5 TOG | 16-20˚C
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    Olive Bees •Quilted Cotton
    $54.95
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    Size: Size guide
    2.5 TOG | 16-20˚C
    Swaddle Up™
    Olive Bees •Quilted Cotton
    $54.95
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  • Swaddle Up™ 1.5 TOG Cotton Oatmeal Twigs Swaddle Up™ 1.5 TOG Cotton Oatmeal Twigs
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    Oatmeal Twigs •Cotton Fleece
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    Transitioning Bundle | 1.5 TOG | Blush Twigs 2 | Oatmeal Twigs Transitioning Bundle | 1.5 TOG | Blush Twigs 2 | Oatmeal Twigs
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    Transitioning Bundle | 1.5 TOG | Blush Twigs 2 | Oatmeal Twigs
    Transitioning Bundle | 1.5 TOG | Blush Twigs 2 | Oatmeal Twigs
    1.5 TOG | 18-22˚C
    Transitioning Bundle
    Blush & Oat •Cotton Fleece
    RRP $194.85
    $160.00
    View product details
    Size: Size guide
    1.5 TOG | 18-22˚C
    Transitioning Bundle
    Blush & Oat •Cotton Fleece
    RRP $194.85
    $160.00
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  • Swaddle Up™ 2.5 TOG Cotton Storm Blue Pebbles Swaddle Up™ 2.5 TOG Cotton Storm Blue Pebbles
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    Swaddle Up™ 2.5 TOG Cotton Storm Blue Pebbles
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    2.5 TOG | 16-20˚C
    Swaddle Up™
    Storm Blue Pebbles •Quilted Cotton
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  • Swaddle Up™ 2.5 TOG Cotton White Dreamer Swaddle Up™ 2.5 TOG Cotton White Dreamer
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    Size: Size guide
    2.5 TOG | 16-20˚C
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    White Dreamer •Quilted Cotton
    $54.95
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  • Save $29.85
    Swaddle Up Starter Bundle | 2.5 | 3.5 TOG | Olive Bees | Forest Star | Oatmeal Moon Swaddle Up Starter Bundle | 2.5 | 3.5 TOG | Olive Bees | Forest Star | Oatmeal Moon
    Swaddle Up Starter Bundle | 2.5 | 3.5 TOG | Olive Bees | Forest Star | Oatmeal Moon
    Swaddle Up Starter Bundle | 2.5 | 3.5 TOG | Olive Bees | Forest Star | Oatmeal Moon
    Swaddle Up Starter Bundle | 2.5 | 3.5 TOG | Olive Bees | Forest Star | Oatmeal Moon
    2.5 TOG | 16-20˚C 3.5 TOG | <16˚C
    Swaddle Up™ Starter Bundle
    Olive, Forest & Oat •Quilted Cotton
    RRP $184.85
    $155.00
    View product details
    Size: Size guide
    2.5 TOG | 16-20˚C 3.5 TOG | <16˚C
    Swaddle Up™ Starter Bundle
    Olive, Forest & Oat •Quilted Cotton
    RRP $184.85
    $155.00
    Save $29.85
    View Bundle
    View Bundle

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should a baby's room be?

There's no single magic number. The key is keeping the room at a comfortable temperature and dressing your baby appropriately for the conditions. Overheating is a known risk factor for SIDS, so it's better to err on the cooler side and layer up rather than overheat the room. A room thermometer can help you keep track, and TOG-rated sleepwear takes the guesswork out of choosing the right layers.

How do I know if my baby is too hot while sleeping?

Check the back of your baby's neck or chest rather than their hands and feet. Signs your baby is too hot include sweating, flushed cheeks, clammy skin, and rapid breathing. If they feel warm, remove a layer or lower the room temperature.

Is 22°C too hot for a baby's room?

Not necessarily, but it is on the warmer side. At that temperature, you'll want to make sure your baby is dressed lightly in breathable fabric and a low TOG swaddle or sleep bag. If the room gets warmer than that, consider using a fan to circulate air (placed at a safe distance from the cot). The most important thing is how your baby feels, not the number on the thermometer.

Should I use a fan in my baby's room?

Yes, a fan can help circulate air and keep the room comfortable on warmer nights. Just make sure it's placed at a safe distance from the crib, isn't blowing directly on your baby, and that any cords are well out of reach. A fan is a safer option than adding or removing blankets.

Key takeaways

Keep the room comfortable, not hot.
There's no single perfect number. Focus on dressing your baby for the conditions and avoiding overheating, which is a risk factor for SIDS.
Check the neck, not the hands.
Baby hands often feel cool even when they're perfectly comfortable. Feel the back of their neck or chest for a more accurate read.
Layer up, don't pile on.
Lightweight layers under a TOG-rated swaddle or sleep bag let you adjust easily if the temperature changes overnight.
Skip the blankets and hats.
No loose bedding in the crib, and no hats or head coverings during sleep. Babies regulate temperature through their head and face.
Use a room thermometer.
Your own comfort isn't always the best gauge. A simple room thermometer takes the guesswork out of it, especially on nights when the temperature shifts.

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