What is the ideal room temperature for babies?
The Lullaby Trust recommends keeping your baby's room between 16-20°C, with 18°C being the sweet spot. Using a room thermometer near your baby's sleep space is the easiest way to keep an eye on it.
But temperature is only part of the picture. What your baby is wearing and the bedding they're using matters just as much, because safe sleep is about the whole setup working together.
Why does this matter so much?
Overheating has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It can happen when a room is too warm, baby is wearing too many layers, or both. Research has actually shown that babies are safer when they're a little bit cooler rather than too hot.
To help keep things balanced: dress baby in layers you can easily adjust, keep the room well ventilated, and skip hats or beanies indoors. Babies regulate their temperature through their head and face, so keeping those uncovered is really important. If you're unsure whether your baby is too hot or too cold, check the back of their neck or their tummy rather than their hands or feet (which often feel cool even when baby is perfectly comfortable).
