How should we dress a baby for sleep when the room is 18 to 19 degrees

Although professional guidance, which can still vary, often suggests 20 to 22 degrees Celsius as the ideal bedroom temperature for babies and toddlers, 18 to 19 degrees can also be appropriate. Sleep in pleasantly cool air is recommended for children because it helps avoid overheating.

This naturally means choosing clothing that is breathable, absorbent and warm enough. If we do not pay attention to fabric quality, for example if we choose highly synthetic items, a child dressed in thicker layers may sweat, develop rashes, and their sleep will not be restful.

Putting babies down to sleep in cooler air is completely normal in Scandinavian countries. What is more, daytime naps are often taken outside in the pram in very low temperatures, with children well dressed. In our region there is more fear of colds and chill, so we generally do not take little ones out for walks below freezing.

We believe attitudes depend greatly on the climate people are used to and the temperatures they have adapted to. It is helpful for us to take this as a starting point too.

Is 18 to 19 degrees too low for a baby to sleep 

As the saying goes, we start from ourselves. If we are the feeling the cold type, we often dress our child according to our own sense of temperature and start to worry sooner when the air cools. In this case we rarely turn the heating down for sleep.
If, however, we tolerate, even prefer, cooler air, we are more likely to support 18 degrees for sleep, for ourselves and our child as well.

How should we decide what temperature to use for baby’s sleep 

Since today you can find recommendations ranging from 18 to 22 degrees, it can be hard to decide. Sleeping in cooler air can sound appealing because we hear that babies sleep more peacefully this way, adults too. But will baby be cold If you weigh up a few questions the decision becomes easier.

How prone is our child to feeling cold, or to getting sweaty 

If we have noticed that our child warms up quickly and sweats, we have probably already dressed more lightly or kept the room cooler. In this case we can be bolder and let them sleep in a cooler room.

What temperature do we use for sleep the rest of the year 

If in summer we can regulate the room temperature so we avoid extreme heat, and our little one can sleep in pleasantly cool air, then in winter it will be easier to adjust to 18 degrees. If, however, they slept in warmth for much of the summer, the difference may feel large. In that case we usually choose the more common 20 to 21 degrees.

Our individual habits matter too 

Sometimes 18 to 19 degrees does not even come up because our home is set to a steady 20 to 22 degrees day and night. If, however, you feel too warm under the duvet at night, feel free to turn it down by 1 to 2 degrees. Your sleep, and your child’s sleep, may be more restful.

What do we find more convincing, what can we rely on 

We read around. The first step is naturally to see what others recommend and have experienced. In this case we suggest professional sources, as they provide reliable information.

What do the health visitor and the paediatrician recommend 

If you cannot decide, it is worth asking health professionals too. They have scientific knowledge and understand the physiological effects of cooler temperatures on babies. They have also heard countless experiences from other mums.

How do we check whether baby is cold 

Whether you feel confident using 18 to 19 degrees, or you are still in two minds, in both cases check your child from time to time to make sure they are not chilly.

Hands and feet alone do not show how a baby feels. Slip your hand under the neckline and touch the back of the neck or upper back. If it feels comfortably warm, things are fine; if the skin feels cool, baby is cold.

Pay attention to humidity too 

Always link temperature with air humidity in your mind. For children, 60 to 70 percent is ideal. This helps avoid dry mucous membranes, irritation, cough and scratchy throat. When the mucous membrane is dry, it cannot protect properly against pathogens.

If you measure low humidity you can fix it easily and immediately. Always measure in the room where baby sleeps, because values can vary greatly at home.

Add moisture to the air.

Most people manage this by air drying washed clothes. Do note, if you want to release moisture into the room air from laundry, avoid using fragranced detergents and softeners, as chemicals from these products would be released into the air and inhaled by the whole family.

You can also use a humidifier, or simply place bowls of water around the home.

Newborns need it warmer

here is a reason the newborn units are so warm. Babies a few weeks old cannot yet regulate their body temperature, so it is important that the temperature is around 23 degrees to prevent chilling.

LiaaBébé babywear suggestions for sleeping at 18 to 19 degrees 

At 18 to 19 degrees, dress baby in slightly more layers. This is when it matters most what fabric you choose. Bamboo viscose stands out because it has temperature regulating qualities. It cools in summer and warms in winter, while breathing well and being highly absorbent. This last point helps when body temperature rises slightly towards dawn, which is a natural human response.

• Start with a short sleeve or long sleeve bodysuit. If you choose bamboo viscose, baby’s skin will breathe well, avoiding overheating and sweating. In this soft, comfy layer your little one will feel good while sleeping.
• On top of the bodysuit, add a comfortable sleepsuit. If you want the outfit to be stretchy so your child can turn freely at night, choose bamboo viscose with 5 percent elastane.
• A 2.5 TOG sleeping bag will keep them warm even in winter. If your little one is more wriggly, feel free to choose a toddler sleeping bag.
• If your child can already use a blanket independently, you can dress them in pyjamas. At 18 to 19 degrees, a long sleeve top can go under the pyjama top, and you can then fine tune temperature with a thicker blanket.
• You can also use socks and a thin cotton hat if you feel it is necessary.

Would you like to read more on this topic Here are our earlier articles:

What should a baby sleep in
Baby sleep in rooms at 20 degrees and at 23 degrees

Source:

The Lullaby Trust: Room temperature and safer sleep