Babies can't tell us if they are too hot or too cold, it's our responsibility as parents to ensure their environment and clothing are appropriate. 

 

Let's dive in and look at some of the things to consider:

• "Ideal" baby room temperature?? Red Nose says there is no such thing
  
• How to tell if baby is too hot or too cold
• Safe sleep - how to layer
• How TOG rated sleepwear can help

Room Temperature

It's a common misconception that there is an "ideal room temperature" for babies, but Red Nose Australia doesn't recommend a specific room temperature as long as baby is dressed appropriately.

Here is the direct quote from Red Nose Australia:

"It is not necessary to monitor the room temperature or to leave the heating or cooling on all night, as long as the baby is dressed appropriately for the room temperature".

With that myth busted, let's understand how to check if baby is dressed appropriately In other words - how to tell if baby is too hot or too cold.

How to tell if baby is too hot or too cold

Red Nose Australia recommend "A good way to check baby’s temperature is to feel the baby’s back or tummy, which should feel warm (don’t worry if baby’s hands and feet feel cool, this is normal)."

Here are some more instructional video tips that might help you understand if baby is too hot or too cold:

 

@theconsciousparentingco
Checking if baby is too hot

 

@theconsciousparentingco
Checking if baby is too cold

Safe Sleep - How to layer

The recommended safe sleep practice is to layer baby's clothing, adjusting the layers to suit the room temperature. Be mindful that not all layers are created equal, and not all fibres insulate the same so it can be challenging to do this by fabric "feel". It's for this reason most sleep specialists recommend using TOG rated sleepwear - more on this later.

If using lightweight blankets they should be firmly tucked in, with baby at the foot of the cot so the layer/blanket can only rise as far as baby's chest.

TOG Rated Sleepwear Can Help

TOG is a way to measure the warmth of clothing, mainly used in Baby Sleepwear. You can read more about what is a TOG here, but basically the higher the TOG number the warmer the piece of clothing, and the lower the number the cooler.

Here is some more info on how to read a TOG chart, which can help to understand what TOG relates to what room temperature.

Note: Sleepwear recommendations are a guide only. Remember to always consider other factors such as illness, heating and cooling, extreme temperatures and whether your baby tends to run hot or cold in general.

 

 

Brought to you in collaboration with Lauren from @theconsciousparentingco Baby Sleep Consultants.