What Temperature Should A Nursery Room Be For A Newborn?

Welcoming a newborn into your home is an exciting and joyous occasion, but it also comes with great responsibility. Ensuring your baby's comfort and safety is of utmost importance, and one crucial factor that contributes to this is the room temperature in which your newborn sleeps. A baby's delicate and developing body requires a stable and appropriate temperature to thrive. In this article, we will explore the optimal temperature for a newborn's nursery room, considering both seasonal variations and other essential factors. Additionally, we will discuss the ideal room temperature for newborns in Australia, the safety of baby nests, appropriate clothing, and the need or not of using a blanket.

Newborns are not yet fully capable of regulating their body temperature effectively. They rely heavily on external sources to stay warm or cool. A baby's body surface area is much larger in proportion to their body mass compared to adults, making them more susceptible to temperature changes. Moreover, a newborn's ability to shiver, a mechanism used by older children and adults to generate heat, is limited during the first few months of life.

1) Use a Reliable Thermometer: Invest in a high-quality room thermometer to accurately monitor your nursery's temperature. Digital thermometers are reliable and easy to read.
2) Dress Your Baby Appropriately: Dress your baby in light layers of clothing, preferably in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. Avoid overdressing your baby, as it may lead to overheating.
3) Utilize Swaddling: Swaddling can help regulate a newborn's body temperature and provide a sense of security but be mindful not to wrap them too tightly.
4) Maintain Adequate Ventilation: Ensure proper air circulation in the nursery room. Fresh air is essential for a healthy environment. If the room gets too warm, open a window for a few minutes to allow fresh air to circulate.
5) Use Fans Wisely: Ceiling or oscillating fans can help improve air circulation but avoid directing the fan airflow directly towards your baby.
6) Consider Sleep Sacks or Wearable Blankets: Sleep sacks or wearable blankets provide a safe alternative to loose blankets, reducing the risk of suffocation and overheating.
7) Keep the Nursery Dark: Avoid placing the crib or bassinet in direct sunlight or near heat sources like radiators or heaters.
8) Be Mindful of Seasonal Changes: During colder months, use a well-regulated room heater, but ensure it has safety features and is placed away from your baby's reach. In warmer months, use a fan or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature.

The Australian Paediatric Society (APS) recommends maintaining a nursery room temperature between 20°C to 22°C. This range provides a comfortable environment for most newborns. However, parents should also consider individual variations, as some babies may feel more comfortable at slightly higher or lower temperatures within a safe range. It is also important to be mindful of your baby’s environment such as seasonal changes, for example, during hot summer months, it may be necessary to use fans or air conditioning to keep the room at a comfortable temperature for your baby.

Baby nests, baby loungers, or sleep positioners have become increasingly popular as a comforting and snug sleeping space for newborns. These cozy nests are designed to provide a secure and cocoon-like environment for infants, simulating the feeling of being held in someone's arms. Many parents find them beneficial for calming fussy babies and encouraging better sleep patterns. However, it is crucial to emphasize that baby nests should only be used under constant supervision.

While baby nests can offer a comforting spot for your little one to rest, they should never be considered as substitutes for a firm and flat surface, such as a crib mattress. The safest sleep environment for babies is a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet.

Baby nests are best suited to be used as an additional tool to provide temporary support for your baby while you attend to other tasks nearby. For instance, if you need to step away for a moment to make a cup of tea or answer the door, you can place your supervised baby in the nest. However, even during these brief moments, it is essential to keep a close eye on your baby and never leave them unattended.

For more details check out our article "are baby nests safe for your little one".

In a room with a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, it is essential to dress your baby in light layers of clothing. A suitable outfit may include a onesie or bodysuit made of breathable fabric like cotton, topped with a lightweight sleeper or gown. Avoid overdressing your baby to prevent overheating.

In a room with a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, it is generally not necessary for your baby to have a blanket. Newborns have a higher metabolic rate than adults, and their body temperature is usually well-regulated within the recommended room temperature range of 20°C to 22°C. If you feel your baby needs additional warmth, consider using a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead of a loose blanket to reduce the risk of suffocation.

Providing a nursery room with the appropriate temperature is vital for the well-being and comfort of a newborn. Keeping the room within the recommended range of 20°C to 22°C and following the guidelines mentioned above will help create a safe and pleasant environment for your little one to thrive. Additionally, be cautious about using baby nests with your baby unsupervised, as they can pose safety hazards. Always prioritize your baby's safety and comfort, ensuring they are dressed appropriately for the room temperature and have a safe sleeping space free from any potential risks.