Is your baby warm enough?
Is your baby warm enough?
This is one of the most common concerns for parents, especially overnight.
“Is my baby too cold? Or too hot?” A few simple checks can help you feel more confident.
Ideal room temperature
A baby’s room is most comfortable between 18–20°C. This helps them sleep safely and comfortably. Rooms warmer than 20°C can make a baby overheat, while cooler rooms may mean they need an extra layer of clothing to stay cosy.
Understanding TOG ratings
TOG is a measure of how warm a sleeping bag is. The right TOG depends on your room temperature:
0.2–0.5 TOG: for really warm rooms above 24–25°C
1.0 TOG: for rooms around 20–24°C
2.5 TOG: for rooms around 18–20°C — the most common overnight range
3.5 TOG: for cooler rooms around 14–16°C
The layers your baby wears underneath are just as important as the TOG, and adjusting them can make all the difference.
Layering before changing TOG
If your baby is waking more than usual, especially early in the morning, are you going through a change of season? It could be a sign they’re feeling cold. You may want to add an extra layer, like a long-sleeve bodysuit or warmer sleepwear, before moving to a higher TOG sleeping bag. Layering is flexible and easy to adjust as the room temperature changes overnight.
Heating the room
It’s safe to heat your baby’s room. Try to keep the temperature steady rather than letting it drop too much after bedtime. A consistent 18–20°C will keep most babies comfortable.
Early morning wake-ups
Rooms are usually coolest in the early hours. If your baby wakes around 3–5am, it might be because they’re feeling cold. You may want to consider whether an extra layer could help them stay cosy and help the to sleep through.
Seasonal changes
As the weather shifts, overnight temperatures can drop suddenly. If your baby’s sleep changes at these times, adding an extra layer can often solve the problem before you look for other causes.
Checking your baby’s temperature
Feel their chest or back to check warmth. Hands and feet are usually cooler and aren’t reliable indicators.
-Julia @ourfirstyearsco