How to keep a baby warm in winter?
The ideal temperature for a baby’s room can differ based on room size and personal preferences. In winter, when using a heater, the goal is to warm the room just enough to eliminate the chill without making it too hot, with a suggested range of 18.5-19°C. During summer, maintaining a consistent temperature can be more challenging.
What should I dress my baby in overnight?
When selecting your baby’s sleepwear, aim to keep them comfortable — not too hot or too cold. Once the room is warm enough, a long-sleeve onesie paired with a 2.5-3.5 TOG sleeping bag with sleeves is a great choice for keeping them cozy.
Keeping a swaddled baby warm
Just like with little ones who sleep with their arms out, you want to make sure they don’t get too warm. Start by putting a singlet under their long-sleeve onesie, then wrap them in a swaddle. I often recommend Ergo Pouch Cocoon swaddles because they come in various TOG ratings. Once your baby is swaddled, you can add a warmer blanket on top and securely tuck the ends under the mattress.
Ducted or panel heaters?
SIDS guidelines advise against leaving a heater on in your baby’s room overnight. Instead, dress your baby appropriately for the temperature. If you do use a heater, it’s recommended to choose one with a thermostat, like an oil or electric heater. Make sure the heater is positioned away from curtains and your baby’s cot for safety.
Red Nose information
To date, there is no evidence suggesting that maintaining a specific room temperature prevents Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI). However, thermal factors can play a role in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) as long as:
The baby is placed to sleep on the back
The baby is dressed appropriately for the room temperature (not over or underdressed)
The baby’s head and face remain uncovered
Studies indicate that the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) increases if a baby’s face becomes covered by bedding such as sheets, blankets, quilts, or duvets.
Bedsharing
Sharing a sleeping surface can raise the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) and fatal sleep accidents. Over half of SUDI cases happen when a baby shares a sleep surface, often due to issues like head coverings. Red Nose does not recommend co-sleeping, but if you choose to do so, please refer to their guidelines for more information.
https://rednose.org.au/article/Co-sleeping_with_your_baby
B’s winter tips
To check your baby’s temperature, place one hand on their core. This is the most accurate way to tell if your baby is hot or cold.
Babies’ hands and feet are usually always a bit cooler. The reason for this is due to their vital organs getting priority when it comes to blood and warmth.
A cold baby will tend to wake up more frequently.
A baby who is too hot may be lethargic and not want to feed as much. Ensure their room is not hot.
Babies control their temperature through their heads. It is for this reason they should not wear beanies to bed as it will cause overheating.
An overheating baby may be sweaty, damp or flushed in the face. If this happens, remove a layer of clothing to cool them down.
Never use electric blankets, wheat bags or hot water bottles for babies.
Use a tight-fitting cotton or jersey sheet for the mattress and refrain from using woollen underlays in your baby’s cot as per Red Nose guidelines.
References
Wailoo, M. P., Petersen, S. A., Whittaker, H., & Goodenough, P. (1989). The thermal environment in which 3-4 month old infants sleep at home. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 64(4): 600-4.
https://rednose.org.au/question/hi-there-are-heaters-safe-to-be-placed-in-a-babys-room-i-was-thinking-of-getting-an-oil-heater
https://rednose.org.au/article/room-temperature
13. Fleming, P.J., Gilbert, R., Azaz, Y., Berry, P.J., Rudd, P.T., Stewart, A. & Hall, E. (1990). Interaction between bedding and sleeping position in the sudden infant death syndrome: a population based case-control study. British Medical Journal, 301(6743): 858-859.