New parents get a lot of child-rearing advice from family and friends.
But when someone tells you to turn up the heat because your house is much too cold for an infant, should you listen?
Contrary to this advice, keeping babies warm doesn’t require a high heating bill.
“If the room temperature is comfortable for an adult it’s comfortable for a baby,” said Dr. Julia Kyle, a Marshfield Clinic pediatrician.
Healthy, full-term babies can regulate their body temperatures and are comfortable indoors between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit when dressed in light layers, she said. Talk to your pediatrician about specific recommendations for babies who are pre-term.
Follow these tips to keep your little one warm when temperatures dip.
Avoid using blankets
“Loose blankets in the crib increase the risk of suffocation,” Kyle said.
Dress infants in pajamas with feet or sleep sacks that won’t get tangled or cover their heads.
Don’t use a space heater to warm your little one’s room. Space heaters are fire hazards and can cause serious burns.
Choose layered clothing
Keep your baby comfortable as the temperature changes by using light layers of clothing.
Remove layers if your baby is too hot. An overheated infant may be flushed, warm to the touch, damp from sweat or breathing rapidly. Overheating puts babies at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Add layers and a light hat if your baby’s skin feels cool to the touch or her nose, fingertips or ears are pale or blue.
Dress your baby in one more layer than you’re wearing when you venture outdoors in cold weather. Don’t forget a hat, mittens and warm boots.
About The Team
Kids Health Team
Our team wants to help your family grow healthy and stay well. We’ll provide you with useful health, wellness and preventive advice to care for children from newborn to young adult.
Hi. I am Eugen Enache
In 1 week time we gonna have a baby, but I'm so worried about the place where I leave. Because is so cold and the wall is wet and even when we heating is still cold, because the radiator can't heat more than 14-15°.
I been looking to rent new place but I didn't find something , and I'm still looking.
Of course I apply for council housing but nothing, not even chance. Please if you have any advice let me know
Hi Eugene, You can dress infants in pajamas with feet and a sleep sack. This way the material won’t get tangled or cover their heads. You could also strategically place the crib in the room. You should place it away from windows (which tend to be colder) and closer to your radiators (far enough away so that your child cannot touch the radiator and burn themselves). Then, there are some things you can do in your home to keep it warmer by stopping cold air from coming inside. This includes stopping cold air drafts that are coming under the door, sealing/weatherizing your windows with clear plastic film, sealing air leaks around electrical outlets, filling gaps or cracks in the walls to prevent heat loss and installing curtains (open curtains when their is sunlight and close when it is dark). It will also help if furniture is not by your radiators. I hope this information helps. -Thanks, Jordan