It is important to ensure that your baby has a comfortable and safe sleeping environment. As a new parent, you may be uncertain or anxious about the safety of your new baby when he/she is asleep. In this article, we provide some simple tips to help you make sure that your baby is not too hot or cold when sleeping. There is some evidence to show that very high room temperatures may increase the risk of SIDS. Red nose are considered the leading authority on safe sleep in Australia. They are an independent not-for-profit organisation with a goal to reduce the number of babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers who die suddenly to 0. You can read more about them HERE. Red nose do not recommend a specific room temperature. Instead, they provide general guidance as to providing the right sleep environment for your baby. Read their article on room temperature. Other expert bodies provide guidance that the ideal temperature is between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. Here are some guidelines to help you provide a comfortable and safe sleeping environment. Sleep baby on the back with the head and face uncovered Babies control their temperature primarily through through the face and head. Therefore, keeping your baby’s face and head uncovered with no hindrance to breathing allows them to regulate their temperature best. Check that there is no bedding or toys in the cot that could potentially cover your baby’s head or face. Always sleep your baby at the foot of the cot to lower the chance of your baby sliding down and covering their head or face. Dress baby appropriately for the temperature Dress your baby as you would dress yourself. Comfortably warm, not hot or cold. Share a room with your baby It is recommended that you share a room with your baby, at least for the first 6 – 12 months. This allows you to monitor your baby more closely and make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature. The best way to do this is to have a bassinet / co-sleeper in your room. Read more in our blog: Should my newborn sleep in a bassinet or a cot? Monitor the room temperature and adjust You may want to monitor the room temperature with a thermometer. Although this is not strictly necessary, it does provide peace of mind and allows you to dress your baby appropriately for the temperature. Many baby monitors have room thermometers incorporated. If the room is too cold, consider warmer clothes or warmer bedding. If the room is too hot, consider turning on a fan for more air circulation. Check your baby’s temperature You can do this by checking your baby’s back or tummy. Their back and tummy should feel warm, not too hot or too cold. Ensure your cot / bassinet mattress is ventilated A ventilated mattress increases breathability, hygiene and temperature regulation. If your baby is sleeping on a ventilated mattress, the temperature on and around their cot will be more moderate and it greatly reduces the risk of overheating. We have a range of nursery accessories designed to provide the safest possible sleep environment for children. Babyrest was established in 1976 in Australia, and is still owned and operated by the same family. Today Babyrest offers a wide range of nursery products, all bearing the signature elements of safety, quality & authenticity. Shop our range.
