Home Temperature for a New Baby

The right temperature to keep their home at to keep their baby safe and comfortable

But after the questions about the correct way to take their temperature and recognizing if they have a fever, a very common question is about the right temperature to keep their home at to keep their baby safe and comfortable.

Since getting overheated is a risk factor for SIDS and a baby that gets too cold will likely get fussy, have trouble sleeping, and may have other medical problems, the temperature of your home is important to think about when you bring your new baby home.

In general, most experts recommend that you:

·    keep your home at a 'comfortable' temperature of between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit
·    don't over-bundle your baby, but instead consider dressing them with one extra layer than you are wearing yourself and then make sure that your baby doesn't seem overheated

The 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit temperature is likely more for the wintertime when you have the heat on, as that would typically be a little cold in the summer when you have the air-conditioner on. A temperature of 75 to 78 would be more sensible in the summer and more environmentally friendly.

Keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that 'the infant should be lightly clothed for sleep, and the bedroom temperature should be kept comfortable for a lightly clothed adult. Over-bundling should be avoided, and the infant should not feel hot to the touch.'1

By Vincent Iannelli, M.D., About.com GuideNew parents often have a lot of questions about new babies and their temperature.