A gentle guide to sleep environment support: Room Temperature for Baby Sleep: The Safe Range and How to Dress Your Baby

The ideal room temperature for baby sleep is 18–20°C (65–68°F). Learn how to dress your baby for the temperature, signs of overheating, and TOG ratings explained.

What Is the Ideal Room Temperature for Baby Sleep? The recommended room temperature for baby sleep is 18–20°C (65–68°F) . This range is recommended by the Lullaby Trust and supported by research linking overheating to increased SIDS risk. A room that feels slightly cool to an adult is appropriate for a sleeping baby. Overheating is a known risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults and can overheat quickly, especially if overdressed or in a room that's too warm. How to Know If Your Baby Is Too Hot or Too Cold The most reliable way to check your baby's temperature is to feel the back of their neck or their chest - not their hands or feet, which are normally cooler. Signs your baby is too hot: sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, rapid breathing, a hot chest or neck. Signs your baby is too cold: cool chest or neck (not just hands and feet), pale colour, or unusual fussiness. How to Dress Your Baby for Sleep by Temperature Room Temp What to Wear TOG Rating Below 16°C (61°F) Vest + sleepsuit + 3.5 TOG sleep sack 3.5 TOG 16–18°C (61–65°F) Vest + sleepsuit + 2.5 TOG sleep sack 2.5 TOG 18–20°C (65–68°F) Vest + sleepsuit + 1.0 TOG sleep sack 1.0 TOG 20–22°C (68–72°F) Short-sleeve vest + 1.0 TOG sleep sack 1.0 TOG 22–24°C (72–75°F) Short-sleeve vest + 0.5 TOG sleep sack 0.5 TOG Above 24°C (75°F) Nappy only or short-sleeve vest, no sleep sack None What Is a TOG Rating? TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) is a measure of thermal resistance - essentially, how warm a fabric is. A higher TOG means warmer. Sleep sacks (wearable blankets) are rated by TOG so parents can choose the right warmth for the room temperature. A 2.5 TOG sleep sack is suitable for a typical UK winter; a 0.5 TOG is for warm summer nights. [age-appropriate schedule](/sleep-schedule) [download free sleep printables](/free-printables) [sleep quiz](/quiz) Why Loose Blankets Are Not Recommended Loose blankets in a crib are a suffocation risk for babies under 12 months. Sleep sacks (wearable blankets) are the safe alternative - they keep your baby warm without the risk of covering their face. The AAP and Lullaby Trust both recommend sleep sacks over loose blankets for babies under 12 months. Monitoring Room Temperature A room thermometer is a worthwhile investment - it removes the guesswork. Place it at crib level (not near a window or radiator) for an accurate reading. Many baby monitors include a built-in temperature display. Room temperature fluctuates through the night, especially in older houses. If your baby's room gets significantly warmer or cooler between midnight and 6 AM, you may need to adjust their clothing or use a thermostat-controlled heater. Summer Sleep: Keeping Baby Cool In hot weather, keeping the room cool is more challenging than keeping it warm. Strategies: close curtains and blinds during the day to block heat, use a fan to circulate air (not pointed directly at the baby), dress your baby in a singl