Wondering why your baby keeps waking up at night?
This could be the answer you've been searching for.
If you've tried everything else and still can't figure out why your baby isn't sleeping for longer stretches at night (my 11 month old has me asking myself this question at the moment) then it could be due to the temperature of the room.
Read on to see how this information could be the key to getting a better nights sleep with your baby.
If you want more information about the best baby thermometers or baby bath thermometers, you can check out my blog posts on those by clicking the links.
Dreaming of a good nights sleep
If your baby doesn’t sleep well and you’ve tried all the things you can think of, they’ve had their milk, you’ve changed their nappy, dummy is firmly placed in the mouth…yet still they’re crying to let you know something isn’t right, it could be due to the temperature of the room.
You’ll need a lot of thermometers throughout your baby’s life and a room thermometer is one that you may think is an additional expense you can go without.
Many parents get by without one, but if your bay is having trouble sleeping and you cant figure out why, it’s a good idea to get a gauge on the temperature of their room.
I have read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings and spoken to tons of Mums to find the best baby room thermometers and presented them below along with everything you need to know to help make your baby as comfortable as possible, so that you can be as rested as possible.
What is the best baby room temperature?
A room temperature of 16-20°C – with light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleep bag– is comfortable and safe for sleeping babies.
How do I know if baby is too cold while sleeping?
Babies' comfort levels will vary depending on things like their age, weight, and clothing. However, a good rule of thumb is to keep baby warm enough so that you can see your breath in the air when you exhale on them.
That said, it's important not to overheat baby while they're sleeping. Too much heat can be dangerous, and can lead to conditions like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). So always check baby's room temperature before putting your baby down to sleep, and use heating or a fan if necessary to create a comfortable environment.
Can cold babies cause SIDS?
There is no clear evidence that links cold babies to SIDS, but it's a possibility that should be investigated. One theory is that when a baby's environment is too cold, their body has to work harder to keep them warm, which can lead to a lack of oxygen and ultimately SIDS. It's also possible that exposure to cold weather increases the risk of respiratory infections, which can be fatal in infants.
So while there's no definitive proof that cold weather causes SIDS, it's certainly something worth keeping in mind. If you have a baby who tends to get cold easily, make sure you keep them warm and use a room thermometer to ensure they are warm enough through the night.
What is the most accurate thermometer for room temperature?
Here are my top 3 picks:
Tommee Tippee Groegg Digital Room Thermometer
Why Parents Love It
This little egg from the Gro Company was a lifesaver for me with my baby. I had no idea what the perfect room temperature for a baby should be so the colour coded nightlight made it simple to know if the room was too hot or too cold.
Other parents love the large digital temperature display and its ease of use, however some commented that the light was a little too bright for their babies (my baby didn’t mind the strength of the light but my husband used to throw his t shirt over it so he could sleep better when my baby was in our room!).
What You Need to Know
Tommee Tippee Groegg Digital Room Thermometer changes colour to indicate the temperature of the room so you can adapt your child’s clothing or room environment accordingly.
This thermometer is often closely compared with the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bath and room thermometer.
USB powered. No need for batteries
Nuby Penguin Bath & Room Thermometer
Why Parents Love It
Parents fell in love with the cute design of this Nuby Penguin Bath & Room Thermometer as well as the fact it is compact and lightweight so could also be taken on holiday as a multi-purpose room and bath thermometer.
Some babies seemed to think this was a great bath toy and would play with it in the bath water or their room, if it keep baby happy (and quiet!) parents are happy!
What You Need to Know
The thermometer is 100% BPA free, and is suitable for babies from 0 months old and over.
The thermometer floats in the water, and can be used in any room using its stand-alone function.
Has an alert for when the bathwater is too hot.
Lanhiem Indoor Digital Thermometer Hygrometer
Best baby room thermometer with humidity measure
Lanhiem Indoor Digital Thermometer Hygrometer
Why Parents Love It
This room thermometer rated highly due to it having a built in humidity measure. Parents were very pleased with the large display, which is easy to read for both the temperature and the humidity level.
The Lanhiem Indoor Digital Thermometer Hygrometer can be wall mounted and parents found it to be accurate overall.
What You Need to Know
The Lanhiem Indoor Digital Thermometer Hygrometer displays temperature humidity and time simultaneously. It has low power consumption and is powered by one AAA battery (included).
It can be wall mounted or stood on desktop, with alarm clock function
Measures temperature range -50℃~+70℃, accuracy ±1℃/1.8°F; measures humidity range 10%~99%RH, accuracy ± 5%RH.
FAQs
How can I check if my baby is too hot?
There are a few ways to tell if your baby is too hot. One is to feel their forehead - if it feels hot, then they're likely too warm.
Another way to tell is to look at their chest - if you see sweat or wetness, then they're too hot.
Finally, you can also check the back of their neck - if it's sweaty or cool to the touch, they're either not hot enough or they're getting too cold.
Do you need a room thermometer for newborn baby?
No, you don't need a room thermometer for baby, but it can be helpful to have one. A room thermometer can help you make sure your baby's room is at the right temperature, which is important for keeping them comfortable and helping them sleep.
Babies can get too hot or too cold, so it's important to make sure the temperature in their room is just right.
Where should you put a thermometer in a room?
It's generally recommended to place a thermometer in a baby's room in a location where the temperature is most consistent, such as on a window sill or near the door.
Is a digital room thermometer more accurate?
Room thermometers that use a digital display tend to be more accurate than those that rely on mercury, because you can see the temperature reading more clearly and don't have to wait for the thermometer to settle.
However, even digital room thermometers can be off by a few degrees, so it's always best to double-check the reading against another source if you're looking for an extremely precise measurement.
What temp should a babies room be in winter?
Ideally, a baby's room should be around 20 degrees in the winter. Most people keep their homes too warm for babies, which can lead to problems like cradle cap, overheating, and respiratory problems.
By keeping the baby's room at a comfortable temperature, you can help ensure that your little one stays healthy and sleeps well all winter long.
What can I do if my baby's room is too hot?
If your baby's room is too hot, follow the "summer rules" of lighter bedding and clothing, and open the bedroom window to promote airflow. You can also install a ceiling or portable fan to keep the room cool. You can check their temperature using a baby thermometer.
If you're uncomfortable with leaving your baby alone in a hot room, consider taking him or her outside for a cool walk or spending time in an air-conditioned area such as a movie theater or shopping mall.
Don't forget to hydrate! Make sure your baby drinks plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay cool and hydrated during hot weather.
At what age is SIDS no longer a concern?
There is no age at which SIDS is no longer a concern. However, it is much less common in children who are older than 6 months.
SIDS stands for sudden infant death syndrome, and it refers to the unexplained death of a child under one year old. There are many factors that can increase the risk of SIDS, including sleeping on the stomach or side, exposure to cigarette smoke, and using soft bedding. The best way to reduce your child's risk of SIDS is to follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep: keep your baby Alone, on his Back, in a Crib.
When should I stop covering my baby's hands at night?
Some babies will stop requiring coverage as they get older, while others may still need their hands covered at night until they are a bit older. Ultimately, you'll just have to use your best judgement and pay close attention to your baby's cues.
If your baby is coughing or has difficulty breathing when their hands are uncovered, then it's probably best to keep them covered up at night. However, if they seem to be fine with their hands uncovered and are not making any noise while sleeping, then you can probably safely leave them without covers. Just make sure to check on them often and put covers back on if they start coughing or having
At what age can babies regulate their own temperature?
Babies can regulate their own temperature at around 6-8 weeks old. However, it is important to note that babies are not able to regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so it is important to keep them warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather by taking temperature readings to check the room's temperature.
So, you’ve picked out your favourite baby room thermometer, what’s next?
Ensure you read the instructions for use thoroughly to ensure the thermometer is working accurately.
I hope you’ve found the information above useful, as a first-time parent I often wish I had access to information like this so I want to help other parents through the minefield that is parenthood!
All of the thermometers above are available on Amazon so click ‘Check price on Amazon’ to see which thermometer works best for you and your baby.
Thanks for reading!
