A lot of new parents are always afraid that the baby’s room is too cold. When your thermostat shows 72°F (22°C), you might be wondering whether you would feel cold or uncomfortable once your newborn arrives. The positive thing is that 72°F is, in fact, an optimal room temperature for a newborn baby. During nighttime feedings in a comfortably cool nursery, many parents find it helpful to keep milk ready with an infant milk warmer so feeding can be quick and convenient without disturbing the baby’s sleep.
Is 72 Too Cold for a Newborn Room
No, 72°F is not excessively cold for a newborn. Indeed, according to the advice of pediatric specialists, the room in which a baby is kept should range between 68°F and 72°F (20-22°C). This is the range that gives the babies a comfortable environment that makes them sleep well and mitigates overheating.
Infants are vulnerable to overheating that has been linked to sleep hazards. An appropriately-ventilated and cool room contributes to safer sleep. Due to this reason, a good number of pediatricians recommend that parents should make the nursery a bit colder than warmer.
Assuming that the room of your baby does not exceed 72°F, it is just at the top of the suggested range and should be quite comfortable for most newborns.
The room temperature is, however, not the only variable that influences the comfort of your baby. Dressing, wrapping, breath circulation in the room and room humidity also determine the level of warmth or coldness that your baby will experience.
Recommended Room Temperatures for Newborns
A majority of the sleep recommendations that are offered in pediatrics recommend consistency in the room of the baby in terms of temperature (an average room).
- Babies do not like extreme temperatures whether hot or cold, and may not sleep.
- The acceptable temperature of infants is 68°F-72°F (20-22°C).
Within this range:
- The temperature between 68-70°F is considered cool and comfortable enough to sleep.
- 70-72°F is a little warmer, yet still appropriate for the newborns.
- Cold temperatures below 68°F can be uncomfortable, and therefore a layer of clothing is necessary.
- More than 72°F can be considered hot, and therefore, a light piece of clothing is normally advised.
Pediatricians normally advise you to change the number of clothing layers of your baby to ensure they feel comfortable, rather than raising the thermostat.
How Temperature Affects a Newborn’s Comfort
The temperature regulation systems in newborns are underdeveloped, and therefore the body is not able to adjust to changes in temperature as adults. Their bodies dissipate warmth faster, and they are dependent on their caregivers to keep them in a comfortable environment.
There are a number of ways that temperature can affect the comfort of your baby:
Sleep quality
Infants sleep more easily when the room temperature is normal and comfortable. Babies can wake up more frequently if the room is either too warm or too cold.
Safety during sleep
The problem of overheating has been associated with the risk of infant death related to sleep. This risk is minimized by keeping the room fairly cool.
Energy and feeding
Babies who are under the cold might rely on additional energy to control their body temperature that in some cases influences feeding and rest.
Overall comfort
A comfortable temperature will enable babies to be relaxed and calm, and therefore fall asleep and stay asleep with no problems.
Due to these reasons, the range of temperatures that are generally regarded as safe and comfortable for newborns is about 72°F.
Signs Your Baby Is Too Cold
Although the recommended temperature may be indicated on the thermostat, it is necessary to monitor the physical signs of your baby. All babies are unique, and some may be colder than others based on the clothes and the environment.
Indications that your newborn is too cold are:
- Cool when you touch them, a cool chest or a back.
- Pale or blotchy skin
- Fussiness or irritability
- Fatigue or drowsiness.
- Problem with feeding or lack of appetite.
It should be kept in mind that a baby’s hands and feet are cold, and it does not necessarily mean that your baby is cold. This is due to the fact that their circulation is underdeveloped.
To give a test on whether your baby is okay, touch the back of the neck or chest. When these regions are hot and dry, your baby will probably be fine.
Tips to Keep a Newborn Warm Safely
You do not need to heat the place to keep your newborn warm. Indeed, overheating can be experienced due to excessively high room temperature. Rather, the changes in sleeping and clothing are often minor.
There are safe methods of ensuring your newborn is comfortable, and they include:
- Put on some light clothes for your baby. A cotton onesie with a footed sleeper normally suits a room with 72°F.
- Wear a sleeping blanket or sack. These keep the infants warm without the necessity of loose blankets in the crib.
- Choose breathable fabrics. The fabrics such as cotton, do not block air and control the body temperature.
- Avoid loose bedding. A newborn should not have blankets, pillows and stuffed toys in their crib because this is very unsafe.
- Check your baby regularly. Feel the neck or the chest to ensure that it is warm and not damp.
- Ensure that the room is well ventilated. A comfortable environment is observed due to good airflow.
These practices will allow you to keep your baby warm and at the same time keep its sleep environment safe.
When to Adjust Room Temperature for Newborns
Because 72°F is ideal, there is a case when you may have to make minor modifications.
You can change the room temperature downward in case your baby feels overheated, they exhibit symptoms that include:
- Sweating
- Steam hair
- Flushed cheeks
- Rapid breathing
Conversely, when the room temperature goes below 68°F, and the baby feels cold, an additional layer of clothing or a slight change in the thermostat can be of benefit. Clothing adjustment is more successful in the majority of situations, as opposed to altering the room temperature frequently. One helpful aid during night feedings is a reliable bottle warmer. When you are feeding your baby with pumped milk during nighttime wake-ups, using a device like the Momcozy 6-in-1 Fast Baby Bottle Warmer can quickly warm milk to the right temperature, making late-night feeding easier and more comfortable for both parents and baby.
Conclusion
Therefore, is 72°F too low to have a newborn? Not at all. Actually, it is exactly in the recommended infant sleeping temperature range.
According to the majority of pediatric professionals, the room temperature to maintain a baby is in the range of 68°F to 72°F, and 72°F is a comfortable and safe temperature for most newborns. You can ensure a healthy sleeping environment by making sure your baby is dressed in an appropriate manner, paying attention to signs of comfort and adhering to safe sleep.
A moderate, constant room temperature, combined with breathable clothing and protective sleeping, will also aid in making sure that your newborn baby will remain warm, comfortable, and safe throughout the night.
