A baby is one of the most delicate human beings on earth; therefore, they require critical attention when attending to them. They are our bundle of joy, and we should pay the most attention to the environment they are in. A safe environment helps the baby’s health and determines the mood of the baby.
The nursery room for your baby should always have a high level of cleanness. Another essential aspect to consider in the nursery room is the room temperature. It is vital to ensure that the baby is at a conducive room temperature as too high temperatures can cause heat rashes, distress of the baby, among others. A nursery with low temperatures can also be dangerous to the baby, leading to cold and developing pneumonia.
How to Determine the Ideal Room Temperature for a Baby?
Due to the small size and the growing babies’ sensitiveness, they are more sensitive to the slightest change of room temperature. It takes a time of about eleven weeks where the baby’s body starts to regulate its temperature at night like grownups. It takes four hours of bedtime for the baby’s body to reach the minimum core body temperature of 97.5 degrees.
It can be challenging to determine the baby’s exact ideal temperature that the baby wants as they cannot communicate. Therefore, the responsibility lies on the parent to choose a comfortable room temperature for the baby. The best way to determine the comfortable room temperature is by considering how comfortable you feel in the room.
Most people prefer sleeping in a cool room that is not too hot or too cold. When the room is too cold, you use heavy blankets that lead to sweating, losing your sleep. Therefore, sleeping in a room that has the correct temperatures ensures a peaceful night.
The baby’s body is not much different from yours. If the room temperature is conducive for you to sleep soundly, so will it be for the baby. It is essential always to make sure that the baby’s room temperature is conducive even for you as a parent to sleep in.
The recommended room temperature for adults and the little ones to sleep in ranges from 20 degrees to 22.2 degrees Celsius. This room-temperature also put into consideration of your dressing code which should not be too heavy.
The sudden infant death syndrome, also referred to as crib death, mainly occurs at night while sleeping. Too hot temperatures are not conducive for babies because they can lead to oversleeping, resulting in them finding it hard to wake up, leading to sudden deaths.
How do You Keep Your Room and the Baby’s Room at the Right Temperatures?
There are various ways that one can maintain the rooms at the proper temperatures. The most common and frequently used method is to monitor the room temperature with a thermostat. Another way to monitor the temperature is by using an indoor thermometer to measure the temperature.
Another way to maintain the right room temperature is by using fans that help reduce the risk of overheating. The fan should always face upwards and not directly to the baby’s crib; this can also lead to the temperature being too cold. You can also turn up the heat slightly to avoid being too cold.
Different factors affect the room temperature that requires one to take note of them. For instance, some windows in the room do not close tightly, allowing a cold breeze. It is also essential to check the room’s insulation as it can contribute to the temperature change of a room.
If you are in areas that experience extreme weather conditions, it is appropriate to adjust the room temperatures according to the weather. During summer, regulate the thermostat to regulate the desired coolness. In addition, dress the baby in light items of clothing to prevent overheating.
During winter, regulate the thermostat to the desired warm temperatures. The recommended room temperature ranges from 68F to 72 F. You can also dress the baby with extra but not too many layers.
Tips on How to Keep Your Baby Comfortable
A comfortable baby equals a happy and healthy baby. When one is uncomfortable, they don’t have peace of mind; the same happens to the baby. Ensuring that the baby is comfortable should be your priority.
1. Watch for Overheating
When you suspect that your baby may be overheating, the first thing to do is get a thermometer and take their temperature. Another way to check the temperature is by placing your hand on the head or stomach to detect the temperature.
Other indicators that the baby may be overheating are sweating, rashes, damp hair, flushed cheeks, and rapid breathing. If the baby is fussier than usual despite having eaten and changed the diaper, it may indicate that there is overheating.
2. Avoid Over-bundling
Most parents are victims of over-bundling the baby. Just like you, the baby needs to feel free and can stretch anytime. Being in comfortable clothing is vital. When you are putting the baby to sleep, avoid the use of heavy pajamas, swaddles, or a pile of the blanket to keep them warm. Instead, consider using lightweight clothes the turn the heat up to the desired level.
3. Keep Cribs Bare
A crib with a lot of clothing may lead to a lot of heat which is dangerous to the baby. If the weather is too cold, use a warmer sleeping night ware instead of pilling many blankets on the crib. Crib accessories such as pillows, toys, and stuffed animals should be introduced to the crib when the little one is one year and above.
4. Use a Fan
It is necessary to have a fan in your baby’s room or your room. Fans are known to help in the circulation of oxygen and help regulate room temperature. It also helps to freshen up the air hence allowing one to breathe fresh air.
5. Share the Room
The first six months are critical for newborn babies, and they require constant attention. It is easier to monitor the baby’s temperature when you share the same room. It also helps you as a parent to sleep well as you don’t have to go into the nursery to check on the baby constantly.
One can easily detect a change in the room temperature and can attend to the baby accordingly. You should consider moving the baby’s crib to your room and place it near your bed.
In conclusion, the room temperature plays a critical role in the baby’s health; always ensure that the room is at the recommended temperatures. It is also important to ensure that you always keep your baby comfortable.
