What is the safest room temperature for baby sleep? (+ tips to keep it just right)

Welcome to the world of baby sleep (and worry!)

If you’re a new parent, you’ve probably Googled everything from how many layers should a newborn wear to what’s the ideal room temperature for a baby to sleep. We get it, there’s a lot to think about, and keeping your baby safe while they sleep is at the top of the list.

One of the most overlooked (yet super important) factors in safe sleep is the temperature of your baby’s room. And no, it’s not just about comfort, it’s about safety.

What’s the safest room temperature for baby sleep?

The recommended safe room temperature for newborns and infants is between 16–20°C (60–68°F).

This range is backed by experts because overheating is a known risk factor for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Babies aren’t great at regulating their body temperature yet, so it’s easy for them to become too hot, especially if the room is warm, they’re overdressed, or bundled in too many layers.

How to keep baby's room at a safe temperature

We’ve been through those sleepless nights, wondering if baby is too hot or too cold. Here’s what worked for us, and what’s recommended by experts in infant sleep safety:

1. Use a room thermometer
Even if the house feels fine to you, it’s hard to tell what the nursery is like, especially at night. A thermometer takes the guesswork out.

2. Dress baby in light, breathable layers
Think one more layer than what you’re wearing. Avoid bulky blankets and heavy swaddles unless the room is quite cool.

3. Feel baby’s chest or neck (not hands!)
Hands and feet often feel cool, even when baby’s body is warm. To check for overheating, feel their chest or the back of their neck.

4. Keep the cot away from heat sources
Avoid placing the crib near heaters, direct sunlight, or windows with drafts. A stable, shaded spot is best.

How a baby monitor with a temperature sensor helps

We’re parents too, and the truth is, no one can watch the room temperature all night long. That’s why we built our Tweetycam baby monitor with a built-in temperature sensor and custom alerts.

Here’s how it helps:
🌡 Real-time temperature tracking so you always know your baby’s environment is just right
🔔 Hot and cold alerts that notify you if the room goes outside the safe range

It’s one less thing to worry about during those early months, and trust us, that’s a big win.

💬 Final thoughts: Safe sleep starts with the right room temperature

Parenting is full of “Am I doing this right?” moments. But when it comes to sleep safety, aiming for a cool, consistent room temperature between 16–20°C is one of the simplest, and most powerful, ways to protect your baby at night.

And with tools like the Tweetycam baby monitor, you don’t have to do it alone.

Need a little peace of mind while your baby sleeps?
👉 Learn more about the Tweetycam baby monitor – made by parents, for parents.