How to dress your baby for sleep in an 18 to 19 degree room
Cooler air at 18 to 19°C can help support more restful sleep and may also reduce the risk of overheating. That is why many parents prefer it for sleep. Even so, parents often wonder: will my baby feel cold at this temperature? What should a baby wear, and how many layers are needed, for them to feel truly comfortable?
With the right clothing, 18 to 19°C can be perfectly suitable for most babies and young children. The key is well-chosen layering, the right baby sleeping bag, and breathable, natural fabrics. Newborn babies and premature babies, however, usually need a warmer room temperature: 22 to 24°C.
LiaaBébé’s recommendation for an 18 to 19 degree room
In short, these combinations usually work best:
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long-sleeved or short-sleeved baby bodysuit
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comfortable sleepsuit
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2.5 TOG baby sleeping bag or sleeping bag with feet
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for older children, pyjamas and a warmer baby blanket
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socks and a thin cotton baby hat
The most important thing, however, is not simply following rules, but observing your child.
Is 18 to 19°C too cold for a baby?
Many parents’ first reaction is that this temperature sounds a little low. We often judge it based on our own comfort, but babies do not always experience temperature in the same way we do.
If your child tends to get warm quickly, sweat, or sleep restlessly in warmer rooms, 18 to 19°C may actually feel more comfortable for them. Other babies feel the cold more easily, so they may need an extra layer.
The best approach is always to watch your child’s reactions gradually and adjust their sleepwear accordingly.
What should you base your decision on?
How likely is your baby to feel hot or cold?
This is one of the most important questions. If your baby often wakes with a sweaty neck, they are probably too warm. If their back or torso regularly feels cool, it may be worth adding an extra layer.
What room temperature are they used to?
Children who sleep in a cooler environment all year round usually adapt more easily to 18 to 19°C. If they have always slept in 21 to 22°C, it is better to lower the temperature gradually. Family habits matter too, as the ideal room temperature is often one that feels comfortable for everyone in the home.
What does your doctor or health visitor recommend?
If you are unsure, it is always worth asking a professional, especially in the case of a newborn or premature baby.
How can you tell if your baby is cold?
Your baby’s hands and feet do not give the most reliable information on their own. It is much more accurate to slip your hand under their clothing at the neck and feel their nape, back, or chest. If their skin feels pleasantly warm, everything is fine. If it feels cold or looks mottled, they are probably chilly. If it feels damp or sweaty, they are wearing too many layers.
Newborns need more warmth. In the first few weeks, a baby’s temperature regulation is still immature. That is why newborns usually need a warmer environment and one extra clothing layer compared with older babies. For them, a room at 18 to 19°C can only be comfortable with suitable layering, so regular checking is especially important at this stage.
Humidity matters too
It is not only temperature that affects sleep quality, but also the moisture level in the air.
For babies, a humidity level of 40 to 60% is generally considered ideal.
Air that is too dry can:
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irritate the airways
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cause coughing
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dry out the mucous membranes
If you measure low humidity, the following may help:
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a humidifier
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a bowl of water in the room
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drying freshly washed clothes indoors, as long as they have not been washed with fabric conditioner and are free from harsh chemicals
What clothes should you choose at 18 to 19°C?
Even in a cooler room, fabric quality matters. Because thicker layering is needed, breathable natural fibres, such as bamboo, can help maintain an even temperature while also drawing moisture away.
If you would like to choose LiaaBébé clothing, good options include
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long-sleeved or short-sleeved baby bodysuit
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stretchy sleepsuit
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2.5 TOG sleeping bag
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sleeping bag with feet for more active children
If your child can already keep a blanket over themselves, then a combination of:
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long-sleeved pyjamas
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a T-shirt or vest
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a thicker baby blanket
can also work well.
Why is a sleeping bag so practical in a cooler room?
Most babies and young children kick off their blanket during the night, but are not yet able to pull it back over themselves.
The benefits of a sleeping bag are that it:
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keeps your child evenly warm
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does not slip off
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cannot move over their face
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reduces the chance of getting cold
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can help support more peaceful nights
A sleeping bag with feet is also especially comfortable for older children, as it allows them to move around more freely.
18 to 19°C is also common outdoors
In spring and autumn, temperatures during walks are often in exactly this range. Many babies sleep especially well in the pram at this time, because fresh air and gentle movement can be very soothing.
Outdoor temperature, however, can change quickly. A stronger breeze, shadier streets, or the drop in temperature later in the evening can make the air feel noticeably cooler in a short time. That is why it is always a good idea to take an extra baby blanket or a light extra layer with you. If your baby falls asleep during a walk, you can easily place it over them if the weather turns cooler.
Outdoors, the same rule applies as at home: check the nape of their neck and their back from time to time. These are the best indicators of whether their outfit is right for them. With a little attention, sleeping in 18 to 19°C outdoors can be just as pleasant and safe as sleeping indoors.
FAQ, sleeping in an 18 to 19 degree room
Should a baby wear a hat for sleep at 18 to 19°C?
In general, a baby does not need to wear a hat for sleep, even in a room at 18 to 19°C. Most body heat is not regulated through the head, and an overly warm head can easily lead to overheating. The only exceptions may be when a doctor specifically recommends it, or in the case of a newborn, especially for a short period after bathing.
How much does the material of the mattress or bedding matter?
It matters a great deal. Poorly breathable synthetic materials can trap heat and moisture, which may lead to unsettled sleep. Breathable natural materials, on the other hand, help support a more even temperature and reduce the risk of overheating or becoming too cold.
Is it worth using a blanket instead of a sleeping bag at this temperature?
It can be done, but for smaller babies it is not the safest option. A blanket can easily be kicked off or slip over the face, so a baby sleeping bag is a more stable and safer alternative. If you do choose a blanket, it is best to go for a very light, breathable type and check on your baby regularly during the night.
A room temperature of 18 to 19°C can work well for most babies when their sleepwear is chosen to match it. The right layering, a 2.5 TOG baby sleeping bag, and breathable fabrics can all help your child stay comfortable throughout the night. Watch their neck, back, and individual cues, because in the end, they will always show you best what they need.
Source:
The Lullaby Trust: Room temperature and safer sleep
