What should your child sleep in when the room is 23 degrees?
When the room is 23 degrees, many parents wonder whether that already counts as warm for sleep, or whether their baby still needs several layers. This temperature is very common at home, especially from spring through to the summer months, so it is completely understandable if you are not quite sure how to dress your little one. The aim is always the same: to help your baby sleep comfortably, where they are not cold, but not overheating either.
Creating the right conditions for good sleep is not only important for a brighter mood, but also for your baby’s healthy development. That is why it is worth paying close attention to both the sleeping environment and what your baby is wearing, so everything supports restful sleep.
In this article, we will look at how to think about a room temperature of 23 degrees, which factors can influence how you dress your baby, and we will also share specific clothing ideas to make everyday decisions a little easier.
What should a baby sleep in at 23 degrees?
In a 23-degree room, the ideal choice is usually a well-balanced outfit that is not too thick. According to LiaaBébé’s recommendation, the following combinations can work well:
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short-sleeved or long-sleeved bodysuit + lightweight sleeping bag
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bodysuit + thin sleepsuit + 0.5 to 1 TOG sleeping bag
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for older babies, bodysuit + sleeping bag with feet
Many parents like using a sleeping bag at this temperature because they do not have to worry about their baby kicking off the blanket, while body temperature can also be kept more consistent.
Newborns and older babies have different needs
In the newborn stage, a baby’s temperature regulation is still immature, so at 23 degrees they may often need slightly warmer clothing than an older baby. This is the stage when babies can cool down more easily, or become too warm, so layering and the fabric of the clothing are especially important.
Older babies move around more, wriggle and turn, so they can warm up more easily. In this case, lighter, breathable fabrics and fewer layers are usually the best choice.
Baby clothes made from bamboo fibres are beneficial for little ones, as they help hold warmth comfortably without encouraging sweating. They are breathable and can also feel cooling in warmer conditions.
What should you check before dressing your baby?
One of the most important things is not to look only at the thermometer, but also at your baby’s cues. Parents often say they feel most unsure when they cannot clearly tell whether their baby is cold or too warm.
The most commonly used method is to check the back of the neck and the back. If the skin feels pleasantly warm and dry, the outfit is likely to be right. If your baby’s skin, neck or hair is sweaty, very warm or damp, one layer may be too much. If their skin feels cool or looks mottled, it is worth choosing something warmer.
This simple check can be very reassuring in everyday life.
Is a room temperature of 23 degrees ideal for sleep?
A room temperature of 23 degrees is, for many babies, already close to the upper end of the warmer comfort zone, but it can still be managed well with the right clothing. Professional guidance often suggests that for babies the ideal sleeping temperature is usually between 20 and 22 degrees, but in practice, 23 degrees is not a problem if clothing is adjusted accordingly. Newborns may need a warmer environment than this, up to around 24 to 25 degrees.
At this temperature, the key is to layer your baby’s clothing gently and choose well-ventilated, breathable fabrics. Babies are much more sensitive to temperature than adults, so the same room may feel warmer or cooler to them.
A comfortable bodysuit over the nappy
Depending on your needs, you can choose a short-sleeved or long-sleeved bodysuit for your child in beautiful, cheerful colours, with sweet patterns, made from extra stretchy bamboo fibre fabric. These pieces look lovely because they fit close to the body, and they keep their shape, colour and softness during wear. Babies enjoy them too, as they can wear bright colours with unique, tasteful patterns.
A sleepsuit they can wriggle in easily
Sleepsuits are especially comfortable pieces of clothing. They are one of the best choices for little ones at bedtime. By clicking the link, you can see the special, less everyday colours available to choose from.
All our sleepsuits fasten with a zip, so they are very easy to put on. This is a real benefit in the dim light of night, or when you are dressing a wriggly baby who is already ready to get moving.
Sleeping bag at 23 degrees: yes or no?
A sleeping bag can be a particularly good solution at this temperature, especially if it is a 0.5 or 1 TOG piece. This layer helps ensure that your baby does not kick off the blanket and become cold by the early morning.
According to LiaaBébé, one of the biggest advantages of a sleeping bag is that it creates a stable sleep environment, which is especially important for peaceful rest in small babies.
It is a good choice instead of a blanket, because your baby cannot kick it off or pull it over their face during the night. The neckline follows the baby’s body, so it can be worn safely, while the bag itself is spacious enough for your little one to snuggle and move comfortably. We also felt it was important that the sleeping bags should be easy to remove for nappy changes, so they have a side zip that opens all the way down around the bottom. This makes dressing much quicker.
What do we recommend for older children?
They can already wear sleeping bags with feet. These are made with the same designs and colour options as the sleeping bags for smaller babies. Older children can also choose pyjamas.
Bamboo fabric: why does it work so well at 23 degrees?
One of the biggest advantages of bamboo fabric is that it naturally helps regulate temperature. This means that at 23 degrees it helps prevent your baby from overheating, while also helping to stop them getting cold.
It is also highly breathable and helps wick away moisture, so your baby’s skin stays drier and more comfortable. Based on feedback from LiaaBébé customers, this is especially useful for babies who are more prone to sweating or have more sensitive skin.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a sleeping bag in a 23-degree room?
It is not essential, but it is very practical. It helps stop your baby kicking off the blanket and supports a more even body temperature.
What does the TOG rating mean on sleeping bags?
TOG is a unit of measurement that indicates the thickness and warmth of the material. It shows how well the baby clothing keeps your child’s body warm. The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the sleeping bag or bedding.
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0.5 TOG 22 to 25 °C room temperature
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1.5 TOG 20 to 23 °C room temperature
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2.5 TOG 18 to 21 °C room temperature
What should I do if the room is 23 degrees in the evening but cools down by morning?
If you air the room well before putting your baby down and allow it to cool slightly, the temperature difference by morning will usually not be so great. You can also prepare an extra layer for the night, such as a sleeping bag, to put on after feeding or changing.
A room temperature of 23 degrees is generally a manageable, stable range, where the key is thoughtful layering and choosing the right fabrics. If you make sure your baby does not overheat but does not get cold either, it is easy to create a calm, predictable sleep routine. According to LiaaBébé, a well-chosen bodysuit, sleeping bag and breathable fabrics together provide the comfort babies truly need.
Written by Mónika Veres
Sources:
NHS — How to dress a newborn baby
The Lullaby Trust — Your baby’s room temperature
