As winter arrives once more, it is almost certain that temperatures will fall.
Babies are not able to take care of themselves or put on extra clothing in the same way that adults can. It’s therefore important to monitor them as the temperature drops.
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You can monitor your baby’s temperature and be concerned about their health.
Elaine Soller, expert BabysenseAccording to, it is understandable that you want your baby to feel warm at night. This means it can be tempting to wrap them in layers and turn the heat up high in cold months.
She explained that it was difficult to find the right balance between keeping the baby warm during winter and not putting too much on him/her to make them feel hot.
“But, it is important that you remember that babies don’t have the ability to regulate their body temperatures in the same manner as adults. Therefore, it is easier for them to heat up faster and get overheated.
“Essentially, compared to adults, their bodies have more surface area by weight which causes quicker heat loss.”
Elaine explained to us that babies don’t have as much insulation fat, which makes a big difference. She shares her top six tips for keeping your baby toasty.
1. Avoid bath time
On a really cold night, a bath isn’t going to make your baby more relaxed and in fact, Elaine says, it will agitate them, as the temperature changes can make them uncomfortable.
She explained: “As babies don’t sweat during the winter months it’s not necessary to bath them every night, instead, opt for a sponge bath if necessary or a simple wet washcloth.
“If a bath is essential you’ll want to make sure the indoor temperature is warm.”
2. Wear a hat outdoors.
You might be tempted to cover your baby’s head with a hat indoors if they seem cold. Elaine advised that you should avoid this, regardless of how cold it may get.
A baby’s ability to regulate and regulate his body temperature is dependent on a bare head.
“Obviously, if you are taking your baby outside in the cold, an appropriate hat may be recommended”She said,
3. Find the right temperature
Elaine stated that the ideal temperature to keep a baby’s nursery warm is between 16C and 20C.
She said, “It would make sense to put a room thermometer into your baby’s nursery in order to keep an eye on the temperature.”
“You can use this to guide you on whether to add or remove layers on your child. The number of layers required, as a guide, will depend on whether your baby sleeps in a sleepsuit or with a sleeping sack.”
4. Feel your baby’s neck
Elaine suggested that you can check the back of your baby’s neck and tummy to see if they have too many or too few layers.
“This will give a clear indication of overheating or being too cold. If they are too hot, their skin will feel slightly clammy and sweaty and you should make sure to remove layers instantly”.
5. Do not turn on the heating
Elaine suggested that in cold weather, it can be tempting to crank up the heating while you sleep to keep your baby warm.
“However, this is advised against for your baby. If you do want it on, set it no higher than 20C”She explained.
6. Check the position of your cot
Elaine says that leaving your baby’s crib or cot near a radiator can result in overheating, or even burns.
She said, “Radiators are often located under windows that have pull strings and cords creating an additional risk.
“The same rule applies to hot water bottles, fires, electric blankets and even direct sunlight – they should be avoided.”
Elaine stated that monitoring your child’s temperature is crucial for their immune system, overall health, comfort, and well-being.
She said, “By keeping them at the optimal temperature, they are able to conserve energy and essentially build reserves. This is particularly important if your child is premature or sick.
Babies that are too cold may use all of their energy and oxygen to produce warmth, and they might be too tired or uninterested when it comes to feeding.
“Additional precautions include making sure that your baby is able to sleep on their back and on a firm surface. A humidifier can also help in certain circumstances, when a room is damp or colder than you would like”
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