How to check if your baby is too warm or cold
ergoPouch UK
Hot, cold, warm? How can I check if my baby is anything but the perfect temperature? We get it. Many of us at ergoPouch have walked this walk and understand the confusion around knowing exactly what is right for your baby. Our comprehensive guide (which is just that, a guide) will help you understand a little more about babies and why temperature is so important for safety. Remember to always reach out to your local doctor or MHN with any questions. Why temperature is important for babies’ safety
Monitoring your baby's temperature is especially important during the first six months of life, when sleep routines (or lack thereof) are building, and you’re still figuring things out. Babies are less able to regulate their body temperature than adults, making them more vulnerable to overheating or becoming too cold. And while you’re probably overthinking what the “perfect” sleeping temperature is (you’re not alone!).
There are warnings that a baby being too hot or too cold can increase the risk of SIDS. It's imperative to dress your baby correctly to accommodate their room temperature while they're sleeping.
How to check baby’s temperature
The best way to feel if your baby is too hot or too cold is simply to put your hand on their chest, tummy or back.
Avoid trying to check their temperature by feeling their hands or feet. Often your baby's feet or hands will feel cooler than their core temperature, which is normal! As a baby is developing their circulatory system, their body gives their vital organs priority when it comes to blood.
Signs baby is too warm
A baby who's too warm may have damp hair or be sweaty, flushed and have a fast pulse.
What to do if baby feels too hot
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Remove a layer of clothing
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Try moving your baby to another room that's a bit cooler.
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The best way to stop them overheating is to place them on their back with the head and face uncovered
To prevent your baby from overheating, follow our guide on how to dress baby for sleep in summer.
Signs baby is too cold at night
Babies can’t communicate how they’re feeling just yet, and it can understandably be frustrating for parents trying to interpret things. But here are signs that can guide you in checking if your baby is feeling too cold for sleep.
A baby who’s too cold may feed less, be harder to wake, or feel more unsettled than usual. You might notice their skin feels cool to the touch (especially on their upper arms, thighs, ears, tummy or back), or looks pale, bluish or a bit mottled. Increased fussiness, crying, or in general “something’s not quite right” behaviour can also be a clue.
What to do if baby feels too cool
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Add an extra layer of clothing suited to the room temperature
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Check your What to Wear Guide to match sleepwear to the room temperature, and stick with breathable fibres that help regulate heat (no heat-trapping overloads here)
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Try skin-to-skin contact if baby feels very cold
Help keep your baby warm during colder months with our tips on how to dress baby for sleep in winter.
Understanding TOG ratings
When it comes to baby sleepwear, TOG ratings are your friend. TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade and is a unit of measurement for insulation and warmth of sleepwear and bedding. Once you know the temperature of your baby’s room, you can use our What to Wear Guide to find the appropriate product TOG for the temperature to ensure a safe, comfortable sleep.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s creating a safe, comfortable sleep environment and dressing your baby appropriately for the conditions. We’re here to remind you that you’re doing a great job supporting your little one’s sleep journey.
With Love
eP X
