Baby, it's cold outside 

21 November 2008

As Winter kicks in, take care that your baby isn’t getting a little too cosy and overheated. Here are our key do's and don'ts for keeping babies healthy in winter: 

Do keep the temperature between 16 and 20 degrees Centigrade
Often the central heating is switched on in the winter months, which means that there may be little or no need for extra bedding. Use a room thermometer to judge the temperature. Keep the room where the baby sleeps (day and night) at a temperature between 16-20ºC.  This is ideal for a baby who is wearing a nappy, vest and sleepsuit with a sheet and layers of blankets which can be adjusted depending on the temperature of the room and how warm the baby feels. The most important message is the room should not get hotter than 20oC. 

In deep Winter the room is likely to be below 16oC in the middle of the night. If your baby seems cold and the room is chilly then you can make your baby more comfortable by adjusting bedding or clothing, or in extremes, putting some heating on.  Remember that it is normal for a baby's hands and feet to feel cool. 

Do use lightweight bedding
Use lightweight blankets or a lightweight baby sleeping bag. Check your baby regularly and if they are sweating or their tummy feels hot, take off some of the bedding. 

Do keep your baby's head uncovered
Babies need to lose excess heat from their heads. Make sure their head cannot be covered by the bedclothes by sleeping them 'feet to foot' (with their feet to the foot of the cot) so they don't wriggle down under the covers. If you use a sleeping bag, make sure the opening at the neck is not so large that the baby’s head can slip through it and get covered by the bag.

Do remove hats and extra clothing as soon as you come indoors or enter a warm bus, train or shop, even if it means waking your baby.

Do call our Helpline
Whatever your question, our helpline advisors will be happy to help. Call 020 7233 2090 or email helpline@fsid.org.uk

and a couple of don'ts

Don't let your baby sleep with a hot water bottle or electric blanket. Do not sleep a baby next to a radiator, heater or fire.

Do remember that babies who are unwell need less bedding.  Never use duvets, quilts or pillows for babies under a year of age.