Quick Answer
The most reliable way to check your baby's temperature is to feel the back of their neck or their chest — it should feel warm and comfortable, not hot and sweaty or cool and mottled. Hands and feet are not a reliable guide, as they are naturally cooler than the body. The ideal room temperature for a sleeping baby is 16 to 20°C (61 to 68°F).
Signs Your Baby Is Too Hot
- Skin feels hot or sweaty to the touch on the chest or back of the neck
- Flushed or red face
- Rapid breathing
- Restlessness or unusual irritability
- Damp hair or a sweaty scalp
Overheating is a significant risk factor for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and should be taken seriously. If your baby feels hot, remove a layer of clothing or bedding and check again in a few minutes.
Signs Your Baby Is Too Cold
- Skin feels cool or cold on the chest or back of the neck
- Mottled or blotchy skin (a marbled pattern of pale and pink)
- Unusual quietness or lethargy
- Feeding poorly or less than usual
Note: cool hands and feet are normal in newborns and are not a reliable sign of being too cold. Always check the chest or back of the neck.
How to Dress Your Baby for Sleep
A useful rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear yourself in the same room. Use a baby sleeping bag rated for the room temperature, or lightweight blankets tucked in firmly at the sides and foot of the cot — never over the shoulders.
General guidance by room temperature:
- Below 16°C (61°F): Vest, sleepsuit, and a higher-tog sleeping bag or extra blanket
- 16 to 20°C (61 to 68°F): Vest and sleepsuit with an appropriate sleeping bag — this is the ideal range
- 20 to 24°C (68 to 75°F): Vest and a light sleeping bag, or just a sleepsuit
- Above 24°C (75°F): A nappy and a very light layer, or just a nappy in very warm conditions
Safe Sleep and Temperature
- Keep the room between 16 and 20°C (61 to 68°F) for sleep
- Never place your baby next to a radiator, heater, or in direct sunlight
- Avoid hats indoors — babies regulate a significant amount of heat through their heads
- Do not use duvets, pillows, or loose bedding in the cot for babies under 12 months
- A room thermometer is a simple and worthwhile investment for the nursery
When It's Worth Checking In With Your Pediatrician
Speak to your pediatrician if:
- Your baby has a temperature above 38°C (100.4°F) — this is a fever and requires medical attention, especially in babies under 3 months
- Your baby seems consistently lethargic, is feeding poorly, or has an unusual skin colour that does not resolve when you adjust their clothing
- You are unsure whether your baby's temperature is within a safe range
Key Takeaway
Check the back of your baby's neck or chest — not their hands or feet — to assess whether they are too hot or too cold. Aim for a room temperature of 16 to 20°C for sleep, dress in one more layer than you would wear, and avoid overheating, which is a SIDS risk factor. When in doubt, cooler is safer than warmer.
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This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your baby's health.