Research has shown that overheating arising from excessive insulation, high room temperature (overwrapping) or both, is associated with an increased risk of SIDS.
While it is important to ensure that a baby does not get too cold, it is also important parents avoid any practice which may lead their baby to get too hot. There is a consensus view in the UK that an optimum room temperature of 16-20°C, combined with light bedding or a lightweight well-fitting baby sleep bag, offers a comfortable and safe environment for sleeping babies.
Tips for parents and carers as the weather gets colder:
- Remove hats and outdoor layers when indoors
- Avoid bulky and soft bedding such as duvets and nests and pods which could lead babies to overheat
- Use a room thermometer in the rooms where baby sleeps
- Feel baby’s tummy or the back of their neck and if their skin is hot or sweaty, remove one or more layers of bedclothes or bedding
- It is rarely necessary to keep the heating on all night and never sleep a baby next to a radiator
- If the home is too cold and parents want to leave the heating on all night, set it at a low temperature, and never higher than 20⁰C and never sleep a baby next to a radiator
Visit the Lullaby Trust website to find out more