A Guide to Your Baby’s Temperature

Maintaining your baby at an optimal temperature is important not only for your child’s comfort but also for their health and safety. The temperature of your baby’s surroundings will determine the clothing or bedding necessary to maintain them at a normal baby temperature.

Gauging Your Baby’s Temperature

As very small babies lack the ability to regulate their body temperature it is very important to assist them to maintain a safe and comfortable temperature. Place the back of your hand on the back of your baby’s neck to check their temperature. They should feel warm but not hot, damp or sweaty, or cold. It is perfectly normal for your baby’s hands and feet to feel cooler, and it’s their central core body temperature which is important.

Look out for signs that your child is uncomfortable. If they are too hot, they may be listless or restless, perspiring and flushed or with rapid breathing. If they are too cold, they will probably be crying and complaining. If in doubt about the finding the right sleepwear for your baby, many manufactures publish helpful baby temperature guides that break down how to take your baby’s temperature and what sleepwear and clothing are best for each temperature range.

Ensuring the Right Room Temperature

Ideally, your child’s bedroom should be at 18-degrees Celsius. Many baby monitors incorporate a thermometer so you can measure the room temperature and make seasonal adjustments to the heating or cooling system as necessary. For the cooler months, blackout curtains and thermal blinds are a great way to keep the winter chill out of your room. At this perfect temperature, you can dress your baby for resting in a simple cotton babygrow with a standard weight baby sleeping bag. When the temperature is colder, opt for a baby sleeping bag and long sleeve merino garments. When dressing your baby for bed in the summer, opt for short-sleeved garments, a cotton suit or a vest and cotton sheet.

Dressing For the Days Adventures

During the day it can be difficult to decide what clothes to use for your baby. Remember that comfort and safety are much more important than cuteness, so choose clothes which are easy to put on and take off. It also best if the clothing has no adornments or fastening which could irritate your child, and are made of natural fabrics such as cotton, wool or bamboo which breathe. When dressing your baby for summer, remember to use lightweight fabrics and to use a hat to protect your child’s delicate skin from the sun. Ensure you keep a lightweight blanket on hand for unexpected situations.

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When dressing your baby for winter and during colder weather, don’t over bundle them as this can restrict their movements and make them irritable. Use several layers of clothing and blankets, which can easily be removed or replaced depending on the situation. Remember to use hats which cover the ears, mittens and warm socks, to keep your child’s extremities toasty. It’s a good idea to have an extra pair of each in your bag, as these small items tend to get easily lost!

The Benefits of Natural Materials

Using merino baby clothes can help your baby to maintain a regular optimum temperature as this natural wool automatically adjusts to keep your child warm when it is cold, and cool when the temperature rises. Baby sleeping bags lined with merino wool come in various sizes and in different weights to provide more or less warmth, so choose the appropriate weight for the season and climatic conditions. Do not be tempted to pile on extra blankets and clothes during cold nights as these not only bring the risk of suffocation; they can also cause your child to become overheated.

Follow this guide to help regulate your baby’s temperature and you’ll be prepared for any situation. From baby sleeping bags to cotton and woollen clothing, your baby is sure to be comfortable in any situation.

Author’s bio:
Maia Fletcher resides in the quiet and charming city of Gisborne, New Zealand. When she isn’t busy writing articles for her blog, Maia loves to experiment on new recipes for her family.