Parenting / 11 October, 2022 / Ellie Thompson

Why It’s So Important To Regulate Your Baby’s Body Temperature

According to the NHS, a normal temperature for a new baby is about 36.4, and of course, while this can vary a little, it’s important to ensure your baby never gets too hot or too cold. While this huge responsibility may sound daunting, there are lots of simple things you can do.

Why can’t babies regulate their own body temperature?

Your baby’s body temperature can rise much faster than yours – in fact, four times faster, because their little bodies don’t have much fatty tissue yet. When their body temperature rapidly changes, they are unable to communicate properly or make the necessary adjustments. Babies and children sweat less, which greatly reduces their ability to cool down. And if they’re cold, they can’t shiver to increase their body temperature, so they rely on our help when it comes to controlling their core temperature.

How will I know if my baby is too hot or too cold?

• If your baby is uncomfortable, they may wake during the night which can be an indication that they may be too hot or too cold. Feel the back of their neck (or tummy) to check they feel nicely warm. If skin feels damp, they may be too hot.
• Don’t worry if your baby’s arms, hands or feet feel cool – this is very normal, and in fact, helps them to  maintain a regular temperature
• Putting a hat or hood on your baby when they are in bed may cause them to overheat
• It’s better for your baby to be cool rather than hot. If they’re uncomfortably cold don’t worry – they’ll soon let you know!

Here are some simple tips on helping to keep your baby safe and snug, as well as giving you complete peace of mind while your baby is sleeping.

Control your baby’s room temperature

The Lullaby Trust recommends keeping your baby’s room at a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold. The chance of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot. An ideal room temperature for your baby is between 16 -20°C, so it’s worth investing in a baby room thermometer to allow you to check the room with ease – every time your baby sleeps.

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Dressing baby for bed

Dressing your precious bundle for sleep can sometimes involve a lot of umming and ahhing depending on the weather, but we’ve got some exciting news. HALO®, America’s leading Safe Sleep brand has just launched a temperature-regulating sleeping bag set to take the guesswork out of how to dress your baby for sleep.

The ground-breaking SleepSack® Ideal Temp is currently the only temperature-regulating sleeping bag for babies, and it’s flying off the shelves in America, as new parents snap up this genius new invention.

SleepSack Ideal Temp from HALO

The Ideal Temp sleepsuit is made from smart fabric that keeps your little ones at a comfortable temperature all year round, taking the guesswork out of how to dress them for sleep.

The SleepSack Ideal Temp works by helping to keep babies at a consistent, ‘ideal temperature’ by using IntelliThread™ temperature regulation technology, a smart fabric that absorbs heat when baby is too warm, stores it, and then releases it back when their temperature dips. Pretty amazing, right?

HALO’s new SleepSack helps keep babies at a comfortable temperature, avoiding heat spikes so they can sleep better. The IntelliThread™ fibres are embedded in the fabric, which means they won’t wash out or fade.

SleepSack Swaddle and Sleeping Bags

Regonised by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, the SleepSack® is designed to replace loose blankets in the cot that can cover a baby’s face and interfere with breathing.

The SleepSack Swaddle comes in 0-6 months and features an adjustable design that enables parents to swaddle three ways, helping baby gradually transition to a sleeping bag. The roomy sack design promotes healthy hip development and features HALO’s signature ‘back is best’ embroidery as a gentle reminder to place baby in the recommended sleep position.

The Sleeping Bag comes in 0-36m and is a cosy, wearable blanket for safer sleep. It features a bottom-to-top zip for easy nighttime nappy changes and as the swaddle, features the signature ‘back is best’ embroidery.

Shop now

HALO’s SleepSack Swaddle and Sleeping Bags are available in Heather Grey and retail at £19.99.

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Sponsored content in collaboration with HALO