What Temperature Should a Baby’s Room Be? Our Tips for Keeping Cosy in the Middle East

Keeping your baby comfortable while they sleep is a top concern for every parent, especially when living in hot countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait where outdoor temperatures can be extreme and air conditioning is a way of life. So, what’s the right temperature for your baby’s nursery?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping a baby’s sleep environment between 20–22°C (68–72°F) to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and support safe, restful sleep.

 

Why Room Temperature Matters for Babies

Newborns and young babies can't regulate their body temperature as well as adults can. Overheating has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS, while being too cold may disturb your baby's sleep. A stable, cool sleep environment can help:

• Reduce the risk of overheating

• Promote longer, more restful sleep

• Minimise night wakings due to discomfort

In the Middle East, the contrast between daytime heat and cool, air-conditioned indoor spaces means parents often need to be more mindful of how they dress their babies for sleep.

Tips for Maintaining a Safe Nursery Temperature 

1. Use Air Conditioning Wisely

   • Aim to maintain a room temperature between 20–22°C. 

   • Not all AC units can set temperatures accurately, so use a thermometer in the room, next to your baby's sleep space, to monitor consistency.

   • Avoid placing the crib directly under the AC vent.

2. Dress Baby in Breathable Sleepwear

   • Opt for a 1.0 TOG sleep bag, which is ideal for rooms set to a temperature between 20–22°C.

   • Choosing natural, thermoregulating fabrics like bamboo, can help keep your baby cool when it's warm and cosy when it’s cool.

3. Layer Lightly

   • Our bamboo sleepsuit with hands and feet uncovered under a sleep bag is often enough, or if warmer, opt for a short sleeved bodysuit.

   • Avoid hats or heavy blankets, which can lead to overheating.

4. Use a Room Thermometer

   • Don’t rely solely on how the room feels. A digital nursery thermometer can help you track the actual temperature and adjust accordingly.

Signs Your Baby Might Be Too Hot or Too Cold

🥵 Too Hot

• Damp hair or sweaty neck

• Flushed cheeks

• Heat rash or rapid breathing

🥶 Too Cold

• Cool hands and feet are normal, but a cold chest or back may signal baby is chilly

• Shivering (though rare in newborns)

• Unsettled or waking frequently

• Sleeping in the corner of their crib can also be a sign of coldness

The Hushabye Sleep Solution for the Region

At Hushabye, we design our baby sleep bags and sleepsuits with living in the Middle East in mind. Our 1.0 TOG bamboo sleep bags are perfect for air-conditioned rooms, offering breathable softness with reduced risk of overheating. Paired with our zippered sleepsuits, they create a safe and snug sleep environment—even when the outside world is heating up.

 

Final Thoughts

While the Middle East is known for its heat, babies sleep best in a cooler, consistent environment. With the right room temperature, breathable sleepwear, and attention to layering, you can help your baby sleep safely and soundly.

Looking for temperature-appropriate sleep solutions? Explore our bamboo sleepwear collection here.