Should the baby’s nursery temperature differ from typical household temperatures? Many new parents believe that infants need to be bundled up in a room that’s warmer than what most adults prefer or are comfortable with.
Research into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), however, indicates otherwise. At least during the period from birth up to 6 months, it’s considered safer to keep the nursery temperature in the more moderate range—from 68 to 72 degrees. As it happens, that’s also the range usually recommended for all-round household comfort, in general, as well as optimum energy efficiency.
Here are a few suggestions for using your HVAC system to keep baby and parents safe and comfortable.
Nursery Temperature Best Practices
- Utilize your digital programmable thermostat to maintain temperatures in the above recommended range, 24/7. Don’t manually override these settings to keep adults comfortable if there’s a baby in the house.
- Don’t rely on the central thermostat’s temperature display to monitor the nursery temperature. Place a portable room thermometer in the baby’s room and check it at intervals to accurately evaluate the temperature.
- Replace the HVAC air filter monthly with a quality pleated filter to ensure healthy air quality as well as maintain proper airflow to support consistent temperature in the nursery.
- Position the crib so it’s not close to HVAC supply registers that discharge heated or cooled air directly on the baby.
- Use of a fan on lowest setting to circulate air is recommended to keep room temperatures stable. However, make sure it’s located safely away from the crib and not directly blowing on the baby.
- Don’t open windows unless the outdoor temperature complies with the 68- to 72-degree range recommendation.
- Don’t try to compensate for a room that’s too cool by adding extra blankets or comforters to the crib or by over-bundling the baby. Excessive bedding is linked to higher SIDS risk.
For professional HVAC service to maintain a safe, healthy nursery temperature for your newborn, contact Paitson Bros. Since 1922, we’ve served the families of Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922