How to Keep Bassinet Warm

Sara Khan

· 14 min read
Keep Bassinet Warm

It's vital for your baby's comfort that their bassinet stays warm. In this tutorial, we'll look at practical and safe ways to keep your child's room cozy and at the right temperature so they can sleep soundly.

From choosing the right bedding to incorporating gentle warming techniques, we'll provide practical tips to keep your baby's bassinet warm throughout the night, fostering a snug and nurturing space for optimal sleep quality.

As You Know, Safety is Our First Priority

As we embark on any journey, safety remains our foremost concern. Whether exploring new products, parenting techniques, or creating a conducive environment for our loved ones, prioritizing safety is paramount.

It encompasses careful choices, adherence to guidelines, and a commitment to well-being. In every decision we make, safety serves as the cornerstone, ensuring that our actions align with the best interests of those entrusted to our care.

This dedication to safety not only fosters a secure and protected environment but also reflects a profound commitment to responsible and informed decision-making.

In every endeavour, big or small, safety stands as our unwavering priority, shaping the foundation for a healthier, happier, and more secure future.

​Room Temperature Recommendations for Baby

Maintaining an appropriate room temperature is crucial for ensuring the comfort and safety of your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping the nursery temperature between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22.2 degrees Celsius). This range helps prevent overheating and reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

To achieve this optimal temperature, use a reliable room thermometer and dress your baby in layers, adjusting clothing based on the room's warmth.

To keep your baby's body temperature stable while they sleep, make sure there is adequate ventilation and use lightweight blankets or sleep sacks. Check the back or neck of your infant frequently to see if it seems excessively hot or cold.

By maintaining an appropriate room temperature, you create a cosy and safe sleep environment, promoting better sleep quality and overall well-being for your little one.

Dress Baby Appropriately for Sleep

Dressing your baby appropriately for sleep is essential for their comfort and safety. Consider the ambient room temperature and choose lightweight, breathable fabrics to prevent overheating.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends dressing your baby in one-piece sleepers or wearable blankets, avoiding loose bedding and excess layers. In colder conditions, opt for footed sleepers or sleep sacks to keep your baby warm without the need for loose blankets.

Make sure your infant is comfortable by checking their neck and back on a regular basis. Making appropriate sleep clothing a priority helps you establish a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your infant, lowering the risk of SIDS and guaranteeing that they sleep through the entire night.

Always adapt clothing choices to the room's temperature and your baby's comfort, fostering a safe and cosy sleep routine.

​Use a Sleep sack or Wearable Blanket

Utilizing a sleepsack or wearable blanket is a safe and practical choice for ensuring your baby's warmth during sleep. These specially designed garments eliminate the need for loose bedding, reducing the risk of suffocation and promoting a secure sleep environment.

Sleepsacks come in various sizes and thicknesses to cater to different room temperatures, allowing you to customize your baby's sleep attire. They offer the perfect balance between keeping your baby comfortably warm and preventing overheating. With their zipper or snap closures, sleepsacks also make nighttime diaper changes more convenient without fully disturbing your baby's sleep.

This comfortable and safe sleeping option complies with American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations and lowers the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

By incorporating a sleepsack into your baby's sleep routine, you provide a practical and safe means of ensuring your little one sleeps soundly and securely throughout the night.

​Add a Mattress Pad or Extra Sheet

Enhancing your baby's sleep environment involves thoughtful additions, such as a mattress pad or an extra sheet. A mattress pad serves as an additional layer of comfort and protection, safeguarding the mattress from spills or accidents. Choose a waterproof and breathable option to maintain a hygienic and secure sleep surface for your baby.

Adding an extra sheet to your baby's crib allows for quick and easy changes during nighttime accidents, ensuring minimal disruption to their sleep. Opt for soft, fitted sheets that snugly cover the mattress, promoting a cosy and comfortable sleeping space.

Regularly washing and rotating sheets and mattress pads contribute to a clean and inviting sleep environment. These simple yet effective additions not only prioritize your baby's comfort but also simplify the task of maintaining a clean and safe crib, promoting optimal sleep conditions for your little one.

Can you put a Blanket under a Bassinet Mattress?

Placing a blanket under a bassinet mattress is not recommended. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using soft bedding, including blankets, under a mattress, as it can pose a safety risk for infants.

The firmness of the mattress is crucial for maintaining a safe sleep environment and reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Blankets or soft materials under the mattress can create an uneven sleep surface, increasing the risk of suffocation or discomfort for the baby. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the bassinet and use only the provided mattress or an appropriately sized replacement that meets safety standards.

Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet and refrain from adding any additional padding or soft bedding to make sure your baby has a safe place to sleep. If more comfort is required, think about utilizing a wearable blanket or sleep sack that complies with safety regulations and provides warmth for the infant without posing any risks.

Always prioritize the safety guidelines recommended by health professionals and regulatory bodies to create a secure sleep environment for your infant.

Is it safe to ​use a Bassinet Heater?

Using a bassinet heater raises safety concerns, and it is generally not recommended. Overheating is a significant risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and introducing additional heat sources, such as heaters, can contribute to this risk.

Infants are unable to regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, and maintaining a comfortable room temperature (between 68-72°F or 20-22.2°C) is crucial for their well-being.

If you feel the room is too cold, it's safer to adjust the ambient temperature using central heating, a space heater away from the bassinet, or by dressing the baby in appropriate layers.

Always monitor your baby for signs of overheating, such as sweating or feeling hot to the touch, and adjust their clothing or the room temperature accordingly.

Consult with your paediatrician Pediatrician for personalized advice based on your baby's specific needs and the climate in your region. Prioritizing a safe sleep environment without unnecessary heat sources is crucial for your baby's health and well-being.

​Position Bassinet Away From Drafts

Ensuring your baby's comfort and safety involves strategic placement of the bassinet, particularly by positioning it away from drafts. Drafts can create fluctuations in room temperature, making it challenging to maintain a consistent and comfortable environment for your baby.

Cold air drafts may increase the risk of your baby becoming too cold, impacting their sleep quality and well-being. Therefore, choose a location for the bassinet that minimizes exposure to drafts from windows, doors, or vents.

To achieve this, assess the room for potential sources of drafts and rearrange furniture or use draft stoppers to mitigate their impact. Additionally, avoid placing the bassinet near heating or cooling vents to prevent direct exposure to airflow.

Keeping an eye on the room temperature and repositioning the bassinet as needed will help to make your child's sleeping space comfortable and safe. By keeping an eye out for drafts and their possible impact on room temperature, you may improve your baby's sleeping environment and create a cozy and peaceful sleeping space.

​Try a Co-Sleeper Bassinet Attachment

Introducing a co-sleeper bassinet attachment offers a convenient solution for parents who want to keep their baby close during sleep without compromising safety. These attachments allow the baby to sleep in their own space, securely attached to the side of the parent's bed.

Co-sleeping bassinets provide easy access for nighttime feedings and comfort, fostering a strong parent-child bond. With safety features like breathable mesh sides and secure attachment mechanisms, co-sleeper bassinets ensure a dedicated sleep space for the baby while maintaining proximity to the parents.

This arrangement can ease nighttime caregiving and enhance the overall sleep experience for both the baby and parents, promoting a sense of security and closeness. Always follow safety guidelines and instructions provided by the manufacturer to create a secure sleep environment for your baby.

Tips on How to make the bassinet warm safely

By incorporating these tips, you can safely ensure that your baby's bassinet remains warm and snug, promoting a restful and secure sleep environment.

Choose Appropriate Bedding:

Opt for fitted sheets and blankets made of breathable, natural fabrics like cotton. Avoid excessive layers to prevent overheating.

Use a Sleep Sack:

Employ a sleep sack or wearable blanket to keep your baby warm without introducing loose bedding. These are designed to offer warmth without the risks associated with traditional blankets.

Monitor Room Temperature:

Regularly check and adjust the room temperature to maintain a comfortable and safe sleep environment. The ideal temperature is typically between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22.2 degrees Celsius).

Employ a Bassinet Heater with Caution:

If considering a bassinet heater, choose one specifically designed for infant use. Follow manufacturer guidelines rigorously and ensure it does not pose any safety hazards, such as overheating or contact risks.

Dress Your Baby in Layers:

Dress your baby in layers, allowing you to adjust their clothing based on the room temperature. This enables you to maintain a balance between warmth and preventing overheating.

Position the Bassinet Strategically:

Place the bassinet away from drafts and direct sources of airflow. Strategic placement helps minimize temperature variations and keeps your baby cosy.

Use a Mattress Pad:

Employ a thin, breathable mattress pad for added insulation. Ensure it fits snugly and doesn't compromise the firmness of the mattress.

Monitor Signs of Overheating:

Watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating, flushed skin, or feeling excessively warm to the touch. Adjust your baby's clothing or the room temperature accordingly.

Conduct Trial Runs:

Before bedtime, conduct trial runs to assess the effectiveness of your warming strategies. This allows you to make adjustments and fine-tune your approach for optimal comfort.

Consult Pediatrician:

When in doubt, consult your Pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice based on your baby's specific needs, health, and the climate in your region.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a careful blend of techniques is needed to create a cozy and secure bassinet environment. Every advice helps create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your baby, from using sleep sacks and choosing appropriate bedding to keeping an eye on the room's temperature and positioning the bassinet thoughtfully.

While considering the cautious use of bassinet heaters, it's paramount to prioritize safety and adhere to manufacturer guidelines. Regularly monitoring your baby for signs of overheating and consulting your Pediatrician when needed ensures a personalized and informed approach.

By implementing these tips, parents can confidently navigate the delicate balance of keeping their baby warm while maintaining a secure sleep environment, promoting optimal sleep conditions for their little ones.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my baby is cold in his bassinet?

Watch for signs like cool hands or feet, fussiness, or if the baby feels cold to the touch. Dress them in appropriate layers and use a sleep sack for warmth.

Does sleeping in AC cause cold in babies?

No, sleeping in AC alone doesn't cause colds. Ensure a comfortable room temperature, dress your baby appropriately, and avoid direct airflow to prevent them from feeling too cold.


At what age should a baby stop sleeping in a bassinet?

Most babies transition to a crib between 4 to 6 months or when they outgrow the bassinet's weight or size limit. Follow manufacturer guidelines and monitor your baby's development.


Is a swaddle enough to keep a baby warm?

A swaddle provides warmth, but ensure the baby is appropriately dressed for the room temperature. Transition to sleep sacks as they grow, allowing for safer mobility while keeping them warm.


About Sara Khan

Sara Khan, an experienced writer who specializes in baby and toddler bedding. With her in-depth knowledge and research, Sara brings valuable insights and practical advice to help parents and caregivers make informed decisions about their child's sleep and comfort.