As the year winds down and winter settles in, cozy sweaters and snowy mornings start to take center stage. But while this season can feel magical, it also brings new challenges—especially when it comes to keeping your baby’s room warm, comfortable, and sleep-ready.
Colder temps can make it harder to regulate your little one’s sleep space, but with a few smart adjustments, you can create a cozy nursery that supports safer, more restful sleep.
How to Keep Your Baby's Room Warm in Winter
Here are some mom-approved, expert-backed tips to help you prep your baby’s room for chilly nights:
Monitor the Room Temperature
Babies sleep best in rooms kept between 68–72°F, according to the AAP. But if your child’s room has multiple windows—or drafty ones—it can be tough to maintain a consistent temperature.
- Try: Use an indoor thermometer to track the actual temperature of the room, not just the main thermostat reading.
- If you have a smart thermostat, check if it offers remote sensors for individual rooms.
- Make small adjustments (like moving furniture or adding insulation) based on where the chill is coming from.
HALO tip: A temperature monitor near the crib (but out of reach) can help you track trends and make tweaks.
Choosing the Right Bedding
When it comes to winter sleep, comfort and safety should always go hand in hand. While it’s tempting to pile on cozy blankets, the AAP recommends keeping the crib free of loose bedding, pillows, or quilts.
- A fitted cotton crib sheet that’s breathable and snug
- A firm, flat crib mattress with no added padding or toppers
- A wearable blanket or sleep sack to add warmth without loose covers
If you're shopping for crib mattresses, look for one that fits snugly in the crib frame with no gaps along the sides. It should feel firm to the touch—not soft or cushiony. A well-fitting sheet made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton can also help regulate your baby’s body temperature.
Save the fluffy blankets for supervised tummy time or stroller walks—just not in the crib.
Crib Mattress and Crib Sheets
Insulate with Curtains or Window Film
Older windows can let in cold air—even if they’re closed.
- Thick, thermal curtains help block drafts and retain warmth.
- Insulating window film acts as a clear barrier and can be found at most hardware stores.
Bonus: Curtains also help darken the room for better naps and bedtime sleep!
Position the Crib Wisely
Where you place your baby’s crib matters, especially in winter.
- Keep the crib away from windows, vents, radiators, and space heaters.
- Test out spots in the room—if it feels comfortable for you, it's likely right for your little one.
- Always follow safe sleep guidelines: firm, flat sleep surface with no soft bedding or toys.
Nursery Furniture Best Sellers
Whole-Home Tips for a Cozier Winter
It’s not just your baby’s room that could use a little cold-weather TLC! Try these ideas to keep the whole family comfy:
- Cool mist humidifiers help balance dry winter air. (Skip essential oils in baby’s room—some may irritate sensitive lungs.)
- Draft stoppers under exterior doors help seal in warmth.
- Use programmable thermostats to warm the house during active hours and lower temps at night.
- Reverse ceiling fan direction (counterclockwise) to push warm air down where you need it most.
Final Thoughts
Winter brings new layers (literally!) to keeping your baby safe and warm. But with a few mindful changes, you can create a nursery that’s both cozy and aligned with safe sleep standards.
Remember: sleep isn’t always perfect—and that’s okay. Keep checking in with what feels right for your little one, and make adjustments as needed.
Stay warm, and sleep well this winter.
Winter SleepSacks
