It is generally accepted that an infants bedroom should be kept at between 18-20 degrees C. At this temperature the room is cool enough to allow baby to be warm and to sleep without being overheated. As winter cools the outside air there is a temptation to increase the temperature inside homes, as much for the comfort of the adults as the comfort of children. The ambient temperature of your living room is chosen for your comfort and that is a personal choice.
Children do not make these choices so what should we consider for them?
Toddlers should have one layer more clothing on, than their parents, to ensure that they remain warm and comfortable. Wearing a hat out of doors is helpful, as babies and small children lose a fair amount of body heat through their scalp. Where there isn't a great deal of hair, this loss is increased. Toddlers are notorious for wriggling out of hats shoes and gloves, which is why strollers have warmly lined "suits" or cosies to keep them warm.
Children's body thermostat is not as efficient as an adults, so it is important to ensure that they remain warm and dry despite the winter storms and snows. When ever possible parents should avoid taking very young children out after 3.30pm/4pm as this is when the temperature outside is most likely to start it's evening fall. Although the baby/child may have been warmly enough dressed earlier in the day this fall in temperature can make it more difficult to remain warm.
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