Setting Up Your Newborn's Room: Temperature, Light and Fresh Air

From the moment you bring your baby home, the room around them starts doing quiet work too, on their sleep, their comfort, even their little body clock. Here's what's actually worth paying attention to, without turning the nursery into a science project.

Getting the Temperature Right

Newborns aren't yet great at regulating their own body temperature, so the room matters more than you'd think. UK guidance generally points to somewhere around 16 to 20°C as the comfortable range for a baby's room, a bit cooler than most adults would pick. A room thermometer takes the guesswork out of it, and it's worth remembering that overheating (not just being cold) is something to actively avoid, so dress your baby for the room rather than piling on blankets "just in case".

Using Light to Build Day and Night

Babies aren't born knowing the difference between 3pm and 3am, but you can help that internal clock along.

Fresh Air and Gentle Cleaning

A daily airing, even just opening the window for fifteen minutes while your baby is in another room, helps keep the air fresh. Keeping the home smoke-free and going easy on strong fragrances and heavy-duty cleaning products protects lungs that are still getting used to the world. Where you can, natural, fragrance-light cleaning products are kinder to a newborn's developing senses than anything heavily scented.

Safety Before They're On the Move

It arrives faster than you'd think. Socket covers, corner guards, and stair gates are all worth having in place early, and it's well worth anchoring any tall or heavy furniture, like bookcases or a TV unit, to the wall well before your baby starts pulling themselves up on things.

However your nursery looks right now, if your baby feels safe and loved, you've got the important bit covered. #MOCHiMums