AIR CONDITIONING · CHILD'S BEDROOM
What Temperature Should
a Child's Bedroom Be?
The safest answer is not one number on the remote. The useful answer comes from the temperature beside the bed, the child's age and what they are wearing.
Measure the room, not the number on the AC
The setting is the unit’s target, not a guarantee of the temperature beside the bed. Put a room thermometer away from the vent, window and direct sun.
Babies need separate safer-sleep guidance
For sleeping babies, UK safer-sleep guidance recommends a room temperature of 16–20°C with suitable light bedding or a correctly rated sleep bag. Follow the guidance used in your country and your baby’s healthcare advice.
For older children, comfort is more than one number
There is no single worldwide AC setting for every child. Age, clothing, bedding, health, outdoor heat and the actual room temperature all matter. Make small changes and check the child rather than repeatedly lowering the setting.
Keep cold air away from the bed
Aim the airflow across the room, not at the face or body. A child directly under the vent can feel cold while the rest of the room is still warm.
Check heat and moisture together
A room can feel uncomfortable because it is humid, not simply hot. A basic thermometer and hygrometer gives a clearer picture than lowering the temperature by guesswork.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE ROOM
Four things to check
- The room thermometer is away from the AC vent.
- Air is not blowing directly onto the bed.
- Clothing and bedding suit the actual room temperature.
- The child does not feel hot, sweaty or unusually cold.
SOURCES & SCOPE
Baby sleep guidance is based on the NHS guidance for keeping babies cool and The Lullaby Trust’s hot-weather advice. Humidity guidance is informed by the U.S. EPA’s indoor-air guide. Seek medical advice for a child with fever, breathing difficulty, unusual sleepiness or other concerning symptoms.