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AIBU?

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MIL not sleeping over our house being too cold

360 replies

lilseb · 07/11/2025 23:45

We have a 5mo baby. We've just moved into our property which has an EPC C and insulated/double glazing, but since the weather's turned cold we've found our bedroom is far too cold, unsure why and we want to get a specialist in. We are a bit sparse with heating but we put it on morning and evening to heat house up to 16c, we top up in the day if its especially cold and use heaters/fireplace in certain rooms we use more so they're warmer than the 16c (including said bedroom but this was not effective). The rest of the house is fine except this one room. Me and baby are now sleeping in spare room which is much warmer. Baby is in recommended vest sleepsuit and 2.5-3.5 tog sleeping bag for the weather.

MIL is convinced the issue is we don't put the heating on enough and having arguments with my husband about it. She's said its not good enough that we're using our dyson for heating or that me and baby have switched room and we need to have the heating on more, and she thinks 16c is too cold. She has told me and my husband separately that she is so worried about our house she's not sleeping, citing worries for my husband's asthma and our child's health. The latter has upset me because I'm trying to follow the recommended advice for temperature and I wouldn't risk my child's welfare. Husband says I'm being over sensitive, and I know she probably doesn't mean to imply it, but I do think she should be thinking through what she says.

Husband is a tightarse and I frequently ignore his moaning and switch heating on anyway - however we both feel that the issue with the bedroom is not the heating, and that we think 16c is a reasonable temperature that will keep us healthy and should keep house in good condition. I don't know if I get especially warm but I woke up last night feeling too hot and room temperature was 17c. My husband similarly is ok with cooler temperatures.

My view is its our house and our baby and MIL has said her piece so now needs to reign it in. AIBU? I know she's grandmother and I can't stop her worrying but we're already navigating a new house and new baby and could do without her rattling me. I had a conversation with her earlier which was pleasant and constructive enough and I'm hoping will nip some of this in the bud, but I don't know whether to be tougher if there's a next time.

OP posts:
saraclara · 08/11/2025 00:07

We are a bit sparse with heating but we put it on morning and evening to heat house up to 16c, we top up in the day if its especially cold and use heaters/fireplace in certain rooms

So the house doesn't even reach 16c for chunks if the day, if you only put the heating on briefly in the morning and evening?
In that case it definitely isn't safe for your baby.

If it means you have to use electric heaters in summer rooms, it's a false economy. It will cost more to run those heaters than it would to have gas central heating on to a sensible temperature. Your tight husband isn't even getting his strategy right.

The thermostat should be at a minimum of 18c with a young baby, and it should be left to come on and off automatically throughout the daytime.

Maray1967 · 08/11/2025 00:07

16 is far too cold. At the very least you need to get it up to 18; 20 would be better.

Turn the heating up !!!

lilseb · 08/11/2025 00:07

user1473878824 · 08/11/2025 00:06

BETWEEN!!!!!!!!

Yes, I've mentioned our room is 17c. 16c is our minimum

OP posts:
user1473878824 · 08/11/2025 00:06

lilseb · 08/11/2025 00:02

We're going off the Lullaby Trust recommendation for newborn babies in rooms at 16 - 20c. A lot of antenatal classes was focused on dangers of overheating babies in putting them in rooms above this temp (not that I'm especially worried about overheating now)

BETWEEN!!!!!!!!

HAPPILYMARRIEDSINCE2012 · 08/11/2025 00:04

TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne · 07/11/2025 23:49

16 degrees?
Are you serious?
Mine is on at 24 most of the time, and boosted to 30 occasionally for short bursts.

What I was thinking 🤔

LovesLabradors · 08/11/2025 00:04

I would freeze in a 16 degree house.

CinnamonJellyBeans · 08/11/2025 00:04

I followed the NHS temp advice to the letter, as I had very little experience of babies. I could kick myself now, looking back at the tiny baby with a vest, babygrow, thin sheet, thin blanket, thin hat in the middle of winter, while I slept under a duvet, insulated by post partum fat. She must have been cold, which is why she woke up so much.

I say minimum 18 degrees, in a draught-free, well -ventilated room is better

youalright · 08/11/2025 00:03

What are you doing pissing about with all these heaters and fires and getting workmen round to see why your house is cold put the bloody heating on and at a normal temperature like 20. It sound miserable thats not a home.

lilseb · 08/11/2025 00:02

TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne · 07/11/2025 23:49

16 degrees?
Are you serious?
Mine is on at 24 most of the time, and boosted to 30 occasionally for short bursts.

We're going off the Lullaby Trust recommendation for newborn babies in rooms at 16 - 20c. A lot of antenatal classes was focused on dangers of overheating babies in putting them in rooms above this temp (not that I'm especially worried about overheating now)

OP posts:
Childanddogmama · 08/11/2025 00:02

You haven't said you are struggling financially, so just put the heating on higher and for longer. I'm no specialist but maybe give it a try!!

saraclara · 08/11/2025 00:01

I would be very uncomfortable in a house kept at 16 degrees. I would certainly be very reluctant to stay with anyone who kept their house that cold.

My home is kept at 20 degrees when I'm in, with the heating off overnight (the house is well insulated). I'm careful in general with my budget, but being comfortably warm in my own home is a basic need, imo.

I'm not surprised that your mum is concerned about your child in that environment.

Ghht · 08/11/2025 00:01

16C is cold to live in. If it were that temp outside then I’d be wearing a coat (I don’t like the cold though). I suppose people used to live in houses much colder and survived so I’m sure it’s fine health-wise, but it can’t exactly be comfortable.

mmsnet · 08/11/2025 00:00

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Walkerzoo · 08/11/2025 00:00

I once stated at my best friend's house. .. freezing! I never stayed again.
Good thinking if you don't like your MIL and wish I had done a cold house as it would have saved me many stays with her.

Not good for a baby though

HermioneGrangersHair · 07/11/2025 23:59

Yes it’s your house.
However, you don’t have to be ‘tougher’ with MIL as she is right to raise her concerns.
You have acknowledged she is, and said you are ‘sparse’ with the heating and your husband is a ‘tightarse’. You know that it’s too cold in the house, and it’s is well below the temp advised for small babies who cannot regulate their temperature as well as an adult.
I think you are trying to convince yourself it’s ok and blaming your MIL for your DHs controlling behaviour around heating!

Starzinsky · 07/11/2025 23:58

Sorry I'm with the MIL on this one.

FloofyKat · 07/11/2025 23:58

I believe the recommended indoor temperature for this time of year is between 18-20 degrees. And the WHO say it should be 20 degrees for the young / old / infirm. So 16 degrees sounds a little on the chilly side.

16-18 degrees should be fine for adults at nighttime when our bodies get better rest if it’s a bit cooler. But babies need more warmth,

user1473878824 · 07/11/2025 23:57

It’s insane you don’t just simply turn the heating up

BeeCucumber · 07/11/2025 23:56

You don’t need to get a specialist in - just turn the bloody heating up! It’s not 1960 and you have to manage with one open fire. Why suffer? Your MIL on this occasion is right.

Stormyday34 · 07/11/2025 23:56

Blimey I wouldn’t visit if your house was 16 degrees. Yikes, that’s so cold! Won’t harm the baby but not v comfortable for most people.

We came back from holiday the other day and the thermostat said 16. The house felt cold, even the carpets. I’d be miserable living like that.

Tammygirl12 · 07/11/2025 23:55

It’s too cold. Our house is usually 20 minimum. I wouldn’t be visiting yours for even a daytime trip October to April!!

SixtySomething · 07/11/2025 23:55

much too cold. Well done MIL for speaking out.

sesquipedalian · 07/11/2025 23:54

At 16 degrees, I would be freezing! I hope you and your LO wrap up warm.

Dinosweetpea · 07/11/2025 23:54

16 is cold. Minimum 18 is more normal.

ShesTheAlbatross · 07/11/2025 23:54

TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne · 07/11/2025 23:49

16 degrees?
Are you serious?
Mine is on at 24 most of the time, and boosted to 30 occasionally for short bursts.

You are at the opposite end of the ridiculous scale tbh. You heat your house to 30 degrees??

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