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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

baby, heating, who is right?

101 replies

Oumcs · 22/09/2023 07:56

Current temperature of downstairs is 16 degrees. Dh adamant heating doesn’t need to go on as it’s only September. We have a one year old… I think it should be on?

OP posts:
ValerieDoonican · 22/09/2023 08:27

I would start to worry a bit about damp at that temperature or below. Is your home well ventilated?

I would consider putting it on for an hour or two in the evening because that will help drive the damp out -along with using the fans, opening windows etc as normal.

Timmytap18 · 22/09/2023 08:29

Forget what temperature it says, if you feel cold put the heating on, if you don't then don't.

My 1 year old is always hot from running around so probably wouldn't be too bothered

ActDottie · 22/09/2023 08:30

Just put more layers on the child of you’re worried but no need for heating to go on.

3WildOnes · 22/09/2023 08:32

Oumcs · 22/09/2023 08:13

This is in the day. I wouldn’t put it on at night.

I would put it on for myself if the house was 16 in the day. I like my house to be at least 18.

Mistressanne · 22/09/2023 08:34

I would put the heating on.
The minimum temperature for an office is 16c though.

Balloonhearts · 22/09/2023 08:34

I'd just put it on if the baby is cold. Dress her in an extra layer and if her hands are cold to the touch then I'd turn it on.

YourNameGoesHere · 22/09/2023 08:35

The temperature doesn't matter. Are you cold and does your child seems cold if yes put it on if no then there's no need.

Personally at 1 DS didn't stay still for more than 2 minutes so no need for heating or extra layers as he didn't get cold like a non mobile baby would.

ApolloandDaphne · 22/09/2023 08:36

It was 17 in my house this morning and I popped the heating on for an hour. I hate being cold when I am getting up. I think 16 is a bit cold.

Widowsfire · 22/09/2023 08:37

Do you mean it's 16 during the night/first thing in the morning? I wouldn't put it on for that. I'd definitely put it on if it was never getting above 16. I can't honestly believe anyone would think it's Ok to maintain your house at 16, baby or not. Appreciate some might have to, but that doesn't make it right.

PurBal · 22/09/2023 08:37

I’d be cold sat in 16 during the day. But my 2yo would be fine because he’s always on the go. At night it would be fine. I don’t think either of you are “right”. It just depends.

PurpleMonkeys · 22/09/2023 08:39

Do people have thermometers in rooms these days?
I couldn't even tell you what temp any of the rooms of my house are right now. I'm sat with the widow open enjoying the breeze coming through.

InYourHeadZombieeeaeaeaea · 22/09/2023 08:41

ValerieDoonican · 22/09/2023 08:27

I would start to worry a bit about damp at that temperature or below. Is your home well ventilated?

I would consider putting it on for an hour or two in the evening because that will help drive the damp out -along with using the fans, opening windows etc as normal.

Exactly. Heat and air.
So many people don't do it and then wonder where the mould is coming from.
Short brutal 10 min airing is the best. Doesn't lose heat enough for it to be a problem, but airs well

Hungrycaterpillarsmummy · 22/09/2023 08:41

I'd definitely have it on. 16 Deg feels freezing to me.
In fact our kicks in at 17 to heat to 18

Reallybadidea · 22/09/2023 08:42

This thread is extreme even by MN standards. Of course 16 degrees is cold ffs even if it is only September.

I swear people just disagree with the OP on principle.

BlueKaftan · 22/09/2023 08:44

Why wouldn’t a one year old need heat?

itsallnewnow · 22/09/2023 08:46

Sugarfree23 · 22/09/2023 08:17

I'd have the heating on 16 degrees is too cold for me to be comfortable just sitting around.

Although going by this thread they are probably the people who bang air con on at 16 degree while the rest of us freeze or go outside for a heat!

Surely depends on age and lifestyle as well though! I don't get any chance for sitting around so 16 feels fine. Our thermostat is set at 14 and goes on if it drops below that regardless of month. In spring I broke my
Leg so was far less mobile and needed the dial at 19 to be comfortable

theemmadilemma · 22/09/2023 08:49

At 16 I'd need layers and my hands would feel cold, too cold for me. 19 is ok. Frankly I'd prefer 20 but compromise for bills sake. 🤷‍♀️

We both like a cold bedroom, but once I'm up I need it warm.

Catza · 22/09/2023 08:49

The most important question is does your child seem cold or uncomfortable? If they are not showing signs of distress and don't look or feel cold, then surely it's all you need to know to make a decision. Age and the actual temperature in the house are irrelevant.

autienotnaughty · 22/09/2023 08:53

We never put our heating on overnight. We have quilts! I'd assess temp in babies room and either put it on for a couple hours in evening or put extra blankets on baby

cringelibrarian · 22/09/2023 09:02

This reply has been deleted

This user is a troll so we've removed their threads and posts.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 22/09/2023 09:05

Are you both home? Everyone needs to be comfortable so if its on or off people should flex clothing to suit.

If he is out and you are home with dc then he doesn't get a say

OneMoreCookieMonster · 22/09/2023 09:09

I think...minimum safe temperature for babies is 16c and shouldn't be higher than 20c. But that may only be for sleep. But below 16 and I'd be putting the heating on. Also, it's been rainy and damp so homes feel colder. I get where you're coming from. But, just say you're cold and don't use baby as an excuse.

I've started using the oven more cooking dinner. When I'm finished cooking I leave the oven door open about an inch. As it's cooling it heats up the downstairs really well. It's a fan oven and the fan runs for a good 10 mins after it's off to push put smells and cool the oven. At the moment that's enough to keep down stairs toasty. And keeps the chill off in the morning.

Dress baby in one more than you're wearing and get baby dressed for the before going down in the morning.

My H is the same with heating. Has some weird rule of not having it on before Nov 1. Hands out hot water bottles and tells use to wear sweaters. I just put it on when he's out or just put it on. He'll moan but I pay the bills too. I'm also from N America and we use air con/heating/temp control all through the year at home. So use to a steady 18c all year unless it's super cold which it doesn't get here and temp goes up to 21.

Ohreallynotok · 22/09/2023 09:11

My baby is 8 months and I've put it on if that helps, also back to putting vests on.

Certainlyreally · 22/09/2023 09:12

PurpleMonkeys · 22/09/2023 08:02

16c is warm.. unless you're the sort that has their heating blasting at 25c.

But I'm an 80s kid, we were put outside in winter to sleep. Fresh air, did us good.. 🤣

What 1880s?

I'm a 1970s baby and we werent

BeeDavis · 22/09/2023 09:13

If my other half wanted the heating on right now it would be a hell no 😂😂