Newborn Temperature: What's Normal And What's Not?

It is normal for parents to worry about whether their newborn is feeling too hot or cold. Babies cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as older kids and adults, so it is important to pay attention to their environment and other factors, like how they're dressed, to ensure their comfort and safety. A baby's temperature can be checked by feeling their stomach and/or back or by using a thermometer. A normal body temperature range for babies is between 97.5°F to 100.4°F.

Ideal room temperature for a newborn

It is important to maintain a comfortable room temperature for a newborn baby, as it can impact their sleep quality. The ideal room temperature for a baby is between 64-72°Fahrenheit (20-22°Celsius).

Maintaining the right temperature for a baby is crucial as it helps them sleep longer and better. It also prevents them from overheating, reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other health issues.

• Too Hot: You can feel the back of their neck, chest, or ears to check if your baby is too warm. Their skin may be flushed, sweaty, or clammy, and they may also be irritable and restless.
• Too Cold: Check if their hands and feet are cold to the touch. They may also seem less active and have a lower body temperature than usual.

Tips for Keeping Your Baby Comfortable:

• Sleep Position: Put your baby to sleep on their back until they are one year old, as this helps reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Crib/Bassinet: Keep the crib free of blankets, loose sheets, pillows, toys, and other items that can cause suffocation or choking.
• Clothing: Avoid overdressing your baby. Use lightweight, breathable clothing, and consider dressing them in one extra layer compared to older children.
• Swaddling: Swaddle your baby with a breathable blanket or a sleep sack, ensuring it is not too large or tight. Stop swaddling once they can roll over to reduce the risk of suffocation.
• Head Covering: Avoid putting hats or beanies on your baby while they sleep, as it can affect their ability to regulate temperature and increase the risk of breathing difficulties.
• Thermostat/Fan: Use a thermostat to maintain the ideal temperature. A fan in the room can also help circulate air and reduce the risk of SIDS.

In summary, maintaining a comfortable room temperature for a newborn is essential for their sleep and overall well-being. By following the above guidelines, you can ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable.

How to check if a newborn is too hot

It's normal for newborns to feel warm, but it's important to ensure they don't overheat. Overheating can cause discomfort, sleep problems, heat rash, and even infant sleep death (SIDS). Here are some ways to check if your newborn is too hot:

• Feel their neck, back, or stomach. The skin should feel warm, but not hot or sweaty.
• Check their ears and neck. If their ears are red and hot, and their neck is sweaty, they are too warm.
• Observe their behaviour. If they seem uncomfortable, flushed, or are sweating, they may be too hot.
• Monitor their breathing. Overheating can cause rapid breathing.
• Take their temperature. A normal temperature for newborns is around 97.5°F to 100.4°F (36.4°C to 38°C). A temperature above 100.4°F is considered a fever and requires medical attention, especially for babies under 3 months old.
• Dress them appropriately for the weather and room temperature. As a general rule, dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear yourself.
• Avoid overdressing. Hats, beanies, and too many layers can cause overheating. Remove these when indoors or in a warm place, and always before sleep.
• Use lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or bamboo.
• Keep the room temperature between 64.4°F and 72°F (20°C to 22.2°C).
• Stay hydrated. Offer breastmilk or formula to your baby to prevent dehydration.

Remember, it's important to regularly monitor your newborn's temperature and adjust their clothing or the room temperature as needed.

How to prevent a newborn from overheating

It's normal for a newborn to feel warm, but overheating is a serious concern. Overheating can cause discomfort, sleep loss, heat rash, and even infant sleep death (SIDS). Here are some tips to prevent your newborn from overheating:

• Keep the room temperature between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22.2 degrees Celsius). This range is suitable for both summer and winter.
• Avoid using extra heaters or AC units in the room. Instead, use fans to circulate air, which can also reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Dress your newborn in one extra layer compared to what you're wearing. You can add or remove layers as needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or bamboo for their clothing.
• Avoid overdressing your newborn, especially in warm weather. Dress them in light-coloured, loose clothing, and use sunscreen and hats with wide brims for sun protection.
• Keep hats and beanies on your newborn when outdoors, but remove them when indoors or before sleep. Covering their head during sleep can reduce their ability to cool down and may cause breathing difficulties.
• Avoid using soft bedding, electric blankets, hot water bottles, or too many blankets in their crib or bassinet, as these can contribute to overheating and pose safety risks.
• Keep your newborn well-hydrated with breastmilk or formula.
• Be cautious when using a stroller or car seat outdoors, as these can get hot quickly. Use the built-in shade in strollers, and avoid covering them with blankets.
• Never leave your newborn unattended in a car, regardless of the temperature outside.
• If your newborn feels warm, touch their neck to check for sweatiness or coldness. Their skin should feel warm, not hot or cold.

How to dress a newborn for the right temperature

It is normal for newborns to feel warm to the touch, but it is important to ensure that they are not too hot or too cold. Newborns are not good at regulating their body temperature, so it is important to dress them appropriately for the weather and the temperature of their sleeping environment. Here are some tips on how to dress a newborn for different temperatures:

For cold weather:

• Think layers: Dress your newborn in thin layers that can be easily removed if they get too warm. Start with a thin cotton onesie and add layers such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a sweater or jumper.
• Cover up: Make sure your newborn is covered from head to toe. Use mittens, gloves, a hat, thick socks, and boots if needed.
• Use blankets outside: If you are going out in the stroller, use a blanket and/or the stroller's rain cover to keep your newborn warm.
• Car seat safety: Remove any bulky coats before putting your newborn in their car seat. Multiple thin layers, a hat, and mittens are safe to wear in a car seat.
• Beware of overheating: Newborns dressed in too many layers are at risk of overheating and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Remove winter clothes as soon as you go indoors.
• Keep the room temperature cool: Maintain a room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22.2 degrees Celsius). Check your newborn's neck to see if they are too sweaty.
• Skip the blankets: Instead of blankets, dress your newborn in a warm sleeper or sleep sack for bedtime. Loose bedding is a risk factor for SIDS.

For hot weather:

• Take away layers: When the temperature is over 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23.8 degrees Celsius), a single layer of lightweight cotton should be enough.
• Cover your newborn's head: Use a lightweight hat to protect them from too much sunlight.
• Think thinner: Use lighter fabrics, especially at night. Your newborn will likely still need one more layer than you, such as a light sleeper onesie and a thin sleep sack.
• Keep your newborn shielded from the sun: Avoid sun exposure, especially during midday when the sun is strongest. Use a stroller canopy, hat, or UV-protective clothing to shield them from the sun.
• Protect your newborn's eyes: Use sunglasses with 100% UV protection to shield their eyes from the sun.

For mild weather:

• Use the layer rule: Dress your newborn in as many layers as you would wear and then add one more layer.
• Keep your newborn dry: Wet or damp clothing can make them cold, even in cool weather. Check their diaper frequently when you are outside.
• Shield them from the sun: Use a stroller canopy, hat, or other protective gear to shield them from the sun, regardless of the temperature.

Signs of overheating:

• Flushed and sweaty skin
• Rapid breathing
• Irritability and crankiness
• Heat stroke

If you think your newborn is overheated, remove layers, go to a cooler place, and call your paediatrician if they do not cool down.

Signs of being too cold:

• Frostbite
• Hypothermia
• Lethargy or unresponsiveness

If your newborn shows any of these signs, take them to a warmer place and call your doctor immediately.

Risks of overheating

It is normal for newborns to feel warm to the touch, but overheating poses serious risks.

Newborns cannot regulate their body temperature, so it is important for parents to monitor their babies for signs of overheating. Overheating can cause irritability, restlessness, and fever. In extreme cases, it can also lead to heat stroke, which requires immediate medical attention.

Babies who are overheated may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Weakness or dizziness
• Fast breathing or heartbeat
• Hot, dry, flushed skin
• Fever of 105°F (39-40°C) or higher
• Excess sweating
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness

To prevent overheating, it is recommended to:

• Avoid thick clothing, too many layers, and high room temperatures.
• Keep the room temperature between 68-72°F (20-22°C).
• Use a fan to circulate air and reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Remove hats and extra layers when indoors or in a warm place.
• Avoid swaddling babies once they can roll over to prevent suffocation and overheating.
• Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or bamboo.
• Avoid electric blankets and hot water bottles, as they can easily cause overheating.
• Keep babies out of direct sunlight and park them in the shade when outdoors.

It is crucial to act quickly if you suspect your baby is overheated. Remove any excess clothing, move them to a cooler area, and apply cool sponges or wet compresses. If symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention immediately.

Frequently asked questions