
It is normal for newborns to sweat, but excessive sweating could indicate an underlying health condition. Newborns are still learning to regulate their body temperature, so they may sweat to cool down. Sweating may also be caused by factors such as crying, fever, or infections. While sweating is typically harmless, it can sometimes signal a more serious issue, such as congenital heart disease. Therefore, it is important to monitor newborns for any unusual symptoms and consult a doctor if concerned.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Sweating in newborns | Normal |
Reasons for sweating | Overheating, crying, fever, genetic differences, certain medical conditions |
Treatment | Remove clothing layers, move to a cooler area, breastfeed or give a bottle to prevent dehydration |
When to see a doctor | Newborn with a fever, signs of an infection, excessive sweating even in comfortable temperatures, frequent sleep apnea, reduced urine output, sweating during feeding |
What You'll Learn
Newborns sweat to cool down
It is normal for newborns to sweat. Sweating is the body's natural response to becoming too hot, and babies who get too hot may overheat, which causes them to sweat. Newborns are still learning to regulate their body temperature, and they can't yet talk to let caregivers know they're starting to feel warm. So sweating is a sign that they're overheating.
Babies may sweat all over their body or only in certain areas, such as the head. The area that sweats the most is often the hottest part of the body. For example, a baby may sweat on their head if they are wearing a hat in the sun.
Babies are born with two types of sweat glands: apocrine and eccrine. The eccrine glands are the most active when babies are newborns, especially those on their forehead, which is why parents often say their newborn's forehead feels sweaty.
If your baby is sweating, you can help them cool down by:
- Removing a layer of clothing
- Moving them to a cooler area
- Adjusting the room temperature to between 68 and 72°F (20 to 22°C)
- Using a fan to circulate the air in their room
- Breastfeeding or giving them a bottle to prevent dehydration
While newborn sweating is common, there are a few times when you should be concerned. If your newborn is sweating excessively and displaying other signs of illness, such as a fever, it's time to call your pediatrician. Look out for the following red flags:
- Your baby is having trouble breathing
- Their skin is hot to the touch
- They become lethargic after sweating
In most cases, newborn sweating is simply a sign that they're too warm or overdressed.
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Crying can make newborns sweat
Crying is a newborn's way of communicating, and sometimes they cry a lot. If your baby has been crying for a while, they could have worked themselves into a sweat. This is similar to how your body temperature may rise while exercising. If your baby experiences this, it's important to calm them down so their body can begin to cool.
Crying can make a baby feel hot, causing them to sweat. This effect is more common when a baby cries very hard or for a long period. Some research suggests that babies may sweat on their palms and feet when they are upset. Parents and caregivers may notice this sweating even after a baby stops crying.
If your baby is crying hard and has worked up a sweat, take the time to figure out what they need and help them, and see if the sweating stops. While the cause of the crying could be that your baby is hot, there may be other reasons: they might be hungry, need a diaper change, or just want you to hold them.
If your baby is sweating and you don't see a reason for them to be hot, it's a good idea to check their temperature. A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is a fever. If your baby is younger than 2 months old and has a fever, call their doctor.
How to calm a crying newborn
- Try to soothe them with gentle words and soft hugs.
- Give your baby a warm bath or a gentle massage.
- A quick trip outside may also help.
- A light massage with some Melting Massage Balm can help calm your little one so they can better regulate their temperature.
- Change their clothes and bedding frequently so they don't have wet material sitting on their skin.
- You can also use a soft cotton towel to remove any excess moisture from their body.
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Sweating may indicate a fever
It is normal for newborns to sweat, but sweating may indicate a fever.
Newborns cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so they may sweat more frequently. They also cannot yet talk to communicate that they are starting to feel warm, so sweating is a non-verbal sign that they are overheating. When a newborn is sweaty, you may notice their cheeks are flushed, and they may feel warm and damp.
If your newborn is sweating and you don't see a reason for them to be hot, it's a good idea to check their temperature. A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is a fever. If your baby is younger than 2 months old and has a fever, call their doctor. If your baby is younger than 3 months old and has a fever with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C), seek medical attention.
If your baby is sweating but usually doesn't sweat or doesn't sweat much, they might be getting a cold or have an infection. A fever is a telltale sign of infection, so take your baby's temperature. You can usually use infant Tylenol to lower the fever and ease symptoms, but talk to your doctor about dosing and recommendations if your baby is younger than 6 months.
Fever medication may make the fever go away, but it will not treat the infection. Therefore, people should not assume that the baby is better just because medication successfully relieves sweating or a fever.
If your newborn is sweating excessively and displays other signs of illness, such as a fever, it's time to call your pediatrician.
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Congenital heart disease can cause sweating
It is normal for newborns to sweat, but excessive sweating can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue. One potential cause of excessive sweating in newborns is congenital heart disease.
Congenital heart disease refers to problems with the formation of a baby's heart that have been present since birth. These problems can affect how blood flows through the heart and the blood vessels surrounding it. In some cases, congenital heart disease can cause excessive sweating, as the baby's body works harder to pump blood. This is because many forms of congenital heart defects involve an excessive amount of blood flow through the lungs, which can lead to rapid breathing and make it harder for the baby to breathe during activities such as feeding. The extra work required to breathe and pump blood can result in sweating.
Additionally, congenital heart disease can lead to an increased metabolic rate, as the heart is forced to work harder than normal. Sweating is often a side effect of this increased metabolic rate. The most common forms of heart defects associated with sweating include ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, aortic valve stenosis, and coarctation of the aorta.
Babies with congenital heart disease may sweat nearly all the time, and they may experience difficulty eating, a bluish tint to the skin, and fast, shallow breathing. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention and have your baby evaluated by a paediatrician or cardiologist to rule out any serious heart problems.
While congenital heart disease can be a potential cause of excessive sweating in newborns, it is important to note that there are also other possible causes, including hyperhidrosis, a cold, fever, or infection. Therefore, if you are concerned about your baby's sweating, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Overheating can be dangerous for newborns
To prevent overheating, dress your newborn in one more layer than you would wear yourself in the same environment. For example, if you're comfortable in a t-shirt, dress your baby in a onesie and a light romper. It's also crucial to choose breathable fabrics that allow air to circulate and help regulate their temperature.
Keep your newborn's room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 degrees Celsius). You can use a portable thermometer or a baby monitor that reports the temperature to maintain this ideal range. Additionally, ensure there is plenty of fresh air circulating in their room, and consider using a fan to improve airflow, especially in humid areas.
If your newborn is sweating, assess the situation and make the necessary adjustments to their environment or clothing. Remove a layer of clothing if they seem too warm, and ensure they are in a cool, well-ventilated area. It's also important to stay calm and help your baby relax if they are upset, as crying can contribute to sweating.
While sweating is generally normal for newborns, watch out for red flags such as trouble breathing, skin that feels hot to the touch, or lethargy after sweating. These could indicate a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate care for your baby.
In summary, overheating is a concern for newborns due to their immature temperature regulation abilities. By controlling their environment, clothing, and comfort, you can help prevent overheating and ensure your baby's well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for newborns to sweat. Newborns are still learning to regulate their body temperature and may sweat to cool down. They may also be overdressed or in a warm environment.
If your newborn is sweating, you should try to cool them down by removing layers of clothing, moving them to a cooler room, or adjusting the room temperature. You can also try to calm them down with gentle words and soft hugs, or give them a warm bath or a gentle massage.
While sweating is normal for newborns, excessive sweating or sweating without any apparent cause could indicate an underlying medical condition. If your newborn is sweating a lot and displaying other signs of illness, such as a fever, trouble breathing, or lethargy, seek medical attention.