Newborn Sweating: What Causes It And What To Do?

why my newborn sweat so much

Newborns can sweat for a variety of reasons. While sweating in newborns is common and usually not a cause for concern, it is important to monitor your baby's environment and health to ensure that they are comfortable and safe. Sweating is the body's natural response to becoming too hot, and newborns are more susceptible to overheating due to their smaller size and undeveloped nervous and temperature regulation systems. Additionally, newborns may sweat when they are crying, as it can be hard work that requires a lot of energy. In some cases, excessive sweating can indicate an underlying medical condition, such as a heart problem, fever, or infection. Therefore, it is important for parents and caregivers to be vigilant and seek medical attention if they have any concerns or notice any other symptoms.

Characteristics Values
Temperature regulation Newborns are still learning to regulate their body temperature.
Overheating Newborns can overheat due to too many layers of clothing, a warm environment, or being held too close while feeding.
Crying Intense crying can cause sweating.
Deep sleep Newborns may sweat during deep sleep.
Illness Sweating can be a symptom of an illness, such as a fever, cold, or infection.
Genetics Excessive sweating may be linked to genetics.
Medical conditions Sweating can be a sign of medical conditions such as congenital heart disease, sleep apnea, or hyperhidrosis.

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Newborns can't fully sweat, so they rely on caregivers to keep them cool

Newborns can't fully sweat, so it's important for caregivers to keep them cool, especially in hot weather. While newborns are born with two types of sweat glands (apocrine and eccrine), these glands are not yet fully functional. This means that newborns are more likely to overheat, as they can't regulate their body temperature through sweating like adults can.

How to Keep Your Newborn Cool

  • Dress your newborn in lightweight, breathable clothing.
  • Remove layers of clothing if your newborn seems hot.
  • Keep the room temperature between 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C).
  • Use a fan to keep the air circulating.
  • Use beach umbrellas and put them in baby tents when outside.
  • Cover their stroller with a see-through, UV-protective covering.
  • Use mesh window shades on hot, sunny days in the car.
  • Dress them in light, breathable UV-protective clothing when outdoors.
  • Put a cute sunhat and baby sunglasses on them when outside.

Signs of Overheating

It's important to be vigilant for signs of overheating in newborns, as they can't communicate that they're too hot. Symptoms of overheating include:

  • Sweating
  • Warm, flushed skin
  • Rapid breathing
  • Fussiness
  • Decreased activity of arms and legs
  • Lethargy and unresponsiveness
  • Skin and lips that look dehydrated
  • Fever

When to See a Doctor

If you've taken steps to cool down your newborn but they're still sweaty, they may have a fever or another health issue. Seek medical attention if your newborn:

  • Is younger than 3 months old and has a fever with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
  • Is over 3 months old and has a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
  • Is over 3 months old and has had a fever for longer than 2 days
  • Has other symptoms such as gasping or wheezing during sleep, long pauses between breaths, or not gaining weight normally

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Overheating in babies can be dangerous because they are less able to regulate their body temperature than adults

Babies are born with two types of sweat glands: apocrine and eccrine glands. While they have both of these glands, they are not fully functional at birth. Eccrine glands, which are responsible for odourless sweating, start to form during the fourth to fifth month of gestation, while apocrine glands, which cause body odour, are not activated until puberty. As a result, newborns are only able to sweat a little bit, and this is usually most noticeable on their forehead.

Because sweating is the body's way of controlling and cooling down body temperature, the fact that babies cannot sweat as much as adults means that they are more likely to overheat. Overheating in babies can lead to discomfort and significant health risks, including an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is, therefore, crucial to monitor babies for signs of overheating and take steps to cool them down if necessary.

Babies have a higher risk of heat-related problems because their bodies cannot regulate temperature well. This can lead to overheating during skin-to-skin contact or while sleeping on someone's chest. It is important to monitor a baby's body temperature and ensure it remains between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius to prevent dehydration or heat-related illnesses.

Some signs that a baby is overheating include:

  • Feeling warm to the touch, even without a fever
  • Excessive sweating or damp hair
  • Fussiness or restlessness
  • Flushed or red skin, particularly on the cheeks, chest, and neck
  • An elevated heart rate
  • Appearing overly tired, sluggish, or listless
  • Confusion, weakness, or dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting

If a baby shows any of these signs, it is important to take steps to cool them down, such as adjusting the room temperature, removing extra layers of clothing, or applying a cool washcloth to their skin. It is also crucial to ensure that babies stay properly hydrated to help manage their body temperature and prevent overheating-related issues.

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Sweating may be a sign of an increased metabolic rate

While newborn sweating is usually nothing to worry about, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition. One such condition is congenital heart disease. Many forms of congenital heart defects involve excessive blood flow through the lungs, which can lead to rapid breathing and tachypnea. As a result, babies with these defects may have to work harder to breathe, especially during feeding or other activities. This extra effort can lead to sweating as the body tries to cool down.

In the case of congenital heart defects, sweating may be a sign of an increased metabolic rate. The heart is forced to work harder than normal, leading to an increased metabolic rate and, consequently, sweating. This is often a side effect of the body's attempt to compensate for the heart defect. It is important to note that sweating in babies with heart defects is not as commonly seen as other symptoms, such as a bluish tint to the skin and fast, shallow breathing. However, if you notice excessive sweating in your newborn, it may be a good idea to consult a paediatrician to rule out any serious heart problems.

Other potential causes of newborn sweating include:

  • Overheating due to too many layers of clothing or a warm environment.
  • Crying or fussing, which can increase body temperature and lead to sweating.
  • Deep sleep, as newborns spend more time in the REM stage of sleep than adults and older children.
  • Fever or infection, which can increase body temperature and cause sweating.
  • Genetic differences, such as hyperhidrosis, which can cause excessive sweating even in cool temperatures.

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Crying can make a baby feel hot, causing them to sweat

Crying is a newborn's way of communicating. Sometimes, they cry a lot and for extended periods. Crying is hard work and requires a lot of energy, similar to how our body temperature rises during exercise. If your baby has been crying hard for a long time, they can become sweaty and red in the face.

Some research suggests that babies may sweat on their palms and feet when they are upset. Parents may notice this sweating even after their baby stops crying. If this is the cause, the sweating will be temporary and will resolve once the baby is calm.

Other reasons for newborn sweating

  • Overheating: Newborns have an underdeveloped nervous system and are unable to regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults. They may be sweating because they are too warm or overdressed.
  • Deep sleep: Newborns spend most of the day and night sleeping, and during deep sleep, they may sweat excessively and wake up with damp skin.
  • Genetics: Your baby's sweat response may be linked to your genetics. If you are an excessive sweater, your newborn may be the same.
  • Fever or infection: Sweating may be a symptom of a fever or infection. A fever is usually a telltale sign of an infection, so take your baby's temperature.
  • Congenital heart disease: Babies with this condition sweat nearly all the time as their bodies work harder to pump blood.

What to do if your newborn is sweating

  • Assess the situation: Identify why your baby is sweating. Are they crying? Are they overdressed? Are they unwell?
  • Make changes to their environment: Check the temperature and humidity of their room. Newborns sleep best in a space between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider adding a fan to the room to improve air circulation.
  • Remove a layer of clothing: Your baby only needs one more layer of clothing than you. Remove any extra layers to help them cool down.
  • Stay calm and help them relax: Babies respond to their parents' emotions. Use gentle words and soft hugs to soothe your baby and help them regulate their temperature.
  • Protect their skin: Damp skin can cause skin irritation or heat rash. Change their clothes and bedding frequently and use a soft cotton towel to remove excess moisture.

Red flags

While newborn sweating is common, seek medical attention if your baby is sweating excessively and displaying other signs of illness, such as a fever. Other red flags include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Skin hot to the touch
  • Lethargy after sweating

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Sweating may indicate a serious underlying medical condition

While sweating is a normal and healthy response in newborns, excessive sweating may indicate a serious underlying medical condition.

If your baby sweats excessively, even in a cool environment, it could be a sign of a heart condition. Congenital heart disease, for example, can cause babies to sweat profusely as their bodies work harder to pump blood through the body. Other symptoms of congenital heart disease include difficulty eating, a bluish tint to the skin, and fast, shallow breathing.

Other potential causes of excessive sweating in newborns include:

  • Endocrine system disorders
  • Glucose control disorders, such as diabetes
  • Birth abnormalities and genetic differences, such as cold-induced sweating syndrome

If you are concerned about your newborn's sweating, it is always best to consult with a doctor. They will be able to evaluate your baby, rule out any serious conditions, and provide guidance on how to keep your baby comfortable and safe.

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