If your baby is hot but has no fever, it is usually no cause for concern. Here are 6 potential reasons why your baby is flushed or sweaty.
6 reasons why your baby may be hot without fever
- Too many layers: Putting too many layers of clothes on your body can make them warm, trapping their heat and causing a rise in body temperature.
- Teething: If your baby has started teething, anxiety and fussiness can cause them to heat up and get sweaty, especially their head.
- Overexcitement: If your baby is overexcited and moving around a lot, this can increase blood circulation and cause your baby’s body to become hot.
- Hot weather: If your baby is exposed to sunlight for a long time or if the weather has gotten hot, it’s normal for your baby to become hot.
- Incessant crying: If your baby has been crying and screaming for prolonged periods of time, this can create heat in the body.
- Certain positions: Sleeping in certain positions can make your baby hot, especially if they are in a crib under blankets.
How to prevent your baby from becoming hot
- Adjust your baby’s room temperature to between 68 F and 72 F irrespective of the season. Do not increase the room temperature beyond 72 F Instead of using a room thermostat, use a baby monitor that measures room temperature.
- Make sure your baby’s room is well-ventilated.
- Do not dress your baby in too many layers. Add only one blanket in winter. This is especially important when traveling in a heated car. Layers of light cotton clothing are fine.
- Remove extra blankets and comforters that have been placed inside the crib.
- Avoid taking your baby out during the peak hours of intense sunlight, which is between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Do not keep your baby near or below the window.
- Close any curtains to minimize heat in your home during a heat wave. Move your baby to a cooler spot in your home instead of turning on air-conditioning.
- Do not leave your baby alone in a vehicle, as the heat can build up in the car and cause overheating.
- Keep your baby away from heating vents, portable heaters, or fireplaces.
- If your baby is crying or excited, try to calm them down with hugs, cuddles, and lullabies.
- If your baby is teething, give them a teether or teething gel to ease their discomfort.
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Medically Reviewed on 8/9/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images
United States. CDC. "Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness." <https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html>.
"Newborn Thermoregulation." <http://www.cmnrp.ca/uploads/documents/Newborn_Thermoregulation_SLM_2013_06.pdf>.
"Is My Baby Too Hot or Too Cold?" <https://parenting.mountsinai.org/parent-guides/how-do-i-know-if-my-baby-is-too-hot-or-too-cold/>.
United States. CDC. "Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness." <https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html>.
"Newborn Thermoregulation." <http://www.cmnrp.ca/uploads/documents/Newborn_Thermoregulation_SLM_2013_06.pdf>.
"Is My Baby Too Hot or Too Cold?" <https://parenting.mountsinai.org/parent-guides/how-do-i-know-if-my-baby-is-too-hot-or-too-cold/>.
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