Why Is My Baby So Hot Without Fever?

Medically Reviewed on 8/9/2022
Why Is My Baby So Hot Without Fever
There are many reasons why your baby may feel hot.

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

  1. 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. 
  2. Teething: If your baby has started teething, anxiety and fussiness can cause them to heat up and get sweaty, especially their head.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Incessant crying: If your baby has been crying and screaming for prolonged periods of time, this can create heat in the body.
  6. 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/>.