Overheated Baby Troubles: A Sleep-Disrupting Dilemma
Symptoms of an Overheated Baby During Sleep and Remedial Measures
Summertime frolics, al fresco dining, and poolside lounging—it can all get pretty steamy, which likely has you concerned about keeping your infant cool during the hottest months. But fret not, for here's a guide to help you recognize the signs when your baby is overheating during sleep, tips on how to beat the heat, and when to consult a pediatrician. Get ready to avoid those sleepless nights!
Is there a typical body temperature for infants?
An infant's standard body temperature hovers around 36.4 °C (97.5 °F). However, keep in mind that your little one's temperature may fluctuate based on factors such as time of day, weather exposure, and season[3].
thermal thermometers or rectal thermometers are the best tools for measuring temperature accurately[3].
Signs that your baby's sleeping too hot
Drenched or Stiff Skin
A tell-tale sign that your baby's too hot during sleep is damp, warm skin that feels cool and stiff. These conditions imply your baby could be warmer than comfortable[3].
Red, Flushed Cheeks
It's simple: if you notice your baby's cheeks turning rosy or red, you might be looking at signs of an overheating infant[2][3].
Warm-to-the-Touch Skin
Baby's skin feeling warmer than usual could be a symptom of overheating[3].
Hasty and Shallow Breathing
As the body heats up, the body automatically increases circulation, making the cheeks rosy red, and boosts breathing to cool down. The consequence: rapid, shallow breaths[3].
Restlessness
A baby that exhibits more tossing, turning, writhing, and probable crying during sleep might be too warm[3].
Irritability
Overheated babies might want anything but sleep, opting for cooler areas of the house instead. This can lead to crankiness, discontent, or even overtiredness when not resting in their bed[3].
Keeping your baby cozy without sweating
Consistent Temperature Control
Being vigilant about the optimal temperature range is crucial, and investing in a winter heater with a timer, like a tapo smart plug, for instance, ensures consistent heat levels without overdoing it[4]. For the summer months, air conditioning might be a consideration, especially if you reside in a warm climate. Fans can also come in handy as a more eco-friendly cooling option[4].
Appropriate Clothing
When choosing your baby's sleepwear, ensure the garments you dress them in are ones that you feel comfortable wearing yourself when sleeping[4]. Remember, too many layers can lead to overheating for your little one too[4].
Risks of your baby getting too hot
Heat-Related Illnesses
Overheated babies can experience heat exhaustion or heatstroke, manifesting with sweating, nausea, and even loss of consciousness. It's important to reduce the temperature in this case by directing a fan onto the baby's skin and ensuring they avoid covering themselves again[3].
Dehydration
Excessive sweating can result in dehydration, causing symptoms like thirst, dry mouth, and dark urine. In such cases, re-hydrating your baby with water or fluid-rich food can be beneficial[3].
Wrapping up
If your baby displays the aforementioned signs during sleep, lowering their body temperature should be a priority. By maintaining a room temperature between 16-20 °C, you can help prevent overheating[3]. You can consider using a room thermometer with a built-in thermometer function in your baby monitor[3].
Stripping your baby down, opening windows, and applying indirect fans can also help regulate temperature. However, if these efforts prove futile, or if your baby continues to overheat, it's time to consult a pediatrician immediately.
[1] Parents.com: 5 Signs Your Baby Is Too Hothttp://www.parents.com/baby/health/baby-symptoms/signs-your-baby-is-too-hot/[2] BabyCenter.com: Babys Body Temp: What's normal?https://www.babycenter.com/0_babys-body-temp-whats-normal_89319.bc[3] HealthLine.com: What’s a Normal Body Temperature for a Baby?https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/normal-temperature-for-a-newborn-baby#1[4] Lisa's Gems of Wisdom: 6 Tips to Help Baby Sleep in Winterhttp://www.lisagearms.com/articles/sleep-in-winter
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