7 Signs Your Newborn Is Overheating

Babies are susceptible to overheating as they are unable to regulate their body temperature the way adults are able to.

Overheating can occur at any time of the year, which makes it extremely important for you to constantly monitor the temperature of the room your baby is in and dress your baby suitably.

The American Academy of Paediatrics warns that parents mustn’t take the overheating of their babies lightly as there is a strong correlation between overheating and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

If you are able to detect the following seven signs of overheating, your baby has a greater chance of avoiding this terrible fate.

In This Article

1. Excessive redness

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It is completely normal for anyone, even babies, to turn red when they are feeling hot. However, if your baby is looking awfully red regularly, it may be a cause for concern. Furthermore, if this redness is combined with symptoms such as fever or vomiting, you should contact your pediatrician immediately.

2. Constant crying

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Babies use crying as a means of communicating with their parents. This usually means that a baby needs to be fed or have its diaper changed. However, if this isn’t the cause and your attempts to pacify your baby are failing (what a surprise), this may mean that your baby is overheating. Adjust the room temperature accordingly and make sure to strip your baby off any unnecessary layers of clothing.

3. Dampness

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One of the easiest ways to know if your baby is overheating is by checking for signs of sweating. If your baby’s back, neck, chest or head are hot or sweaty, it suggests that their body is desperately trying to cool off and you need to intervene and help them out. Take off any unnecessary layers of clothing and regulate the room temperature in accordance to the temperature outside.

If your baby is running a fever, you should contact your pediatrician immediately. The ideal temperature for a baby ranges between 97-100.3o F; anything over this and your baby most likely has a fever.

4. Restlessness

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Babies are infamous for not sleeping through the night without waking up. If you find your little one active at hours that they are generally asleep and if they remain restless no matter how you try to put them to sleep, then your baby is probably uncomfortable with the temperature in the room. Check your baby’s temperature and adjust the room temperature accordingly.

5. Lack of energy

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A complete opposite of the previous sign. If you notice that your baby looks tired or worn out and is not reacting to your attempts to play with them, they might be overheating. In some cases, babies can faint if they have a high fever. In such a scenario, you need to stay composed and apply water on your baby’s face, chest and feet to cool it down and rush it to the nearest hospital.

6. Frequent vomiting

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Vomiting usually means that your baby is sick. However, if this is not the case and your baby’s vomiting is accompanied by nausea, it is a sign of a heatstroke. Use a damp cloth to cool your baby down and hurry to the nearest hospital.

7. Increased heart rate

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As mentioned earlier, babies cannot regulate their body temperatures the way adults can. This added pressure increases the workload on their heart, which forces it to beat faster. Place a hand on your baby’s chest if you feel their heart beating unusually quicker; try cooling them immediately until their heart rate normalizes.

Although it may seem like a daunting task to constantly monitor your child for signs of overheating, taking precautions such as maintaining a constant room temperature may help reduce the chances of your baby overheating significantly.

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