Herbie Murray
Waking up to see your baby drenched in sweat can be distressing for parents. However, it is common for newborns to sweat while sleeping, as their bodies are still learning to regulate their temperature. Babies also spend more time in REM sleep, a deep sleep stage, than adults and older children, and their heart rate increases during this time, making them more prone to sweating. While sweating during sleep can be a normal phenomenon, it can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue, such as a cold, infection, or sleep apnea. Therefore, it is important to monitor your baby's temperature and environment, ensure proper air circulation, and adjust layers of clothing or bedding to prevent overheating.
Is it normal for a newborn to sweat while sleeping?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it normal? | Yes, it is common for newborns to sweat while sleeping. |
| Reasons | Newborns are still learning to regulate their body temperature. They may also be overdressed or over-bundled, or the room may be too warm. |
| Solutions | Remove layers of clothing, use lightweight and breathable clothing, adjust the room temperature to between 65-72°F (20-22°C), improve air circulation, and ensure the baby stays hydrated. |
| When to worry | If sweating is excessive and accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, hard stool, dry skin, or bluish skin, consult a doctor. |
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What You'll Learn
It's normal for newborns to sweat while sleeping
It is quite common for newborns to sweat while sleeping. Babies' bodies are still learning to regulate their own temperature, and they are often overdressed and get hot. Newborns spend most of their time sleeping, and during these times, they move through different sleep cycles, including very deep sleep. In deep sleep, some babies may sweat excessively and wake up wet with sweat. This is usually no cause for concern.
Babies and toddlers spend more time in REM sleep, a deep sleep stage, than adults and older children. During this stage, their heart rate increases, which makes them more prone to heavy sweating at night. Babies and toddlers also have immature nervous systems, meaning they cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults. Their sweat glands are also not fully developed yet.
If your baby is sweating but usually doesn't sweat or doesn't sweat much, they might be getting a cold or have an infection. A fever, along with other symptoms such as hard stool and dry skin, could be a sign of infection, so take your baby's temperature and consult a doctor. Sleep apnea has also been detected as a cause of excessive night sweating in infants.
To help manage your baby's sweating, keep their room temperature between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 degrees Celsius). You can use a portable thermometer to monitor the temperature. If their room doesn't have a fan, consider installing one to keep the air circulating. Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothes, and avoid overdressing them.
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How to optimise a newborn's sleeping environment
Sweating while sleeping is a common occurrence in newborns and babies. This happens because a newborn's body is still learning to regulate its temperature. It is also common for newborns to be overdressed, which can contribute to sweating.
Maintain a comfortable temperature
The ideal temperature for a newborn's room is between 65 and 72 °F (20 to 22 °C). This range creates a comfortable environment for the baby to sleep without being too hot or too cold. You can use a portable thermometer to monitor the room temperature. Many baby monitors also provide temperature readings. If you feel hot, chances are, your baby does too.
Choose appropriate sleepwear and bedding
Dress your newborn in lightweight, breathable clothing. Avoid overdressing them, as it can contribute to sweating and discomfort. Use light bedding and avoid tucking them in with too many blankets, as it can make your baby too warm and increase sweating.
Create a safe sleep space
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents, but on a separate sleeping surface, for the first six months. You can either set up a crib in your room or bring a mattress into the baby's room. Ensure the crib is placed against the middle of a longer wall, away from windows, and keep the sleeping area simple and clutter-free. Avoid adding pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers, or mobiles to the crib, as these can pose safety hazards.
Follow safe sleep practices
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, as recommended by the AAP, to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Avoid using sleep positioners and wedges, as they can increase the risk of SIDS. Instead, swaddle your newborn, which provides comfort and helps them feel secure, mimicking the environment of the womb.
Monitor your baby's sleeping patterns
Newborns typically sleep in short segments of about 3 to 4 hours at a time. During this time, they will go through different sleep cycles, including deep sleep, which can cause excessive sweating. Keep an eye on your baby's sleeping patterns and adjust their layers or the room temperature as needed to ensure they are comfortable.
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What to do if a newborn sweats excessively
Sweating in newborns is common and is usually nothing to worry about. Newborns spend most of the day and night sleeping, but they usually sleep in short segments of about 3 to 4 hours at a time. During these times, babies move through different sleep cycles, including very deep sleep. In deep sleep, some babies may sweat excessively and wake up wet with sweat.
If you're worried about how much your newborn sweats, it's something to bring up at their next well-child checkup. Their doctor can help identify the cause and create a plan of action. In the meantime, here are some tips to help manage your newborn's sweating:
- Adjust your newborn's layers: If your baby is sweating, check if there's anything you can do to adjust their environment to make them more comfortable. Remove any extra layers of clothing or blankets to prevent them from overheating.
- Keep the room cool: Maintain a comfortable temperature in your baby's room, ideally between 65 to 72°F (20 to 22°C). Use a portable thermometer or a baby monitor that reports the temperature to ensure the room is not too hot.
- Choose breathable clothing: Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothes made from soft, absorbent materials. Avoid tight or heavy clothing that can trap heat.
- Keep them dry: Change your baby's clothes and bedding frequently to prevent damp material from sitting on their skin. Use a soft cotton towel to remove excess moisture from their body.
- Soothe your baby: If your newborn is crying and sweating, try to soothe them with gentle words, soft hugs, or a warm bath. A gentle massage with a suitable balm can also help calm and relax your baby.
- Monitor for other symptoms: While sweating can be normal, keep an eye out for other signs of illness, such as a fever, difficulty breathing, or unusual behaviour. If your baby displays any of these symptoms, contact your paediatrician.
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How to tell if newborn sweating is a symptom of illness
Sweating is common in newborns and babies and usually nothing to worry about. Newborns are still learning to regulate their body temperature, and they might be sweating because they're too warm or overdressed. In most cases, a simple adjustment—such as lowering the room temperature, using a fan, or reducing the number of layers of clothing—will stop your baby from sweating.
However, in rare cases, sweating can be a sign of illness or a medical condition. If your baby is sweating and displaying other signs of illness, such as a fever, it's best to call your pediatrician right away. A fever is a telltale sign of an infection, so take your baby's temperature and seek medical attention if they are:
- Younger than 3 months old and have a fever with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
- Over 3 months old and have a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
- Over 3 months old and have had a fever for longer than 2 days
If your baby has worked themselves up into a sweat through crying, it's important to calm them down so their body can begin to cool. If your baby is crying hard, take the time to figure out what they need and help them, and see if the sweating stops.
If your baby is sweating excessively, your pediatrician can run some tests to check for conditions such as hyperhidrosis, an abnormal amount of sweating that can occur when awake or asleep. This condition is rare but not serious, and it often improves as your baby grows.
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How to dress a newborn for sleep
Sweating while sleeping is common among newborns and babies. This is because their bodies are still learning to regulate their temperature, and they are often overdressed.
- Keep the room temperature between 65 and 72°F (20 to 22°C). Most sources recommend a range of 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C), but some say it's safe to go as low as 65°F (18°C).
- Assess whether your baby is too warm or too cold. If your baby is dressed too warmly, remove some layers or opt for a sleep sack/swaddle with a lower TOG rating. If your baby is too cold, add a layer.
- It is recommended to dress a newborn in the same way you dress yourself. However, newborns should have one more layer than adults in the same environment.
- Avoid overdressing your newborn. Dress them in lightweight, breathable clothes.
- Swaddling can provide a sense of security for newborns, but it's important to follow safe practices and transition out of it as your baby grows. Make sure the swaddle is not too big, as it may pose a suffocation risk if it rides up.
- Keep your newborn's head uncovered during sleep. Bows, barrettes, and hats are cute but unsafe for bedtime.
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. Calming activities like a warm bath, gentle rocking, or reading a story can help soothe them before bedtime.
- If you have any concerns about your newborn's temperature or layers, consult your pediatrician.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for newborns to sweat while sleeping. Newborns spend most of their time sleeping and go through different sleep cycles, including deep sleep. During deep sleep, newborns may sweat excessively and wake up wet with sweat. This is because a baby's body is still learning to regulate its temperature.
The ideal room temperature for a newborn is between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 degrees Celsius).
If your newborn is sweating excessively, you should adjust their environment by lowering the room temperature, removing layers of clothing, and ensuring proper air circulation. If sweating persists and is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a doctor.
Yes, crying can cause newborns to sweat as their body temperature may rise due to increased energy expenditure and excitement. It is important to soothe a crying newborn to help regulate their temperature.
Excessive sweating in newborns may be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as a cold, infection, sleep apnea, or hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Consult a doctor if you have concerns or notice additional symptoms.
