Ashwin Lewis
It is common for newborns to sweat in their sleep, and it is usually not a cause for concern. Newborns are still learning to regulate their body temperature, and factors such as room temperature, humidity, and clothing can contribute to sweating. It is important to ensure that the baby's sleep environment is comfortably cool, with proper air circulation, and that they are dressed in lightweight, breathable clothing to prevent overheating. While sweating is normal, excessive sweating could indicate an underlying medical issue, and it is recommended to consult a pediatrician if concerned.
Why does my newborn sweat in their sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body temperature regulation | Newborns are still learning to regulate their body temperature and are sensitive to small changes in temperature. |
| Room temperature | The ideal room temperature for a newborn to sleep comfortably is between 68 and 72°F (20 to 22°C). |
| Humidity | Maintain humidity levels between 40 and 55 percent to prevent sweating. |
| Overheating | Newborns can easily overheat due to too many layers of clothing, bedding, or a warm environment. |
| Crying | Intense crying can cause newborns to work up a sweat, similar to how body temperature rises during exercise. |
| Illness | Excessive sweating may indicate an underlying illness, such as a cold, infection, or congenital heart disease. |
| Sleep cycles | Newborns may sweat during deep sleep as their bodies work hard to regulate temperature. |
| Clothing | Dress newborns in lightweight, breathable clothing with layers that can be adjusted as needed. |
| Hydration | Keep newborns well-hydrated to avoid overheating. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns' immature temperature regulation
Newborns' body temperature regulation is immature, and they are still learning to regulate their body temperature. This is because their nervous system is underdeveloped, and they have a large surface-to-body mass ratio. They can lose heat rapidly, up to four times more quickly than adults.
Premature and low-birth-weight babies, in particular, may be too immature to regulate their temperature due to their underdeveloped skin and higher metabolic rate. They also have less insulating brown fat, which starts developing at 26 weeks of gestation. Additionally, their skin is more permeable, and they have a higher heat loss rate.
Newborns might also be overdressed, causing them to get hot, but they cannot communicate this or fix the problem. It is important to keep a newborn's room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and to ensure plenty of fresh air is circulating. Dressing them in layers can help, as these can be adjusted as needed.
If a newborn is too warm, they are at risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Signs that a baby is too warm include sweating, flushed cheeks, a heat rash, or rapid breathing. If a newborn is too cold, they may consume more oxygen and glucose to produce heat, potentially leading to hypoxia or hypoglycemia.
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Overheating risks and prevention
Overheating is a common issue for newborns, who are still learning to regulate their body temperature. It is a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other health concerns, such as heat rash, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
To prevent overheating, it is important to monitor your newborn's room temperature and humidity levels. The ideal room temperature for newborns is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 degrees Celsius). If the room feels stuffy, consider adding a fan to improve air circulation. Additionally, ensure your newborn's clothing is appropriate for the temperature. As a general rule, your newborn only needs one more layer of clothing than you. For example, if you are wearing a t-shirt and feel comfortable, your baby might only need a short-sleeved onesie.
It is also important to avoid bundling your baby with too many blankets or clothes, especially when sleeping. Loose bedding, such as quilts, blankets, pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals, can increase the risk of SIDS. Instead of swaddling your baby with a thick blanket, consider using a light blanket or a swaddle designed for newborns.
If you notice that your newborn is sweating excessively, try cooling their environment or removing a layer of clothing. You can also use your senses to evaluate whether your baby is overheating. Touch their skin to feel if it is hot or clammy and look for redness in their face, as well as signs of discomfort or distress.
If you suspect that your newborn is overheated, move them to a cooler, drier space and offer them fluids to help them hydrate and regulate their body temperature. It is important to act quickly and seek medical attention if necessary.
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Crying and sweating
Crying is a newborn's primary means of communication. Sometimes, newborns cry a lot and for extended periods. If your baby has been crying intensely, they could have worked themselves up into a sweat. This is similar to how an adult's body temperature rises during exercise. If your baby experiences this, it's important to calm them down so their body can begin cooling.
If your baby is crying hard and has worked up a sweat, take the time to figure out what they need and help them, and see if the sweating stops. While the cause of the crying could be that your baby is hot, there may be other reasons: they might be hungry, need a diaper change, or just want you to hold them.
If your baby is crying hard at night, it is likely that this is causing them to sweat more. Until you can calm them down, it may be impossible for them to stop sweating. Consider adjusting your nighttime routines and their sleeping environment to help them relax and sleep well at night.
Babies will use a great deal of energy when crying, and their excited state can lead to higher body temperatures. This is natural, but it's important to check that your baby is not crying due to any underlying health issue or pain rather than a general inability to sleep alone.
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 is a telltale sign of infection, so take your baby's temperature. You can usually use infant Tylenol to lower the fever and ease symptoms, but talk to your doctor about dosing and recommendations if your baby is younger than 6 months.
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Illness and excessive sweating
While sweating in newborns is common, excessive sweating could indicate an underlying illness. Newborns are still learning to regulate their body temperature, so they may sweat to cool down if they are too hot. However, if your newborn is sweating frequently, it is important to consider other factors and adjust their environment to ensure they are comfortable.
If your baby is sweating without other symptoms, it is likely that they are too warm. Check their room temperature and ensure it stays somewhere between cool and warm but isn't hot. The ideal sleep environment for a baby should be between 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C). If the room feels stuffy, use a fan to circulate the air and help your baby cool down. Additionally, monitor the room's humidity levels and ensure plenty of fresh air is circulating. If you live in a humid area, a dehumidifier can help improve your baby's comfort.
If your baby is sweating and has other symptoms, it could indicate an underlying illness. For example, excessive sweating, especially during feeding, can be a sign of congenital heart disease. Babies with congenital heart defects may experience rapid breathing due to excessive blood flow to the lungs, and they may sweat as their bodies work harder to breathe and pump blood. Other symptoms of congenital heart disease include tiredness during feedings, poor weight gain, and a frequent cough.
Excessive sweating in newborns can also be a sign of an infection or fever. If your baby is sweating more than usual or doesn't typically sweat much, take their temperature to check for a fever. You can use infant Tylenol to lower the fever and ease symptoms, but always consult your doctor for dosing recommendations, especially if your baby is younger than six months.
In rare cases, excessive sweating in newborns can be a symptom of a more serious condition. Hyperhidrosis, for example, is a condition that causes excessive sweating even when the temperature is cool. It can be inherited or result from another condition. If your baby is sweating excessively without any apparent cause, consult your paediatrician, as they may recommend tests to rule out any underlying health issues.
In summary, while sweating in newborns is common and often due to their immature temperature regulation, excessive sweating accompanied by other symptoms could indicate an underlying illness. If you are concerned about your baby's sweating, adjust their environment to ensure they are comfortable, and consult your doctor if the sweating persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
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Creating a comfortable sleep environment
It is common for newborns to sweat during sleep due to their immature thermoregulatory system, which can make it difficult for them to adjust to changes in temperature. To create a comfortable sleep environment for your newborn and minimize sweating, you can take the following measures:
Keep the room temperature cool but comfortable. Newborns can easily overheat, so it is important to maintain a cool room temperature. The ideal temperature for a baby's room is between 68-72°F (20-22°C). Use a thermostat to monitor the temperature and adjust accordingly. Keep the room well-ventilated by opening a window or using a fan, especially if it is stuffy or warm. Ensure that air is circulating effectively to prevent the room from becoming too warm and causing your baby to sweat.
Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton. Avoid overdressing your baby, as this can lead to overheating. A good guideline is to dress your baby in one layer more than you would wear to be comfortable. For example, if you would wear a short-sleeved shirt and pants, dress your baby in a long-sleeved onesie and pants, or a sleeper. Avoid tight-fitting clothing or too many layers, as this can restrict airflow and cause your baby to sweat.
Use lightweight bedding and a firm mattress. Choose a lightweight swaddle or sleep sack instead of a heavy blanket. Ensure that the baby's face and head remain uncovered during sleep to avoid rebreathing carbon dioxide and overheating. Opt for a firm, flat mattress that is specifically designed for babies, and avoid using soft mattresses, pillows, or other soft bedding, as these can be unsafe and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Keep the sleep area dry and moisture-wicking. Newborns can lose a lot of body heat and moisture through their heads, so it is important to keep their heads and necks dry. Choose sleepwear or swaddles that are moisture-wicking and absorbent to help draw sweat away from your baby's body. If your baby tends to sweat a lot, you can also try placing a towel under their head and neck to absorb any excess moisture.
By following these guidelines, you can create a comfortable and safe sleep environment for your newborn, helping to regulate their body temperature and minimize sweating during sleep. Remember to regularly check on your baby and adjust the room temperature or clothing layers as needed to ensure their comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns are still learning to regulate their body temperature and are more sensitive to heat than adults. They are also often overdressed and get hot, but they can’t communicate this. Sweating is a non-verbal sign that your baby is overheating.
Keep your baby's room temperature between 68 and 72°F (20 to 22°C). Use a fan to improve air circulation and lower the temperature if the room feels stuffy. Dress your baby in layers of lightweight, breathable clothing. Avoid using too many layers or hats, and opt for bedding that is also lightweight and breathable.
Sweating is very common and usually nothing to worry about. However, excessive sweating could indicate an underlying issue. If your baby is sweating without other symptoms, consider adjusting their environment and clothing to cool them down. If the sweating persists, contact your doctor.
