Parentpedia

What Experts Say

Brand-new babies have trouble regulating body temperature, which is why the hospital puts a beanie on your baby's head and encourages you to wrap him up like a burrito in a blanket. Although they can heat their bodies efficiently at birth, newborns have trouble conserving that heat. After all, they're small creatures who have a greater skin area in relation to fat and are expending a lot of energy while growing.

Temperature control is especially important for preemies as they are at the greatest risk for hypothermia or hyperthermia. As he grows, your baby will become better at staying warm and by about 3-4 months (depending on his weight), he should be comfortable at the same temperatures as you are.

According to the World Health Organization, the inside of a mother's womb is 104 degrees F (38C) and the evaporation of the amniotic fluid off a newborn's body makes him cold. For this reason, hospital delivery rooms are typically kept warm and a newborn is quickly dried off and placed on the mother's chest or in an incubator.

According to parenting expert Penelope Leach, an unclothed naked newborn is most comfortable when her body temperature is at 85F (29C). Leach recommends keeping the ambient temperature between 65-68F for a new baby.

How to Keep Your Baby at the Right Temperature

• Although a normal temperature is generally thought to be 98.6 in humans, you can expect some fluctuation. A baby's temperature is considered normal if it's between 97.7 and 99.5. If you are worried that your baby has a fever, consult your doctor.
• Set your thermostat between 65 and 68 degrees when your baby first comes home from the hospital. If you like to keep it lower, dress your baby warmly enough to compensate.
• A baby's extremities might get cold because babies typically have poor circulation. Feel your baby's chest. If it's warm, she's fine. If it's cold, add a layer or turn up the thermostat.
• In the summer make sure your baby stays well hydrated. Nursing mothers must drink plenty of liquids.
• To anticipate indoor and outdoor temperature variations, dress baby in easy-to-remove layers.
• Babies lose a lot of heat from their heads, which are large in proportion to their bodies, so have your baby wear a hat.
• When babies sleep deeply, they are more likely to get overheated or chilled. Check on your sleeping baby often.

Safety Note

Do not pile blankets on a small baby or overheat the room as elevated body temperature while sleeping has been linked to SIDS.