Babies’ temperatures are different from those of adults. That’s why many parents look for tips on how to tell if their baby is cold . After all, since little ones can’t yet express themselves through speech, it’s important to evaluate all signs and behaviors.
If your baby is feeling cold, then nothing better than to cover him. In this article, we will explain everything about the subject and provide you with tips on how to keep your child warm. Let’s continue!
What is the ideal body temperature for babies?
Accordingly, since an ideal temperature for a newborn ranges in between 36.5-37.5°C, then that is relatively higher than it is with adults whose greatest body temperature recorded is that of 37°C. Thus by using a thermometer one would easily be able to know if your child was cold or had fever.
You cannot feel whether your baby is cold. Observation is first in the line. This is a feature left by nature to be totally developed in adult human beings.
That is why new babies always feel much colder than older babies. The reasons are that their body system has just been developed and they have just developed stimuli, such as shivering that are capable of maintaining the comfort of temperature.
How do you know if your baby is cold?
A thermometer is a good tool to check the temperature of a child. However, sometimes it may be in the ideal range – 36°C to 37.5°C – and yet cause some thermal discomfort. So, it is also important to pay attention to the signs that the child and their body give to know if they are cold.
Use a thermometer underneath the baby’s armpits if you even catch a hint of a signal. If it’s a digital model, then put it in front of the forehead. Check the temperature in both cases. Check out more effective ways further below:.
Main signs
To avoid doubts of how to tell whether the baby is cold or not, there are several indications that can be determined. Among the most ancient, and one that practically anybody can do, is the touch on the back of the baby’s neck or belly.
Those places can be said to show excess sweating, meaning it has overdressed the infant. On the other side of the coin, these people say that if back and belly are cold touching each place or area, then you tell someone that the baby should change clothes since he needs being better dressed.
Apart from touch, there are many other signs that tell if your baby is cold . That’s the reason why parents should observe their baby at all times, day or night. After all, children cannot explain themselves verbally. Here are some of them:
- cold feet and hands;
- tremors;
- bluish lips;
- constant crying;
During sleep
On colder days, parents become increasingly concerned about how to tell if their baby is cold. At night, while we sleep , it is natural for our body temperature to drop a little. This is because we are relaxed and not making any physical effort.
But how do you know if your baby is cold while sleeping ? The guidelines are basically the same. Observe whether your child shows any discomfort and gently touch his belly, chest and neck.
Remember that it is natural for the temperature to drop during sleep, but temperatures below 36°C are a sign of hypothermia. In this situation, you should wrap the child up warmly and seek a pediatrician to diagnose the case correctly.
How to dress your baby correctly?
Instead of using only one bulk layering item, use several lightweight layers. This is a more efficient way of doing things because you can adjust the amount of clothing as conditions change. If it’s cool, then add another layer; if it’s warm, then remove one of the layers.
Babies lose a significant amount of heat through their heads and feet, so invest in comfortable hats and socks that will also help keep their entire body comfortable.
Choose breathable, lightweight blankets that won’t put your baby at risk of overheating. One or two quality blankets are usually enough to keep your baby warm while they sleep; more than that is not recommended. If you prefer, there are sleeping bags, pajamas that wrap around your baby and keep them warm while they rest.