Problems with temperature regulation in newborns

Problems with thermoregulation in newborns

The ability to maintain a stable body temperature is a vital skill that is not yet fully developed in newborns. Their thermoregulatory system is immature, so they can easily become either overheated or chilled. Understanding these characteristics will help parents create a comfortable and safe environment for the baby.

Why are newborns so temperature-sensitive?

• Large body surface area. Compared to their mass, a newborn has a very large skin surface area through which heat is lost quickly.
• Thin subcutaneous fat layer. Fat is a natural insulator. In infants, especially those born preterm, this layer is very thin.
• Immaturity of the thermoregulatory center in the brain.
• Inability to shiver. Unlike adults, newborns cannot effectively warm themselves through muscle shivering.

Risk of hypothermia and hyperthermia

Both conditions are dangerous for the infant. Hypothermia forces the body to spend precious calories on heating rather than growth. Hyperthermia is even more dangerous because it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The best way to maintain normal temperature is skin-to-skin contact, appropriate clothing (the “one layer more than you’re wearing” rule), and keeping a comfortable room temperature (18-22°C). Read about safe‑sleep guidelines in our article.