Check These Body Parts (Not Hands or Feet) to Tell if Your Baby is Cold!

Unlike adults, infants cannot yet regulate their own body temperature because their “thermoregulation system is not yet mature,” explains pediatric nurse Alice Malbois. This makes it difficult for parents to determine when their baby is cold. However, “an infant is still sensitive to temperature changes. If they are too cold, they struggle to raise their body temperature, and similarly, if they are too hot,” the expert emphasizes. It is therefore crucial to regularly ensure that the baby’s body temperature remains within the normal range, “between 36.5°C and 37.5°C.”

Generally, parents tend to check the child’s extremities and the tip of the nose to decide whether to cover the baby more. However, “it is not recommended to rely solely on the temperature of the feet or hands as they do not reflect the overall body temperature of your little one,” the specialist clarifies. In other words, contrary to what many might think, just because a baby has cold hands does not mean they are cold! So, what are the signs that can give you a clue?

“First, observe your baby. A change in attitude or behavior for no apparent reason (restlessness, crying or unexplained calm) can give you an indication of their comfort. Then, if in doubt, you can check their body temperature by placing a hand on their belly, chest or nape of the neck,” suggests Alice Malbois. Indeed, the nape of the neck is a good indicator to watch: if it is cold, then the baby is likely cold. Often, if that is the case, the baby will curl up, tucking their neck in. The baby’s skin can also be cold on their belly or chest.

If you are going outside and it’s very cold, “watch for warning signs: drowsiness, unusual crying, pale complexion, blue lips,” she adds. If your child shows one or more of these symptoms, warm them up as soon as possible. It is also important to dress them appropriately for cold weather: a sweater, a coat, gloves, a hat that covers both the ears and the neck, and good shoes…