You've heard of all the less-than-pleasant conditions that may plague newborns and babies — acne, cradle cap, scaly eczema, diaper rash, and various shades of blow outs. But, sweaty babies? Sweating in babies is not something that is commonly expected or talked about, but could be fairly common. If your little one is leaving sweat stains on those onesies, you'll want to know why your baby sweats so much.
According to Parenting, body temperature is controlled by your nervous system, which, in babies, is not fully developed yet. So, babies are not able to regulate their body temperature as well as adults may be able to. Sweating, according to the American College of Sports Medicine, helps keep bodies cool when the environment is warm. And, just like adults, some babies can be more prone to sweating than others.
However, sometimes a baby can be sweaty due to parental error. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), over-bundling your baby can have severe repercussions beyond just sweating. Keeping your baby cool, as it turns out, can greatly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In general, dressing your baby in one layer more than you dress yourself is enough to keep them warm. If your baby is sweating, or her chest feels hot, she may be too warm, the AAP noted.
Dr. Mark Gettleman, M.D., F.A.A.P (Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics) of the Everett Clinic also mentions that because young babies are not as mobile as adults, they do not get the advantage of airflow that adults get as they are walking and moving. Every person produces a different amount of sweat, Gettleman notes in an interview with Romper, and babies are no different. Some sweat very little, while others sweat a ton — it is usually not a problem.
Gettleman does recommend talking to your pediatrician if you are worried about the amount your baby sweats, or if your baby seems to only sweat while eating. They can help you to rule out any other conditions and concerns. In the meantime, try lighter clothing and keeping the temperature comfortable. You've got their teenage years to worry about their sweating; don't start it too early.
