If baby is cold in his stroller or in your arms, it can easily be noticed. Here are the signs that don’t lie, according to Alice Malbois, childcare nurse.
As he doesn’t speak yet, it is sometimes difficult to know when baby is cold. And for good reason, unlike adults, babies are too small to regulate their body temperature themselves since their “thermoregulation system is not yet mature”, explains Alice Malbois, childcare nurse. It is only as he grows that baby will be able to do this, by being active and moving around. Nevertheless, “a baby remains sensitive to changes in temperature. If he is too cold, he has difficulty raising his body temperature, and vice versa if he is too hot”, adds the expert. This is why it is important to check often that your body temperature remains within normal range, “between 36.5°C and 37.5°C”.
What are the signs that let you know if your baby is cold?
Observe baby’s behavior. A few signs may alert you: “First, observe your baby. A change in attitude or behavior for no apparent reason (unexplained agitation, crying or calmness) can give you an indication of how comfortable he is. Then, if in doubt, you can assess your body temperature by marking a hand on his stomach, chest or neck“indicates Alice Malbois
Check baby’s neck. The neck is the second indicator to watch. If the back of the neck is cold, then baby is probably cold. Often, if this is the case, he will put himself in a ball position, curling up his neck. Baby’s skin may also be cold on his stomach or chest.
If you are going outdoors, and it’s very cold, “watch for warning signs: drowsiness, unusual crying, pale complexion, bluish lips”, she adds. If your child has one or more of these symptoms, warm him or her as soon as possible.
Should we trust the temperature of the hands or feet?
“It is not recommended to refer to foot or hand temperature which does not, on its own, reflect your little one’s body temperature,” specifies the specialist. Clearly, contrary to what we often think, the fact that baby has cold hands does not necessarily mean that he is cold!