Sweaty babies often make parents suspect that their little ones are sick, especially if the sweat that comes out is quite a lot. Well, Moms need to know that there are many causes of baby sweating, from the common ones to the ones that should be watched out for. Come on, find out what the causes are in this article.
Sweating often is a normal condition for babies. This is because their nervous system is not yet fully developed so that it cannot work optimally to control body temperature. Although it is considered normal, there are several causes of baby sweating that need to be watched out for.
A Series of Causes of Baby Sweating
Just like adults, babies can sweat anywhere on their body, such as their hands, feet, head, or torso. Well, here are the causes of baby sweating that are important for mothers to know:
1. Crying
When a baby is crying , he is actually draining a lot of energy, especially if the cry is loud and long. The energy burned from crying can come out through heat and sweat.
However, Mom doesn’t need to worry, this condition is only temporary. After the crying subsides, her body will no longer sweat.
2. Wear thick or layered clothes
To ensure that your little one stays warm and doesn’t get cold, mothers often dress their little ones in thick or layered clothes. Unfortunately, this can make your little one’s body hot, uncomfortable, and sweaty because of the heat, you know .
To keep your little one warm but not sweaty, you can set the room temperature as comfortable as possible, which is around 20–22°C. In addition, give your little one clothes that are not too thick and cool. If you want to put on a blanket, it’s better not to layer it, Mom.
3. Sleep well
Just like adults, babies also have sleep phases, including the deep sleep phase . Well, some babies sweat more during this phase. In fact, some babies can get soaked from sweating while sleeping . However, this is normal and nothing to worry about, Mom.
4. Having an infection
If your little one is sweating accompanied by symptoms of mild fever, cough, runny and stuffy nose, decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and fussiness, it could be that he is experiencing a viral infection, Mom.
To prevent more severe conditions, make sure your little one gets enough rest. In addition, give him/her breast milk or formula to prevent dehydration . You can also turn on a humidifier to keep the air in the room moist. If you want to give your little one medicine, make sure you consult a doctor first.
5. Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes sufferers to stop breathing for 20 seconds or more while sleeping. This condition is rare in babies, but premature babies are at high risk of experiencing sleep apnea .
In addition to sweating, babies who experience sleep apnea will open their mouths, snore, and gasp as if trying to catch their breath while sleeping. If your little one experiences these symptoms, don’t delay taking him to the doctor, Mom.
6. Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition where someone sweats excessively, even when in a cool temperature. This condition can occur only in certain parts of the body or the entire body. Your little one can experience this condition, Mom. However, the good news is, hyperhidrosis in babies will improve as they get older.
7. Congenital heart disease
The cause of babies often sweating that also needs to be watched out for is congenital heart disease . This is because babies who have congenital heart defects tend to sweat excessively, because their hearts have to work harder to pump blood efficiently.
In addition to sweating, babies with congenital heart disease also show symptoms of difficulty breathing, reluctance to breastfeed, and appear lethargic. Babies can also experience bluish skin, lips, and nails.
In general, babies who often sweat are normal. However, mothers need to be alert if the baby continues to sweat even though he is in a cool room, wearing thinner clothes, or shows other worrying symptoms.
Mothers are advised not to delay taking their little ones to the doctor when they find these things, yes. Because, the sooner the disease suffered by the little one is recognized, the quicker and easier it is to treat.