Key takeaways: Some sweating, especially on the head during feeding or sleep, is common. Overdressing and warm rooms are the most frequent causes. Sweating that happens with every feed along with fast breathing, poor feeding, or poor weight gain should be checked, since it can be a sign of a heart problem.
Babies’ sweat glands are still developing, but many babies sweat, especially on the head and face.
Common Causes
- Overdressing or warm rooms. Babies need about one more layer than adults, not several.
- Feeding: feeding is work for a baby, and being held close adds warmth.
- Deep sleep: some babies sweat in deep sleep.
- Fever or illness.
Preventing Overheating
Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS.
- Dress your baby in light layers.
- Use a sleep sack instead of blankets, and choose one that fits the room temperature.
- Keep your baby’s head uncovered during sleep.
- Keep the room at a temperature comfortable for a lightly dressed adult.
- Feel the back of the neck or chest; if damp or hot, remove a layer.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book covers everyday newborn care month by month, plus the warning signs that mean it’s time to call the doctor.
When Sweating Can Signal a Problem
Excessive sweating can occasionally be a sign of a medical condition, such as:
- Congenital heart disease: babies with some heart problems sweat during feeds because feeding is hard work for their heart. Other signs include fast breathing, tiring during feeds, poor weight gain, and bluish color.
- Infection with fever.
- Overactive thyroid (rare in infants).
- Withdrawal in babies exposed to certain substances during pregnancy.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Babies who sweat heavily at night and also snore loudly, gasp, or pause in breathing should be evaluated.
Call your baby’s doctor if your baby: sweats during most feeds along with fast breathing, tiring, or poor weight gain; has bluish color; has a fever; or seems unwell. Call 911 for blue or gray lips or trouble breathing.
The Bottom Line
Some sweating is common, especially during feeds or sleep. Avoid overdressing. Sweating with feeds plus breathing or growth problems needs a medical check.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Cold Hands and Feet in Babies: Normal or Not?
- Heart Murmurs in Babies
- Heat Rash in Babies
- Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal and the Eat, Sleep, Console Approach
Sources
- Moon RY, Carlin RF, Hand I; Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; Committee on Fetus and Newborn. Sleep-related infant deaths: updated 2022 recommendations for reducing infant deaths in the sleep environment. Pediatrics. 2022;150(1):e2022057990.
- American Heart Association. Congenital heart defects: symptoms in infants. https://www.heart.org
- Altmann TR, Hill DL, eds. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. 7th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2019.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
