4 Major Reasons Why Your Baby's Head is Sweating

Many new parents often become anxious when they notice their baby's head sweating, and it's a common concern among parents. If you observe your baby's head perspiring during sleep or feeding, there's no need to immediately rush to the doctor; there's usually no cause for immediate concern. Many new parents become alarmed when they feel their baby's head, as the baby's head temperature tends to be higher than the baby's hands.

It's not sufficient to simply say that it's normal for your baby's head to sweat, as this may not alleviate an anxious parent's worries. Therefore, here are four potential reasons why your baby's head might be perspiring more than their body.

# Is Your Baby Running a Fever?

Your baby's head might feel warmer than the rest of their body, a common occurrence for most infants. To check for fever, it's best to feel your baby's cheeks or the skin beneath their chin, as this provides a more accurate measure of their body temperature. Babies have different temperature regulation mechanisms compared to adults, so don't fret if your baby seems to have a warm head – it could simply be their natural state.

# Active Sweat Glands

Newborns don't have active sweat glands except for the ones on their heads. You may have noticed that your baby's body doesn't sweat, while their head can perspire quite a bit. This discrepancy is due to the presence of active sweat glands only in the baby's head. So, if your baby's head is sweating, it likely means they're feeling warm.

# Nighttime Perspiration

If you're concerned about your baby's head sweating during sleep, there's a reasonable explanation for it. Unlike adults, babies don't shift and reposition themselves much during sleep, which can lead to overheating and subsequent head sweating. Another potential factor is excessive bundling or swaddling at bedtime, which can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. It's important to avoid overdoing it with layers and covers.

# Sweating During Feeding

During breastfeeding, many mothers use the cradle position, which involves holding your baby's head in a fixed position while they feed. The warmth of your hand against your baby's delicate head can cause them to sweat while feeding.