Is Your Baby Too Hot or Cold?

When you first become a parent, it can be very difficult to know whether you are doing a good job or not. One of the major questions that parents have is about the baby's temperature. Some people will scold you for having the infant wrapped in a blanket, while others will get upset that you leave your baby in a onesie. So, how do you know if your baby really is too hot or too cold?

Hands and feet are not a good indication. They naturally have a lower circulation and so they will tend to be more chilled than the rest of the body. Also, extremities like little hands and feet tend to stick out of clothing and blankets and will get cooler faster. So, just because your little one has icy fingers doesn't mean that she is freezing.

The best way to tell is to slide your hand down the back of the baby's clothing. If her back feels hot, she is warm. If it is cool to the touch, you need to put some more clothes on the baby. A general rule of thumb, your little one needs one layer more than you do to feel comfortable. That can go up to two layers if you are walking or exercising. Since your baby isn't doing anything to boost her body temp, she will need to wear a bit more clothing than you.

On a warm, sunny day, there is nothing wrong with leaving a very small infant in just a diaper. This is a practice you might want to adjust once your child is old enough to start trying to peel her diaper off! A light onesie is fine, too, and a little more acceptable for going out in public. If you put a hat on your child on a hot day, make sure that it is cotton and can breathe, otherwise the sweat will build up and can be very uncomfortable.

For cooler days, remember that the majority of the body heat escapes through the top of the head, so a hat is a must. Socks can help keep tiny feet warm, even inside of sleepers. Use a onesie to give a bit of added warmth, or an undershirt. Keeping the baby's head and chest well covered is the key to keeping her warm.

Above all, trust your instincts. New parents might not know everything, but they generally have a pretty good idea if they stop listening to everyone on the street and start paying attention to their own instincts. You will have a better idea than anyone else of when your baby is overheated or chilled.