It's 3 AM, and you tiptoe to your baby’s crib. You gently place a hand on their forehead, touch their tiny feet, and ask yourself: Are they warm enough? Or did I bundle them up too much? This is a moment we can all relate to.
Checking your baby's temperature is not only about comfort but also a crucial part of ensuring sleep sack safety. Here’s the kicker: Touching hands and feet never gives you the exact temperature. Let’s explore how to check a baby’s temperature like an expert to enjoy absolute peace of mind!
Why Are Touching Hands and Feet Inaccurate?
The Immature Circulatory System
Infants, with an immature circulatory system, prioritize sending blood to vital organs like the brain, heart, and lungs. So, it's normal for a baby's hands and feet to feel colder than the rest of their body, even when they are warm enough.
We’ve seen some parents checking their babies’ hands and feet and then touching their own foreheads to compare. Don’t make the same mistake!
According to Medical News Today, babies have a higher body temperature than adults, hovering around 99.5°F (37.5°C). This makes it even more misleading to check a baby’s temperature by touching their hands and feet. Just because you feel hot doesn't necessarily mean your little one is, too!
What Mistakes Can Relying on Hands and Feet Lead To?
If you feel your baby's hands and feet are cold and immediately add more layers, you could easily cause them to overheat. This is a common mistake that makes it harder to find that safe balance between being too hot or too cold.
The “Golden” Checking Method: Touching the Nape and Chest
Panic strikes when you think your baby's overheated and the thermometer has vanished without a trace. Calm down!
You can check your baby's chest and nape (the back of the neck) to get an overall temperature. While this method isn't 100% accurate, it's helpful when your baby is fussy and a thermometer is too uncomfortable.
The nape of the neck and the chest are closest to your baby's core (the carotid artery and the heart). This makes them most accurate places to check for their body temperature.
3-Step Temperature Checking Guide
Follow these three easy steps to check your baby’s temperature:
- Gently slide your hand inside your little one’s clothes or sleep sack. Ensure your hand is neither too cold nor too hot. Otherwise, you can’t have the right sensation and might startle your baby.
- Place your hand on their chest or nape.
- Feel and assess the temperature.
How to “Read” the Sensation
You’ve done a great job! Now, let’s check this quick cheat sheet to tell if the baby is too hot or too cold:
- Perfect temperature: The skin is warm to the touch and dry.
- Too hot: The skin is hot, slightly clammy, or sweaty.
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Too cold: The skin feels cool or a bit chilly to the touch.
Other Visual Signs to Monitor
Signs of a Baby Being Too Hot
Besides checking the baby’s hands and feet, pay attention to these signs:
- Your baby seems fussy and uncomfortable.
- They breathe faster than usual.
- Their cheeks are plush.
- Their hair gets damp or even wet at the nape of the neck.
Signs of a Baby Being Too Cold
Other indicators also imply that your little one is getting too cold, including:
- Your baby is sluggish and less active.
- They might curl up more than usual.
- Their lips may look a little pale (a sign that needs immediate attention).
The first thing to do when you notice these signs is to regulate the baby’s temperature immediately.
The Sleep Sack - A Tool That Makes Monitoring Easier
Eliminating Guesswork from the Start
A sleep sack with a TOG rating that matches the room temperature will be your reliable sidekick every night. It helps reduce the likelihood of your baby getting too cold or too hot by 90%.
At SwaddleAn, we offer year-round sleep sacks with 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 TOG ratings. We craft each sleep sack from a special bamboo breathable fabric that's moisture-wicking, and gentle on sensitive skin.
The right sleep sack eliminates the guesswork and gives your little one safe and peaceful sleep. Gone are those restless nights of checking on your baby every hour.
Shop SwaddleAn Sleep Sack for Your Baby Safe Sleep
Smart Design for Easy Checking
A helpful tip is to choose a sleep sack with a neck opening that’s wide enough to slide your hand inside. This allows you to check your baby’s temperature easily without waking them up. This is one of the must-have sleep sack features to look for.
That said, the neck opening should NOT be so large that your little one can slide inside.
Get Rid of Guesswork!
Say goodbye to guesswork—touching hands and feet won't help! Instead, you should check your baby's temperature at their nape or chest for a more accurate reading. Monitoring your baby’s temperature at night is no longer a source of worry.
By following our tips and using smart tools like sleep sacks, you can confidently leave your baby's room. You'll rest easy knowing they’re safe, cozy, and warm enough.
Equip yourself with the right parenting knowledge for complete peace of mind. If you need a trustworthy companion for your little one, explore our bamboo sleep sack collections now!
Related Blog Post
Ways to Create a Safe Sleep Environment for Your Baby
Knowing How Should a Sleep Sack Fit for Your Baby Safety and Comfort
3-Layer Safety System to Prevent Baby Suffocation
References
- What is normal body temperature for adults, babies, during pregnancy, and all else you need to know: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323819