Keeping your little one happy and healthy is always a worry for parents. If your baby is sweating in their sleep, it is not likely to be a cause for concern. Some babies suffer from repeated episodes of excessive sweating throughout the day or night, during sleep.
You may notice your baby’s clothes or bedding drenched in sweat when they wake up. Your little one may also wake up tired and moody, as a result of excessive sweating. There are a number of reasons why baby may be getting hot and sweaty while sleeping.
Is Sweating Dangerous?
If you suspect your baby is sweating excessively, you may be worrying that something serious is wrong. While babies, toddlers and adults all experience sweating, it is perfectly normal for babies to sweat more than adults.
More often than not, these sweats are a direct cause of the babies environment, as well as their biology.
However, while sweating is usually nothing to worry about, do not overlook what may be causing it to happen. It is best to be cautious and ensure that the sweating is not linked to a more serious problem. There are a number of reasons why your baby may be sweating as they sleep.
Here are five reasons why babies sweat while sleeping.
1. Sleep Position
You may notice that your baby’s head is sweating more than the rest of their body. This is because, while your child is still small, the majority of their sweat glands are located on the head. These glands can be highly active, which makes increased and excessive sweating more likely.
One of the main reasons that babies sweat so profusely from their heads can be based on their sleeping position. While they are still so young, they do not have the ability to change positions in their sleep, unlike older children and adults. Spending more time in the same position can result in more sweat, all over the body, but especially the head.
2. Your Baby Is Still Growing
Sweating is normal in little ones because their bodies are still growing and developing. Younger babies also have a heart rate that is naturally higher than toddlers. A higher heart rate leads to faster blood flow, and an increased likelihood of sweating.
Therefore it is really quite normal, even expected, that your baby may be sweaty throughout their sleep. As long as your little one is happy and active when they wake up, there is usually nothing to worry about.
However, if sweating through sleep is accompanied by discomfort and distress, there may be something else causing a problem.
3. Caffeine
If you are breastfeeding, your caffeine intake may be making your baby sweat through their sleep. If you have caffeine running through your system, it can easily be transferred into your breast milk and into baby.
Once your little one has caffeine in their system, it can make them more hot and sweaty. Caffeine can not only make babies more sweaty, but can also cause irritability.
If you are worried that this may be the case, consider reducing or cutting out your caffeine intake. For more information about caffeine and how much you should have while breastfeeding, click here.
4. Room Temperature
If your little one is sweating while sleeping, it may simply be that the room is too warm or they are wearing too many clothes. Babies have a very sensitive body thermometer and prefer things on the cooler side.
Your baby sweating may be an indication that the room is too hot, or that they are overdressed for the weather. Ensure that the room baby is sleeping in has proper ventilation and airflow. Also consider removing layers of clothing, to help keep them cool as they sleep.
5. Health Conditions
While most of the time sweating is normal, it could also be a sign of something more serious. Especially if you feel that these sweats won’t break, or your little one is not well in himself or herself. There are a few health conditions that could be causing increased sweating in your little one. These include:
Fever
If your baby has a fever, this can cause excessive sweating. If you suspect that this may be the case, you should quickly verify this by checking their temperature with a thermometer.
The first thing to do if your baby has a fever is to place a cool, damp piece of cloth over their forehead, to help them cool down. Removing layers of clothing may also help.
Consult a doctor if your baby is less than three months old and has a temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. For older babies, a temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit requires medical attention.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that baby may have inherited from you, especially if you suffer from the same condition. If you have a tendency to sweat a lot, it is likely that you have passed this on to your little one. Ask your doctor for advice if you suspect that this might be the case.
Sleep Apnea
This rare condition can not only cause profuse sweating but labored breathing and a struggling heart rate. In many cases, children who suffer from sleep apnea will need medical intervention and a machine to help their breathing.
Medication and breathing support machines are temporary solutions. Typically, this condition tends to improve as baby grows and develops. Consult your doctor immediately if you are worried that your baby is having problems breathing.
Summary
While the majority of sweating is normal, natural and nothing to worry about, it is always best to be cautions.
Ensure that your baby’s room is not too hot and that they are in breathable sleepwear. Cotton pajamas are a great option to help keep your little one cool.
Limit your caffeine intake if you are breastfeeding. Generally, your little ones sweating should improve as they grow and develop. However, if you suspect that there may be something more serious linked to their sweating, then always seek medical advice.
