Baby Sweating

My 7 week old gets extremely hot when in his car seat, when he is held, or in any position for too long.  This results in his back becoming very sweaty and his skin appears red.  We keep our house at 78 degrees, so I am not sure what is causing this.  He gets very upset and becomes inconsolable until we are able to cool him down.  Rectal thermometer shows a temperature of 99.9.
 
Do you have any advice as to what is causing this, what can be done to prevent overheating or what can be done to soothe him?

Babies tend to run higher temperatures than adults. Your son’s temperature is normal. Normal temperature for an under 3 month old are from 97.0 to 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit.

An individuals skin turns red and begins sweating to dissipate heat. While 78 degrees would be comfortable for most people it is too warm for your son. Environmental temperature is a personal preference just like his favorite pacifier. If he is sweating and fussy than he is too warm. How is he dressed? Is he in the sun?

Make sure the material he is laying on is breathable. If he gets fussy, pick him up and move him to allow for more air flow. If he remains sweating and fussy, continue to cool him.

Rarely, sweating can be a sign of more serious illness. Excess sweating especially with feeding can be a sign of a heart defect. How is your son growing? If he is growing well, I doubt the sweating is related to a heart issue. It is probably worth discussing with his pediatrician at his next check up.

Written June 2011 by
Dr. Gordon, Orlando Pediatrician