My baby is sweating but no fever - should I be alarmed

We are used to seeing toddlers sweaty after playing under the sun. But sweating in babies can be alarming. And it causes parents to rush their little ones to the hospital. It’s a common phenomenon that often appears harmless and self-limiting. Are you at your wit’s end wondering why? Here’s some information that can help you.

What are some common causes of baby sweating but no fever?

It can be very frustrating when your baby is all sweaty and hot but you can’t find any reason why. It’s important to know that this is normal for babies, and it’s not always related to a fever or illness. Here are some possible reasons why your baby is breaking up a sweat:

• Baby is too sleepy

A baby’s body temperature naturally fluctuates throughout the day. Then it can drop when they’re sleeping. It can cause them to sweat, especially if they’re wrapped in a blanket or wearing too many layers of clothing. 

• Baby is too active

There are many common causes of baby sweating but no fever; one is simply that your baby is too active. Babies are always on the move, exploring their surroundings and trying new things. It can lead to sweating.

• Over-bundling

When babies are overdressed, their body temperature rises, and they start to sweat. It can happen even if the room temperature is cool. To avoid over-bundling, dress your baby in light layers. Remove a layer if your baby starts to sweat. 

It’s also important to keep an eye on the room temperature. If it’s too hot, your baby may start to sweat. Check your baby and adjust the clothing or temperature as needed.

• Infant overheating

Another possibility is that your baby is overheating from the environment. If the room temperature is too warm or they’re wearing too many layers, their body will sweat. It’s in an attempt to cool down. 

• Hunger

Hunger sweats are more common in newborns. It’s since they have small stomachs and need to eat more often than older babies. If your baby shows other signs of hunger, such as rooting or sucking on their fingers, time to feed them.

• Teething 

Teething is one of the most common causes of a baby sweating but not having a fever. Teething can cause symptoms like irritability, crankiness, and drooling. If your baby has been teething for some time and is now getting worse instead of better, this could be a sign that they have an infection in their mouth or ears. Call your doctor immediately if you suspect your child has an infection.

• Outside temperature

In hot weather, babies sweat to cool down as adults do. You can help by ensuring your baby has loose, light clothing and keeping the room cool. You might also need to give your baby more frequent feedings to prevent dehydration. 

Call your doctor immediately if your baby is showing other signs of heat exhaustion. Signs like rapid breathing or irritability.

• Sweating during a feeding

While it’s normal for babies to sweat while eating, some may sweat more than others. It can be due to the temperature of the milk or formula. Or it may be a sign that the baby is overfeeding. 

If your baby is sweating during feeding, try burping them more often. Or reduce the time they spend breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

• Ear infection

If your baby is sweating without a fever, it could indicate an ear infection. When a baby sweats excessively, the sweat can drip into the ear canal and irritate. It can lead to the baby developing a fever in response to the infection. 

If you think your baby may have an ear infection, it’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. If left untreated, an ear infection can cause severe damage to a baby’s hearing.

Sweaty baby: When should you seek medical help?

If your baby is sweating without fever, pay attention to other symptoms. It may be a sign of a more severe illness if they are also irritable, have a decreased appetite, or have difficulty sleeping. 

Also, if your baby is sweating without a fever and has other signs of illness, such as a rash or diarrhoea, you should seek medical help immediately. While most cases of sweating without fever are benign, it’s always better to err on caution when it comes to your child’s health. 

If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your paediatrician.

How can you help alleviate your baby’s discomfort?

Many new parents are surprised to learn that a baby sweating without a fever is normal. It’s one of the body’s ways of regulating temperature. But, some babies sweat more than others, and this can sometimes lead to discomfort. 

If you’re concerned about your baby’s sweating, you can do a few things to help ease their discomfort.

• First, make sure that your baby is well-hydrated. Offer small sips of water or breastmilk often, and check that their diapers are not too wet. 
• You can also try massaging your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction to help with gas pain. 
• Dress them in loose, breathable clothing. It will help to encourage airflow and prevent the skin from becoming moist. 
• Give them something cold to chew on if they’re teething, like a frozen washcloth or a teething ring. 
• And if they seem to be in pain from gas, try massaging their tummy or giving them a warm bath. 

With a little trial and error, you’ll find what works best for your baby and help them stay comfortable all day long.

What are the long-term effects of infant sweating but no fever? 

A baby sweating but having no fever could be a sign of several underlying conditions. If your baby is sweating all of a sudden without a fever, better consult your paediatrician to rule out any serious medical causes. 

Some potential long-term effects of infant sweating but no fever include:

• dehydration
• electrolyte imbalance 
• heat exhaustion

Although these conditions are typically not severe, they can be dangerous if left untreated. By working with your doctor, you can ensure that your baby stays healthy and safe.

How can you tell if your baby has a fever if it doesn’t show up on a thermometer?

Hyperhidrosis in babies

Republished with permission from theAsianparent Singapore

Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Philippines is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.