Night Sweats in Infants: Causes and Concerns for Parents

Night sweats

At one year and five months old, my child sweats profusely all over, especially after breastfeeding, even during cold nights.
This has caused rashes on the front and back.
It used to happen during the baby stage, but as they grew older, they stopped sweating so much.
I'm not sure why this has started again, especially during a cold front.

Linda, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/07

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

During childhood, metabolism is more vigorous, skin hydration levels are higher, and there is a greater distribution of microcapillaries.
Additionally, the autonomic nervous system that regulates sweating is not yet fully mature, which is why infants and young children tend to sweat more easily than adults.
As long as the baby has a normal appetite, normal energy levels, and shows no other signs of illness, there is usually no need for excessive concern.
It is also important not to assume that colder weather necessitates covering the baby with too many blankets or clothing, which can lead to excessive sweating.

Reply Date: 2016/01/07

More Info

Night sweats in infants can be concerning for parents, especially when they occur during colder weather. It's essential to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical advice.
First, let's consider the normal physiology of infants. Babies have a higher metabolic rate than adults, which means they generate more body heat. Their bodies are also less efficient at regulating temperature, making them more prone to sweating, especially during sleep. This is particularly true if they are bundled up too warmly or if the room temperature is higher than ideal.
In your case, the fact that your child is sweating at night, especially after breastfeeding, could be attributed to several factors:
1. Overheating: Infants can easily become overheated if they are dressed too warmly or if the room is too hot. Even in cold weather, if your child is bundled up excessively, it can lead to sweating. It's advisable to dress your child in layers that can be easily adjusted based on the room temperature.

2. Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can sometimes lead to increased sweating. When a baby feeds, their body works hard to digest the milk, which can raise their body temperature temporarily. This is particularly noticeable if they are breastfeeding for an extended period or if they are particularly active during feeding.

3. Infections: Night sweats can sometimes indicate an underlying infection. If your child has other symptoms, such as fever, irritability, or changes in appetite, it may be worth consulting a pediatrician to rule out any infections.

4. Eczema or Skin Irritation: The rash you mentioned on your child's chest and back could be related to sweating. Excess moisture can irritate the skin, leading to rashes or eczema flare-ups. Keeping the skin dry and using appropriate moisturizers can help manage this.

5. Sleep Environment: Ensure that your child's sleeping environment is conducive to comfortable sleep. A room that is too warm or humid can exacerbate sweating. The ideal room temperature for infants is typically between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C).

6. Growth Spurts: Infants often experience growth spurts, which can lead to increased metabolic activity and, consequently, more sweating. This is usually a temporary phase.

If your child's night sweats are persistent and accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent fever, or significant changes in behavior, it would be prudent to consult with a pediatrician. They can perform a thorough evaluation to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.

In summary, while night sweats in infants can be common and often benign, it's essential to monitor your child's overall health and comfort. Adjusting their clothing, ensuring a comfortable sleep environment, and being aware of any accompanying symptoms will help you manage this situation effectively. If in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Night Sweats in Children: Causes and Concerns

My child is one year old and has been experiencing night sweats for a while, specifically on the back, while the rest of the body is unaffected. Some people say it might be due to qi deficiency, but I would like to inquire whether this is a sign of illness or a deficiency of some...

Dr. Lin Huizhen reply Pediatrics
Dear Dr. Lin Huizhen, Director of Pediatrics at the Department of Health, Executive Yuan: The causes of pediatric nocturnal sweating are quite varied, including environmental factors, individual constitution, or sometimes the presence of an infection. A general physician's ...

Understanding Night Sweats in Children: Causes and Solutions

When a child starts to sweat profusely in the head and neck area shortly after falling asleep, even with the air conditioning set to 26 degrees Celsius, could this be considered nocturnal sweating?

Dr. Zhou Zuyou reply Pediatrics
Response: (1) A more active metabolism may lead to sweating, which can be managed by simply wiping it dry. (2) If sweating symptoms are severe and there is noticeable trembling when the arms are extended, it is advisable to test thyroid function. Dr. Hung Shao-Hui, Chief of Pedia...

Understanding Common Pediatric Concerns in Infants and Toddlers

1. My eldest daughter is two years old. At night when she sleeps, her hands and feet feel cool, but her head is covered in sweat. What could be the reason for this? 2. My youngest daughter is seven months old. In the past two days, during diaper changes, I noticed a layer that l...

Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello, Ms. Cat: 1. It is normal for the limbs to feel colder during sleep due to blood circulation, while sweating on the head is a typical physiological response. 2. You may consult an obstetrician-gynecologist for a personal examination to check for any specific abnormalities.

Understanding Sleep Challenges in Infants: Insights for Concerned Parents

Dear Dr. Wang, Hello. My baby has just turned seven months old. Normally, infants are expected to have long sleep durations, but since birth, my baby has always struggled to sleep for extended periods. During the day, he often wakes up crying after just half an hour of sleep, an...

Dr. Wang Jiayi reply Pediatrics
I apologize for the delay in responding to your question due to personal matters. To assess a child's physical and mental growth and health, it is essential to first check if their height, weight, and head circumference are within normal ranges. A basic physical examination,...