What should I do if my baby has poor temperature regulation?
Sep 11, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, poor temperature regulation in infants may be caused by factors such as young age, large fluctuations in environmental temperature, improper clothing, upper respiratory tract infections, or infantile急疹 (sudden rash in infants). It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment, medication, and other approaches under a doctor's guidance. Avoid taking the baby to crowded, poorly ventilated places to reduce the risk of infection.
Generally, poor temperature regulation in infants may be caused by factors such as young age, significant environmental temperature fluctuations, inappropriate clothing, upper respiratory tract infections, or infantile emergency rash (roseola). It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and, under a doctor's guidance, improve the condition through general treatments, medications, and other methods. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Young age: An infant's body temperature regulation center is not fully developed, making it difficult to adapt to external temperature changes and prone to temperature fluctuations. Maintain indoor temperature between 22–25°C and humidity at 50%–60%. Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning or drafts; adjust clothing promptly when temperatures change to reduce sudden temperature shifts.
2. Large environmental temperature fluctuations: Significant temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments or frequent transitions between air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned spaces can make it difficult for infants to adapt, leading to body temperature imbalance. Check the weather before going out and prepare appropriate clothing. Allow time to adjust in transitional areas when entering or leaving air-conditioned spaces to avoid temperature shocks. Use air conditioners or humidifiers to maintain stable indoor temperatures.
3. Improper clothing: Wearing too many or too few clothes can affect heat dissipation and warmth retention, causing abnormal body temperatures. Choose loose cotton clothing, following the principle of wearing one additional layer than adults. Touch the infant's neck to assess body temperature—warmth without sweating indicates appropriate clothing; adjust clothing if the baby is sweating or feels cold.
4. Upper respiratory tract infection: Infection-induced inflammation may stimulate the temperature regulation center, leading to fever. For viral infections, medications such as Pediatric Paracetamol, Chlorpheniramine, and Artificial Cow-bezoar Powder (Pediatric Cold宁 Syrup), Ribavirin Granules may be used as directed by a physician. For bacterial infections, medications such as Pediatric Amoxicillin Granules, Cefaclor Dry Suspension, and Azithromycin Dry Suspension may be prescribed.
5. Infantile emergency rash (roseola): Viral infection can cause sudden high fever, which exceeds the infant's temperature regulation capacity. During fever, use Paracetamol Suspension Drops or Ibuprofen Suspension as directed by a physician to reduce fever and prevent febrile seizures. After the rash appears, keep the skin clean and avoid scratching; rashes typically resolve spontaneously.
Routinely monitor the infant's temperature using a pediatric-specific thermometer and keep records. Avoid taking infants to crowded or poorly ventilated places to reduce infection risks. Feed according to demand and ensure adequate nutrition to support physical development and gradually improve temperature regulation ability.
