the health visitor says.....?

Question

that my niece should check how warm/cold her baby is by placing her hand on babys chest. i was told different but that was 10 years ago. i thought that because the baby is wearing something on her chest surely she would be warm there anyway?

Answer 1

I hope it dies b4 december.

Answer 2

Hi
She was given this advice because many people feel their babies hands and feet and think they're too cold. Because their circulatory system isn't fully developed yet, their hands and feet will often feel cold, even when the baby is at a very comfortable temperature, so people would tend to add more unnecessary clothing or covers to an already warm baby. Either the stomach or the nape of the neck will give you a better idea of their temperature.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

The chest is the best indication as to a baby's temperature. It only needs two fingers put down the top of the neckline.

Hands and feet get cold first, so this is not a good place to check.

Answer 4

Hi, health visitors always try to be helpful, but are only allowed to advise what the government tells them they are allowed to say! A good guide is that generally, a baby will cry if they are uncomfortable! If you need a jumper, then so does your baby, if you need only a tshirt then so does your baby. If you are feeling for a raised temperature, then the back of the baby's neck is normally a safe place to check! hope this helps.

Answer 5

I was told by my health visitor that you should check the back of the neck to see how warm or cold they are. Another thing she told me is that your baby should always wear one more layer of clothes than you are wearing. So today I have a vest and a top on so my son has a vest, top and cardigan to keep him warm.

Answer 6

i was told the back of the neck, it's important to keep a new baby warm but don't over do it, a baby has no way of controlling their temperature & by over dressing you could cause a febrial convulsion (fit or seizure) which is the bodys way to drop the tempreature. i always thought about how hot or cold i was & just added an extra layer from there.

Answer 7

I was told to check the back of the neck, which is easier if they are a sleep less chance of waking them up and as you say it may be a bit more reliable as their chest could possibly be warm already.

Mother of 2

Answer 8

When you're cold your body concentrates on keeping the major organs warm. So, I suppose as long as the neck (warm blood to the brain) and torso are warm, then you're checking in the right places.

Answer 9

i think these days its a matter of doing what we think is the best advice. im pregnant and so far ive been told so many things about what i should do and when i say it to others mothers who are in the same position as you (10 years+ ago) they have completley different views. I wouldnt worry about it though aslong as the baby is healthy and you she feels that the baby is warm its no prob

Answer 10

It would seem to me that the most logical place to see how warm or cold somone is is to check extremilties like hands and feet, although tiny babies are always cold there lol!

Frankly if you are warm so is the baby. If you are cold the baby is too its really just as easy as that.

Answer 11

Back of neck and chest are the best places to check