Neonatal hypothermia occurs in hospitals and the community, including tropical environments, and correlates with increased mortality.
Clinical significance and normal temperature
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Prematurity, hypoglycemia, and asphyxia carry a higher mortality risk when associated with hypothermia.
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Normal body temperature based on axillary measurement is 36.5–37.5°C.
Warmth immediately after birth
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Keep the birthing room at least 25°C and free of air drafts by keeping windows and doors closed.
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Immediately dry the neonate, place the baby skin-to-skin on the mother's abdomen, cover with warm dry linen, and discard the wet towel.
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Use appropriate clothing, including a cap and socks. Multiple layers of warm, light clothing provide better thermal protection than one heavy woolen layer.
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Kangaroo mother care keeps low-birth-weight neonates warm. Frequent breastfeeding provides contact with the mother's warm body and energy to maintain warmth.
Ongoing thermal protection
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Postpone bathing and weighing. Healthy term neonates may receive sponge bathing after discharge during summer.
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During winter and in sick or small neonates, delay bathing until the umbilical cord falls off at the end of the first week. Small neonates should be bathed once they weigh two kilograms.
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Keep the mother and neonate on the same bed through co-bedding or rooming in.
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Warm transportation is the weakest link in the warm chain and carries a significant risk of severe hypothermia.
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Training and awareness of healthcare providers support prevention. Clothing a baby under a radiant warmer improves thermal protection and provides developmental supportive care.