03/04/2026
A cold baby cries. They tell you. An overheated baby goes quiet. The warning signs are silent. That's why overheating is more dangerous.
Overheating is the number one modifiable risk factor for SIDS. More than sleep position. More than blankets. The baby who is too warm sleeps deeper. The arousal mechanism that should wake them when something goes wrong gets suppressed.
SIGNS OF OVERHEATING MOST PARENTS MISS: Sweaty neck or chest. Not hands. Hands are unreliable. The chest and back of the neck tell the truth.
Flushed red skin on the face or ears. Beyond normal pinkness.
Rapid breathing without other illness signs. The body is trying to cool by breathing faster.
Irritability followed by unusual sleepiness. The progression from fussy to unresponsive is the danger sequence.
Hot to the touch on the chest or belly. If it feels hot to your hand it's too hot for their body.
ROOM TEMPERATURE FOR SLEEP: 18-20°C. This feels cool to adults. Your comfort zone is not your baby's safe zone.
DRESSING RULE: One layer more than what you're comfortable in. You in a t-shirt means baby in a onesie plus a light sleep sack. Not three layers because grandma says they look cold.
NO HATS INDOORS. The head is the primary heat release point. A hat traps heat the body is trying to release.
Check the chest right now. Not the hands. Warm and dry is perfect. Hot or damp means remove a layer immediately.
