Why Does a Baby’s Head Sweat While Nursing?

last updated on: 03.06.2025 | Medical review by:

Mayara Belli

Nutritionist

Breastfeeding is much more than simply feeding your baby; it is also an act of care, affection, bonding between mother and child, and love. All mothers wish for breastfeeding to go perfectly, that there are never any problems, and that everything stays that way until the baby stops nursing, but that’s not always possible. There are various issues that can arise¹, such as breast dryness or incorrect latch, which can make this moment more difficult. But one thing that many mothers wonder about and think might be a problem is why the baby’s head sweats while nursing. Is this really something bad?

Is It Bad or Not?

We can answer this question right away: It’s not bad. The sweat produced by the baby is absolutely normal and its main function is to keep the body temperature balanced. Sweating usually happens more on the baby’s head because this is the warmest area of their body, and the higher the temperature of the environment, the more the baby will sweat from the head. Babies have a system called the immature body thermoregulation system, which means that their body temperature can change quickly, both cooler and warmer². This is also one of the reasons why a baby’s head sweats while they are feeding. There’s also the fact that the greatest effort a baby makes is while breastfeeding, which naturally raises the body temperature and consequently causes sweating. Besides that, we should also keep in mind that contact with the mother’s body also raises the temperature and increases sweating. And even though there is no cause for worry, many mothers don’t like seeing their child sweat a lot and can’t be at ease when this happens. To understand how to ease excessive sweating, we should first take into account a few things that might end up causing this increase in temperature.

Too Many Clothes on the Baby

It’s very natural for mothers to worry about drafts or room temperature, especially in winter. And sometimes the worry is such that some mothers end up putting a few more layers of clothing on than the baby really needs. One of the effects of this is that the baby will probably produce more sweat, especially when breastfeeding. The main tip we can give so this isn’t a problem is to try to balance the amount of clothing the baby is wearing, and also dress them in shirts that are easy to take off when feeding. It’s also important to note that these shirts should ideally be removed in indoor, warmer areas and only put on the baby again when you’re about to leave.

Excessive Sweating in Babies

Even though sweating is an important part of the beginning of life for anyone, there are some cases where it happens excessively³. In these cases, mothers’ questions are not just about why the baby’s head sweats while nursing, but also how to make sure this sweating does not become a problem. To know if excessive sweating is bothering your baby’s life, there are some things you should check. They are:

The baby’s urine – If it’s clear, everything is fine. However, if it’s darker and more yellow, it might be time to see a doctor.
Temperature – The baby’s temperature should always be between 36°C and 36.5°C. If it’s higher than that, it’s also necessary to consult a doctor.
Skin – Check if there is any change in your baby’s skin color when they are sweating a lot.
Breathing – Also check if the baby is making more effort than usual to breathe.

How to Reduce Excessive Sweating?

Even though this is a real issue, there are some steps you can take to help your baby not suffer with excessive sweating. They include:

Dress the baby in lightweight clothes
Keep the baby’s room fresh and well-ventilated
Avoid leaving the baby in very hot places or exposed to the sun for long periods

These small actions can help ensure there are no problems related to your baby’s sweating. With so much to worry about when you become a mother, it’s very helpful to know why a baby’s head sweats while nursing and especially to know that this is not something negative nor something that necessarily requires you to act.Worrying is natural for us, and researching every subject that bothers you in some way is healthier than not, especially to keep you calm. So, even in cases of excessive sweating as we mentioned here, you can rest assured because there’s nothing to worry about. But one thing is for sure: many other concerns will still arise. It’s normal, it’s part of being a mother. Also Read: Signs of Dehydration in Babies Photo: Max Pixel

References:

1Barbosa, G. E. F., Silva, V. B. D., Pereira, J. M., Soares, M. S., Medeiros, R. D. A., Pereira, L. B., ... & Caldeira, A. P. (2017). Initial breastfeeding difficulties and association with breast disorders among postpartum women. Revista Paulista de Pediatria, 35, 265-272.
2Ringer, S. A. (2013). Core concepts: thermoregulation in the newborn part I: basic mechanisms. Neoreviews, 14(4), e161-e167.
3Beauchamp, M., & Lands, L. C. (2005). Sweat‐testing: a review of current technical requirements. Pediatric pulmonology, 39(6), 507-511.

Sobre a autora e a revisora

For us, credibility and transparency are essential. That’s why our articles are written and reviewed by specialists in the field. This article was written and reviewed by: