Sweating in babies...link to SIDS? Really worried!

[NinkyNonker]

Recently I have noticed that 4m old dd can get quite a sweaty head. I first noticed it on the back of her head when she had been dat in her bouncy chair for a while and put it down to the non breathable material.

But recently I have noticed her forehead feeling clammy, and just now the back of her head was damp. For some reason I googled it as I thought babies didn't sweat much and found all sorts of links to heart problems and SIDS. There was one page claiming it as the symptom that should forewarned people, along with trying to sit up from an early age, which dd also does.

I have really freaked myself out now, has anyone else heard of this or is my baby totally normal?!

[InmaculadaConcepcion]

My baby used to sweat quite a lot, especially when on a non-breathable surface, when skin-again-skin with me (still does) and during the summer just because it was hot (we're in Spain).

She's fine.

A lot of babies sweat loads and it's nothing to worry about, especially if you are being careful they don't overheat by making sure their room isn't too warm, they don't have too many layers on etc.

But obviously, if you're worried, take your LO for a check-up with your GP.

[CuppaTeaJanice]

My DS has always got quite a sweaty head after he lies on a cushion etc. I've never heard of a link between sweatiness and SIDS, other than perhaps overheating etc., which presumably you know about.

I find it's always a danger googling medical stuff though - I freaked myself out looking up about the MMR. Was the info on a reputable site - NHS, SIDS association etc.? As far as I know, at 4 months she is past the age of highest risk of SIDS. Hopefully someone who knows more can reassure you.

[NinkyNonker]

I saw this...freaked me out! DH thinks I'm nuts!

[wannabeglam]

I thought it was that babies didn't sweat that was the risk factor.

As said above, just make sure not overheated and follow other SIDS advice and that's all you can do.

I think until you're past the risk period you're going to feel anxious, it's natural. Just try not to get it out of proportion.

[sneakapeak]

ninkynonker You are 100 X more anxious after having a baby and this sort of stuff could have you completely up the wall.

I think if this is really worrying you then you have to take steps to do something about it so that you can relax and be there is nothing wrong with your baby.

First of all tell the doctor. Tell him/her that she seems to have these cold clamy sweats and the trying to sit up from her back so you googled it and this is what you found.
They can confirm what is normal and they may listen to her heart or even send her for further investigation if there really is a strong link.

Also, go to Boots and buy a moniter with a breathing sensor alarm like Tomee Tipee.
It will cost around £100 but it's peace of mind.
It's a normal monitor but with a sensor pad that slips under the mattress and picks up every breath with a little flashing light. This also saves you checking her every 5 when she is in another room early evening or for naps. If she didn't breath for 20 seconds it would go off.

Everyone will tell you not to worry but that seed has been planted now and your only going to worry until you have done something to reassure yourself. x

[tabulahrasa]

my nephew was a sweaty baby - he's now a sweaty 9 year old, lol