Medical Conditions

Baby Sweating a Lot - Excessive Sweating

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Sweating in babies is common, especially on the head, because babies have a high density of sweat glands on their scalp and their temperature regulation is still developing. Sweating during feeding, sleeping, and crying is usually normal. However, excessive sweating during feeds (especially if the baby also breathes fast or tires easily while eating) can occasionally indicate a heart condition. If your baby sweats heavily with feeds AND has poor weight gain or breathing difficulties, mention it to your pediatrician.

Key takeaways

  • Sweating in babies is common, especially on the head, because babies have a high density of sweat glands on their scalp and their temperature regulation is still developing. Sweating during feeding, sleeping, and crying is usually normal. However, excessive sweating during feeds (especially if the baby also breathes fast or tires easily while eating) can occasionally indicate a heart condition. If your baby sweats heavily with feeds AND has poor weight gain or breathing difficulties, mention it to your pediatrician.
  • Usually normal when: Your baby's head sweats during feeding or sleeping but they are otherwise healthy and growing well
  • Call your doctor if: Heavy sweating combined with blue lips, rapid breathing, and poor feeding - this combination could indicate a heart condition
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
— Fever and Your Child, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, sweating in babies is common, especially on the head, because babies have a high density of sweat glands on their scalp and their temperature regulation is still developing. Sweating during feeding, sleeping, and crying is usually normal. However, excessive sweating during feeds (especially if the baby also breathes fast or tires easily while eating) can occasionally indicate a heart condition. If your baby sweats heavily with feeds AND has poor weight gain or breathing difficulties, mention it to your pediatrician. At 0-3 months, newborns regulate temperature poorly and can overheat easily. Sweating, especially on the head, is how they cool down. If your baby is dressed too warmly, in a warm room, or is swaddled snugly, sweating is expected. The AAP recommends dressing babies in one layer more than what adults find comfortable - not more. If your baby's head is damp with sweat, reduce layers. Excessive sweating during breastfeeding is common because skin-to-skin contact generates warmth. It is generally considered normal when your baby's head sweats during feeding or sleeping but they are otherwise healthy and growing well. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if heavy sweating combined with blue lips, rapid breathing, and poor feeding - this combination could indicate a heart condition.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your baby's head sweats during feeding or sleeping but they are otherwise healthy and growing well
Heavy sweating combined with blue lips, rapid breathing, and poor feeding - this combination could indicate a heart condition
Sweating occurs in a warm room or with too many layers and improves when you cool the environment
Your baby is sweating profusely and is lethargic, unusually pale, or has a very rapid heartbeat
Your baby sweats when crying, active, or during skin-to-skin contact
Your baby is showing signs of heat exhaustion: extreme fussiness, flushed skin, rapid breathing, and reduced urination
Your toddler sweats during active play and is otherwise thriving
Your baby sweats heavily during every feed and also tires quickly, breathes fast, or gains weight slowly

When to Seek Immediate Care

  • Heavy sweating combined with blue lips, rapid breathing, and poor feeding - this combination could indicate a heart condition
  • Your baby is sweating profusely and is lethargic, unusually pale, or has a very rapid heartbeat
  • Your baby is showing signs of heat exhaustion: extreme fussiness, flushed skin, rapid breathing, and reduced urination

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

Newborns regulate temperature poorly and can overheat easily. Sweating, especially on the head, is how they cool down. If your baby is dressed too warmly, in a warm room, or is swaddled snugly, sweating is expected. The AAP recommends dressing babies in one layer more than what adults find comfortable - not more. If your baby's head is damp with sweat, reduce layers. Excessive sweating during breastfeeding is common because skin-to-skin contact generates warmth.

3-6 months

Head sweating remains common at this age. Babies often sweat most during deep sleep because their sweat glands are concentrated on the scalp. If your baby wakes with damp hair, the room may be too warm (ideal is 68-72F) or they may have too many layers. Sweating during feeds is also normal as feeding is hard physical work for babies. If sweating during feeds is accompanied by fast breathing, becoming exhausted after short feeds, or poor weight gain, mention it to your doctor.

6-12 months

As babies become more active (crawling, pulling up), sweating during physical activity is normal. Temperature regulation continues to mature. If your baby sweats excessively even at rest in a comfortable environment, and especially if combined with other symptoms like unusual fatigue, rapid heartbeat, or heat intolerance, an evaluation may be helpful. These situations are uncommon.

12-36 months

Toddlers are constantly moving and often sweat from activity, which is normal. Night sweats can occur during illness, teething, or in a warm room. If night sweats are drenching (requiring clothing or sheet changes) and occur without explanation, mention it to your pediatrician. Localized sweating (one side of the body or hands/feet only) is unusual and warrants evaluation.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby sweats heavily during every feed and also tires quickly, breathes fast, or gains weight slowly.
  • Mention if excessive sweating occurs even in a cool, comfortable environment.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your baby's head sweats during feeding or sleeping but they are otherwise healthy and growing well
  • Sweating occurs in a warm room or with too many layers and improves when you cool the environment
  • Your baby sweats when crying, active, or during skin-to-skin contact
  • Your toddler sweats during active play and is otherwise thriving
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your baby sweats heavily during every feed and also tires quickly, breathes fast, or gains weight slowly
  • Excessive sweating occurs even in a cool, comfortable environment
  • Night sweats are drenching and happening regularly without fever or illness
  • Sweating is localized to one area of the body
Act now when...
  • Heavy sweating combined with blue lips, rapid breathing, and poor feeding - this combination could indicate a heart condition
  • Your baby is sweating profusely and is lethargic, unusually pale, or has a very rapid heartbeat
  • Your baby is showing signs of heat exhaustion: extreme fussiness, flushed skin, rapid breathing, and reduced urination

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your baby's head sweats during feeding or sleeping but they are otherwise healthy and growing well — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if heavy sweating combined with blue lips, rapid breathing, and poor feeding - this combination could indicate a heart condition.

My Baby Sweats a Lot During Sleep

Babies commonly sweat during sleep, especially on their heads, because they spend more time in deep sleep than adults and have developing temperature regulation systems. Most of the time, it's simply that the room is too warm or your baby is over-dressed. Occasional sweating is normal, but excessive or persistent sweating warrants a pediatrician check.

My Baby's Head Sweats While Sleeping

Head sweating is extremely common in babies because they have a high concentration of sweat glands on their scalp and spend more time in deep sleep than adults. Since babies sleep on their backs and can't regulate temperature as well as adults, their heads often get warm and sweaty. This is usually normal, especially if the room is warm or your baby is over-dressed.

Baby Heart Murmur - Innocent vs Concerning

Heart murmurs are very common in children - up to 75% of children will have an audible murmur at some point. The vast majority are "innocent" or "functional" murmurs, meaning there is no structural heart problem. These murmurs are simply the sound of blood flowing normally through the heart and are more audible during fever, illness, or excitement. A smaller number of murmurs indicate a structural heart difference that may need monitoring or treatment. Your pediatrician can usually distinguish between the two and will refer for an echocardiogram if there is any concern.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating normal?
Sweating in babies is common, especially on the head, because babies have a high density of sweat glands on their scalp and their temperature regulation is still developing. Sweating during feeding, sleeping, and crying is usually normal. However, excessive sweating during feeds (especially if the baby also breathes fast or tires easily while eating) can occasionally indicate a heart condition. If your baby sweats heavily with feeds AND has poor weight gain or breathing difficulties, mention it to your pediatrician.
When should I call the doctor about baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating?
Heavy sweating combined with blue lips, rapid breathing, and poor feeding - this combination could indicate a heart condition Your baby is sweating profusely and is lethargic, unusually pale, or has a very rapid heartbeat Your baby is showing signs of heat exhaustion: extreme fussiness, flushed skin, rapid breathing, and reduced urination
When is baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating normal?
Your baby's head sweats during feeding or sleeping but they are otherwise healthy and growing well Sweating occurs in a warm room or with too many layers and improves when you cool the environment Your baby sweats when crying, active, or during skin-to-skin contact
What causes baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating?
Sweating in babies is common, especially on the head, because babies have a high density of sweat glands on their scalp and their temperature regulation is still developing. Sweating during feeding, sleeping, and crying is usually normal. However, excessive sweating during feeds (especially if the baby also breathes fast or tires easily while eating) can occasionally indicate a heart condition. If your baby sweats heavily with feeds AND has poor weight gain or breathing difficulties, mention it to your pediatrician. Common explanations include: Your baby's head sweats during feeding or sleeping but they are otherwise healthy and growing well. Sweating occurs in a warm room or with too many layers and improves when you cool the environment.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating?
You should mention baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating at your next visit if: Your baby sweats heavily during every feed and also tires quickly, breathes fast, or gains weight slowly. Excessive sweating occurs even in a cool, comfortable environment. Night sweats are drenching and happening regularly without fever or illness.
Is baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating normal at 0-3 months?
Newborns regulate temperature poorly and can overheat easily. Sweating, especially on the head, is how they cool down. If your baby is dressed too warmly, in a warm room, or is swaddled snugly, sweating is expected. The AAP recommends dressing babies in one layer more than what adults find comfortable - not more. If your baby's head is damp with sweat, reduce layers. Excessive sweating during breastfeeding is common because skin-to-skin contact generates warmth.
Is baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating normal at 3-6 months?
Head sweating remains common at this age. Babies often sweat most during deep sleep because their sweat glands are concentrated on the scalp. If your baby wakes with damp hair, the room may be too warm (ideal is 68-72F) or they may have too many layers. Sweating during feeds is also normal as feeding is hard physical work for babies. If sweating during feeds is accompanied by fast breathing, becoming exhausted after short feeds, or poor weight gain, mention it to your doctor.
Should I go to the ER for baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating?
Seek emergency care if heavy sweating combined with blue lips, rapid breathing, and poor feeding - this combination could indicate a heart condition, or if your baby is sweating profusely and is lethargic, unusually pale, or has a very rapid heartbeat. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating go away on its own?
In many cases, baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating resolves on its own, especially when your baby's head sweats during feeding or sleeping but they are otherwise healthy and growing well. By 12-36 months, toddlers are constantly moving and often sweat from activity, which is normal. Night sweats can occur during illness, teething, or in a warm room. If night sweats are drenching (requiring clothing or sheet changes) and occur without explanation, mention it to your pediatrician. Localized sweating (one side of the body or hands/feet only) is unusual and warrants evaluation.
AAPAAPNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Overheating and Your Baby. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Congenital Heart Disease. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  3. [3]National Library of Medicine. Hyperhidrosis. MedlinePlus. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Sweating a Lot - Excessive Sweating.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby sweats heavily during every feed and also tires quickly, breathes fast, or gains weight slowly.
  • Mention if excessive sweating occurs even in a cool, comfortable environment.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your baby sweats heavily during every feed and also tires quickly, breathes fast, or gains weight slowly
  • Excessive sweating occurs even in a cool, comfortable environment
  • Night sweats are drenching and happening regularly without fever or illness

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Heavy sweating combined with blue lips, rapid breathing, and poor feeding - this combination could indicate a heart condition
  • Your baby is sweating profusely and is lethargic, unusually pale, or has a very rapid heartbeat
  • Your baby is showing signs of heat exhaustion: extreme fussiness, flushed skin, rapid breathing, and reduced urination

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

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Bottom line

Most cases of baby sweating a lot - excessive sweating are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if heavy sweating combined with blue lips, rapid breathing, and poor feeding - this combination could indicate a heart condition.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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My Baby Sweats a Lot During Sleep

Babies commonly sweat during sleep, especially on their heads, because they spend more time in deep sleep than adults and have developing temperature regulation systems. Most of the time, it's simply that the room is too warm or your baby is over-dressed. Occasional sweating is normal, but excessive or persistent sweating warrants a pediatrician check.

My Baby's Head Sweats While Sleeping

Head sweating is extremely common in babies because they have a high concentration of sweat glands on their scalp and spend more time in deep sleep than adults. Since babies sleep on their backs and can't regulate temperature as well as adults, their heads often get warm and sweaty. This is usually normal, especially if the room is warm or your baby is over-dressed.

Baby Heart Murmur - Innocent vs Concerning

Heart murmurs are very common in children - up to 75% of children will have an audible murmur at some point. The vast majority are "innocent" or "functional" murmurs, meaning there is no structural heart problem. These murmurs are simply the sound of blood flowing normally through the heart and are more audible during fever, illness, or excitement. A smaller number of murmurs indicate a structural heart difference that may need monitoring or treatment. Your pediatrician can usually distinguish between the two and will refer for an echocardiogram if there is any concern.

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