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Preterm or sick babies often struggle to regulate their body temperature, however, maintaining warmth is crucial for their wellbeing. Hypothermia, or low body temperature, is linked to a higher risk of future health complications and loss of life.
Types of Incubators
Incubators come in different designs to help with temperature regulation:
Temperature inside the incubator is managed in two ways:
Skin-to-skin or Kangaroo Mother Care should ideally begin within the first day – when possible, the first hour – of a baby’s life and continue regularly thereafter. This practice not only aids in temperature regulation but also fosters a close connection and attentive care. However, it is important to acknowledge that many extremely preterm babies may not immediately engage in skin-to-skin care due to their transition to life outside the womb.
While preventing hypothermia⍰ is a primary concern, it is equally essential to avoid hyperthermia⍰ (body temperature >38.0˚C (100.4°F)). This can inadvertently occur when multiple interventions are employed to prevent hypothermia.
For any concerns about your baby's comfort or temperature regulation, do not hesitate to speak with your healthcare team.