Hypothermia in babies:
- Take them to a warm room and dress them in warm clothes.
- Wrap in blanket.
- Call 999.
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when someone’s body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F). Normal body temperature is around 37°C (98. 6°F). Hypothermia can become life-threatening quickly, so it’s important to treat someone with hypothermia straight away.
Signs and symptoms
A baby may:
- be cold to touch
- have mottled (blotchy) skin
- be quiet and sleepy
- be limp
- refuse to feed.
What to do
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If you suspect a baby has hypothermia, take them to a warm room and dress them in warm clothes.
- Do not place any direct heat, such as hot water bottles, near a baby as they can cause burns.
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You can also wrap them in a blanket and hold them close to you to help to warm them up.
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Call 999 or 112 for emergency help if required.
Alternatively, you can take them immediately to the nearest emergency department if you're unsure.
If you're waiting for help to arrive, keep trying to warm them until help arrives.
Who should I call?
At some point in their life, most people will witness or be involved in an accident or medical emergency. Knowing what to do and when you should call the emergency services can potentially save lives.
