How can one tell if a baby is overheating?

A key indicator that a baby is overheating is checking the back of the neck for sweat. When a baby becomes overheated, one of the first areas where sweat can be noticed is at the nape of the neck, as it is a common area for temperature regulation. Sweating indicates that the body is trying to cool itself down, and if the back of the neck is noticeably sweaty, it is a strong sign that the baby may be experiencing an excess of heat.

While examining the baby's color can provide some insights—such as a flushed appearance indicating overheating—it's not as reliable as feeling for sweat. Measuring body temperature can also be useful, but it usually requires a thermometer and might not be practical for quick assessments. Monitoring the baby’s level of activity is more subjective and can vary individually; a sleepy or lethargic baby might not directly indicate overheating. Therefore, checking for sweating at the back of the neck stands out as a straightforward and effective method for assessing if a baby is overheating.