Cold Hands and Feet in Babies: What You Should Know

It’s common to notice your baby’s hands and feet feeling cold when you hold them, which can naturally cause concern. Cold extremities in newborns are usually normal and not a cause for alarm. However, sometimes it may indicate underlying health issues that require medical attention.

Here’s what you need to know according to Health:

Why Babies’ Hands and Feet Get Cold

1. Body Temperature Regulation

• Newborns have smaller bodies and lose heat faster than adults.

• Hands, feet, and the head are particularly prone to heat loss.

• Premature or low-birth-weight babies need extra care because they cannot regulate their body temperature well.

• If untreated, babies may develop hypothermia, even in warm environments.

2. Limited Activity

• Newborns spend most of their time sleeping or lying down, which reduces blood flow to extremities.

• Blood is prioritized to the stomach and digestive organs during feeding, making hands and feet cooler.

3. Immature Circulation

• Babies’ circulatory systems are not fully developed, so oxygen may not reach hands and feet efficiently.

• This can cause bluish extremities (cyanosis) in areas like hands, feet, ears, lips, and nipples.

• Cold weather or low body fat can worsen this condition.

Other Causes That Require Attention

1. Fever

• Fever is the body’s response to infection.

• During fever, blood moves to vital organs, causing hands and feet to feel cold.

• Warning signs with fever:

  • Shivering

  • Fatigue

  • Difficulty feeding

  • Sneezing, runny nose, sore throat

  • Headache or body aches

• Check: Baby’s forehead is hot and body temperature > 38°C (100.4°F).

2. Serious Health Concerns

• Persistent cold hands and feet, especially with bluish lips or patches on the body, may indicate:

  • Heart problems

  • Lung or breathing issues

  • Circulatory disorders

  • Infections

How to Keep Your Baby Warm

1. Check body warmth:

   • If the belly is warm, cold hands and feet are often normal.

2. Add clothing layers:

   • Cover the head, hands, and feet. Use hats, gloves, and socks.

3. Skin-to-skin contact:

   • Remove all clothing except a diaper, place the baby on your chest, and cover both with a blanket.

4. Maintain room temperature:

   • Ideal: 20–22°C (68–72°F).

   • Avoid rooms that are too cold or too hot.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical advice if:

• Cold hands and feet persist for a long time without a clear reason.

• Babies under 3 months have a temperature ≥ 38°C (100.4°F).

• Babies over 3 months have a temperature ≥ 39°C (102.2°F).

• Signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures appear.

A doctor can examine your baby and rule out serious health issues.