From the Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend maintaining a home temperature between 68-72°F (20-22.2°C) for preterm infants, as supported by the most recent evidence from 2023 1. This temperature range helps preterm babies maintain their body temperature effectively, as they often have less body fat and underdeveloped temperature regulation systems. When caring for a preterm infant at home, it's essential to monitor the baby for signs of being too cold (cool extremities, lethargy) or too warm (flushed skin, sweating). Some key points to consider include:
- Dressing the baby in one more layer than you would wear yourself
- Using sleep sacks rather than loose blankets for safety
- Utilizing a room thermometer to ensure the environment stays within the recommended range
- Avoiding placement of the infant near drafts, air conditioners, or heaters that could create temperature fluctuations Proper temperature maintenance is crucial because preterm infants expend significant energy trying to stay warm, energy that would otherwise support growth and development. According to the 2023 international consensus on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care science with treatment recommendations, a combination of interventions, including an environmental temperature of 23°C to 25°C, may be used to reduce hypothermia in preterm infants under radiant warmers in the hospital delivery room 1. However, it is also important to avoid hyperthermia (>38.0°C) due to the potential associated risks, as suggested by the same consensus 1. In the context of home care, maintaining a consistent and appropriate temperature is vital for the health and well-being of preterm infants, and the recommended range of 68-72°F (20-22.2°C) should be followed, as supported by the available evidence 1.
From the Research
Thermoregulation for Preterm Infants
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend maintaining a temperature range of 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F) for newborn infants, including preterm infants 2.
- However, the ideal room temperature for preterm infants is not explicitly stated by the AAP or CDC in the provided studies.
- A study published in 2022 found that a room temperature of 23°C (73.4°F) compared to 20°C (68°F) improved normothermia and body temperature in late preterm and term neonates 3.
- Another study published in 2021 discussed the importance of thermoregulation protocols in preterm infants, but did not specify a recommended room temperature 4.
- A 2016 study presented a mathematical model for thermoregulation in premature infants, which could provide insight into heat transfer processes and body-environment interactions, but did not recommend a specific room temperature 5.
- A 2008 article reviewed the consequences of hypothermia and mechanisms of heat exchange in full-term and low birth-weight infants, but did not provide a specific recommendation for room temperature 6.
Recommendations for Thermoregulation
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends maintaining a temperature range of 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F) for newborn infants, including preterm infants 2.
- The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) recommends using a combination of interventions to prevent heat loss in very preterm infants, including delayed cord clamping and thermal care 2.
- Skin-to-skin care (SSC) has been shown to increase body temperature and reduce hypoglycemia and hospital admission in late preterm and term neonates 3.