From the Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend maintaining a home temperature between 73-75°F (23°C) for preterm infants after hospital discharge, as suggested by the most recent study 1. This temperature range helps preterm babies maintain their body temperature without working too hard, as they often have less body fat and immature temperature regulation systems. When caring for your preterm infant at home, avoid placing the crib near windows, air conditioners, or heating vents that could create temperature fluctuations. Dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear yourself, typically a onesie with sleeper or swaddle. Monitor your baby for signs of being too hot (sweating, flushed skin, rapid breathing) or too cold (cool extremities, lethargy). Use a room thermometer to ensure consistent temperature. During sleep, avoid overheating with too many blankets, as this increases SIDS risk. If your home tends to be cooler, you can use sleep clothing designed for infants rather than raising the overall home temperature excessively. Some key points to consider:
- Preterm infants are especially vulnerable to hypothermia, which is associated with serious morbidities, such as increased respiratory issues, hypoglycemia, and late-onset sepsis 1.
- Maintaining normal temperature is crucial, and the admission temperature of newly born nonasphyxiated infants is a strong predictor of mortality and morbidity at all gestations 1.
- The use of room temperatures of ≥ 23° C compared with 20° C at birth is suggested to maintain normal temperature in preterm infants (<34 weeks’ gestation) 1.
- It is reasonable to consider the addition of a thermal mattress in preterm infants (<34 weeks’ gestation) immediately after birth, but there is a risk of hyperthermia 1.
From the Research
Thermoregulation for Preterm Infants
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do not provide specific temperature recommendations for the home environment of preterm infants in the provided studies.
- However, the studies suggest that maintaining a temperature between 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F) is ideal for preterm infants 2, 3.
- In terms of the home environment, it is essential to maintain a comfortable temperature to prevent heat loss and promote thermoregulation in preterm infants.
- A temperature range of low to mid 70's F (21-23°C) may be considered comfortable for preterm infants at home, but this is not explicitly stated in the provided studies.
Recommendations for Thermoregulation
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends maintaining the temperature of newly born infants between 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F) after birth 2.
- The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) recommends using a combination of interventions to prevent heat loss in very preterm infants 2.
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth can help ensure stable thermoregulation in very preterm infants 4.
- The use of thermoregulatory devices, such as polyethylene bags and thermal mattresses, can also help maintain a stable temperature in preterm infants 5.
Home Care Considerations
- While the provided studies do not specifically address home care, they emphasize the importance of maintaining a stable temperature to promote thermoregulation in preterm infants.
- Parents and caregivers should be aware of the importance of thermoregulation and take steps to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home environment 6, 2, 5, 3, 4.