Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight
Research has shown that babies born below 28 weeks of gestation are more prone to developing low body temperature. Another major risk factor is low birth weight. According to this research, infants weighing less than 1.5 kilogrammes have a 31% to 78% chance of developing hypothermia when compared to others. Due to their massive surface area to volume ratio, babies in this category tend to have a higher risk of low body temperature. Other contributing factors include lack of insulating body fat, inability to efficiently conduct body heat, and a still developing nervous system.
A while after birth, whether the child has low birth weight or is premature, ensure that they are immediately placed in a bassinet with heated mattresses and warming lights. Once the child is brought home, snugly wrap the baby in a blanket and limit their baths.