Which infant is most at risk for hypothermia?

An infant that is stressed is particularly at risk for hypothermia due to the physiological responses that occur under stress. When an infant experiences stress, whether it be from illness, environmental factors, or other physiological challenges, their ability to maintain body temperature can become compromised. Stress can lead to increased metabolic demands and energy expenditure, which, in turn, can result in a higher risk of heat loss, particularly in a preterm or low birth weight infant.

Stress may also interfere with the infant's thermoregulatory mechanisms, making it harder for them to preserve warmth. Infants who are stressed may have altered skin perfusion and impaired heat production, further increasing their vulnerability to hypothermia.

In contrast, an infant in stable condition, one with normal birth weight, or an infant actively feeding is typically better equipped to maintain their body temperature. A stable infant generally has adequate metabolic reserves and thermoregulatory function, normal birth weight infants tend to have better physiological regulation due to increased fat stores, and actively feeding infants are often simultaneously generating warmth through metabolic activities, making them less susceptible to hypothermia.