Why does my baby have pimples on his face?

Your questions

Did you noticed the appearance of small pimples on your baby’s face in hot weather? Often seen with redness all over the face.

There are many types of rashes, but this one could simply be caused by the heat! They’re often seen in babies as young as 1 month old.

When you suspect heat rash, make sure your baby isn’t overdressed.

Parents (and grandparents!) are often afraid their baby will be cold, so they overdress him or her, causing the temperature to rise. As the baby’s heat comes out through the head, so do the pimples! Take a closer look: they’re found right on the upper part of the body, from the chest up to the face.

Breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact and heat

This phenomenon can also be accentuated by breastfeeding (or skin-to-skin contact) in hot weather. You could therefore breastfeed in the pool (in the shade), in the bath with cool, lukewarm water or in the basement, for example, where it’s cooler. It’s also possible to slip a light blanket (made of natural fibers, such as muslin or a sheet) between you and the baby to avoid sharing body heat.

If you use an air-conditioning unit or fan to cool the house, remember to never point it directly at the baby.

Marie Fortier
Baby specialist

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