The lack of subcutaneous fat and poor muscular development make the premature infant more susceptible to loss of body heat.

The absent or minimal flexion of extremities prevents the premature infant from self-positioning to decrease the amount of body surface requiring heat. In the absent or poor reflex control of skin capillaries, there is no shivering to produce heat.

Immediately after delivery the baby should be placed under a radiant heat warmer. He must never be without provisions of external warmth at any time. It is good practice to keep the baby’s head covered because of the large amount of heat that is lost through the head. The body temperature of the infant should be maintained at 98o F axillary.