Why is it important to keep a newborn warm in the immediate period after birth?

• A. The kidneys and renal function are not fully developed.
• B. Warmth promotes sleep so the infant will grow quickly.
• C. A large body surface area favors heat loss to the environment.
• D. The thick layer of subcutaneous fat is inadequate for insulation.

Answer: (C)

Newborns must stay warm because their bodies lose heat rapidly after birth. They have a high surface-area-to-body-mass ratio, their skin is thin, and they have little insulating fat and limited ability to generate heat through shivering. This combination means heat can escape quickly through evaporation, convection, conduction, and radiation, so keeping them warm minimizes this heat loss and helps preserve energy for breathing and growth. If a baby becomes too cold, the body increases metabolic work to generate warmth, which can lead to hypoglycemia, breathing difficulties, and acidosis. The idea that warmth is crucial because a large body surface area makes heat loss more likely explains why preventing cold stress is a top priority.