What is a key sign to look for in an infant suffering from cold stress?

In infants experiencing cold stress, one of the key signs to monitor is an increased respiratory rate. This physiological response helps the body generate heat as the infant struggles to maintain a stable internal temperature when exposed to cold environments. The increased respiratory rate is a compensatory mechanism aimed at maintaining adequate oxygen levels and promoting thermogenesis, which is crucial for the infant's survival, especially in the first few days after birth.

Cold stress can lead to a range of negative effects on an infant's health, including hypothermia, respiratory distress, and metabolic issues. Therefore, recognizing and managing signs such as an elevated respiratory rate is essential in providing appropriate care for the infant.

While other signs related to cold stress might include reduced activity levels and changes in feeding behaviors, it is the increased respiratory rate that serves as a prominent and immediate indicator of the infant's physiological response to cold exposure.