On the importance of warmth

The Child and the Importance of Warmth

Why warmth is so important for young children – and how to perceive it sensitively and mindfully

Warmth is not just a physical sensation. In human life – and especially in early childhood – it represents a fundamental life force that surrounds us, protects us, shapes us, and connects us with others. From the moment of birth, the ability to regulate body temperature is a huge challenge for a child. And it is the adult – most often the mother or father – who helps them with this. Not only through clothing, blankets, or room temperature, but most importantly through their presence, awareness, touch, and closeness.

🔥 Warmth as a Foundation of Vital Forces

A newborn arrives from the womb, an environment of stable, deeply internalized warmth. The outside world is colder, full of stimuli and demands. Maintaining warmth is not just about comfort – it is essential for the maturation of the nervous system, restful sleep, healthy digestion, and emotional stability.

Warmth supports:

• Immunity – chilling weakens the child's defenses

• Metabolism – nutrients are better absorbed when the body is warm

• Emotional wellbeing – warmth is associated with feelings of safety, acceptance, and love

• Sensory perception and motor development – children who feel warm and safe relax and move more freely

👶 How to Approach Warmth in Children Wisely

It is important to find a healthy balance between protection and strengthening resilience. Too much warmth (overheating) can be just as inappropriate as cold.

➤ What to watch for:

• Hands and feet – in small children, they may be cooler, but should not be icy

• Neck and back – if sweaty, the child is overdressed

• Child's behavior – irritability, restless sleep, or food refusal may signal thermal discomfort

➤ Practical tips:

• Layered (onion-style) clothing – allows adjustment to conditions

• Natural materials – wool, cotton, silk regulate temperature better than synthetics

• Don't use hats indoors unless it's cold – the head plays a key role in temperature regulation

• After bathing, always warm the child in dry and cozy layers

• In the cold, cover the kidneys and feet – these areas are especially sensitive to loss of vitality

🌡️ Warmth and Illness

When a child is sick, it is especially important to create healing warmth. Illness is a time when the body turns inward, regenerates, and seeks balance.

In these moments, warmth heals through:

• Warm compresses (e.g., on the chest or belly)

• Herbal baths or warm wraps

• Teas, soups, and warm, nourishing foods

• Adult closeness – being held, gentle touch, soft covering

❤️ Warmth as a Sign of Love and Humanity

If we want to give a child a sense of home, acceptance, and trust in the world, we must offer not only physical but also emotional warmth. A warm gaze, a soft voice, quiet presence, or loving embrace are irreplaceable sources of life force.

Warmth is a gift the child feels with their whole body and soul. It's not just about degrees Celsius – but about how deeply love can be felt in our presence.