Why might an infant require additional warmth during a bath?

An infant requires additional warmth during a bath primarily to prevent chilling. Infants have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio compared to adults, which means they lose body heat more quickly in a cool environment, such as a bath. Their thermoregulation system is not fully developed, making them particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature.

To ensure the safety and comfort of the infant, maintaining an appropriate temperature during bath time is critical. Excessive heat loss can lead to hypothermia, which poses serious health risks. Therefore, providing additional warmth helps to maintain the infant's core body temperature, ensuring they remain comfortable and safe throughout the bathing process.

While promoting relaxation, improving blood circulation, and enhancing cleansing may have their own benefits, the primary and most immediate concern in this context is to prevent the infant from becoming chilled.