How do infants and very young children lose heat in comparison to adults when exposed to cold?

Infants and very young children lose heat faster than adults due to several physiological and anatomical differences. Their body surface area-to-volume ratio is significantly higher, which means they have more skin relative to their mass compared to adults. This characteristic exacerbates heat loss through conduction, convection, and radiation, as heat escapes more rapidly from a smaller body mass.

Additionally, infants have a less developed subcutaneous fat layer, which serves as insulation. This reduced insulation makes it more challenging for them to retain heat. Furthermore, young children often have higher metabolic rates, which while slightly helps in generating heat, is not sufficient to compensate for their increased heat loss.

Understanding these factors is crucial for recognizing the vulnerability of infants and young children in cold environments, highlighting the importance of keeping them warm and protected from exposure.