What is the primary cause of heat loss due to convection?

The primary cause of heat loss due to convection is the movement of air or fluid around the body. When there are winds or draughts present, they can carry away heat from the surface of the skin more effectively than still air. This process happens because warm air, which is less dense, rises and is replaced by cooler air, resulting in a continuous cycle of heat loss. In a setting with newborns, even mild wind or a draught can lead to significant temperature drops as their bodies are unable to generate enough heat to maintain a stable core temperature.

In contrast, direct contact with cold surfaces typically leads to heat loss through conduction rather than convection. Evaporation from wet skin contributes to heat loss but primarily concerns moisture rather than air movement, while a low ambient temperature influences heat retention rather than being a direct cause of heat loss by convection.