Twelve matched pairs of small (1,001-2,000 gm birth weight) asymptomatic neonates, age 1 week, were placed in either of two frequently recommended thermal environments ("standard": abdominal skin controlled at 35.0°C to approximate the thermal state commonly realized in nurseries for premature infants; "warm": abdominal skin controlled at 36.5°C to approximate thermoneutral condition). Both groups were fed 120 calories/kg/day. Before and after 2 weeks in the test environment, the infants were placed in a simulated room environment-28°C incubator wall—for 1 hour and the change in body temperatures was measured. Cold resistance–the ability to prevent a fall of deep body temperature in the 28°C environment– was significantly greater among infants who had spent 2 weeks in the slightly cooler environment. The rate of increase in body weight and length was significantly faster in the warmer condition.
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Glass et al. (1968) studied this question.