Normal Baby Temperature

The normal average temperature of a baby is 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). In the morning, a normal low temperature is 36° C (96.8° F). Late in the day, it may reach a high of 37.9° C (100.3° F). This is a typical body temperature range in healthy babies.

Babies can have a higher body temperature in response to an infection, illness, or other cause. Researchers believe that increasing the temperature helps the body fight germs that cause infections by making the environment less comfortable for them.

How to Check Baby’s Temperature:

It's advisable to use a thermometer to check your baby's temperature if you suspect they have a fever. This can assist you in determining whether or not you require medical assistance. You can use a digital thermometer for a quick and precise reading.

The optimum thermometer for your child is determined by their age. These types of thermometers and how they are used include the following:

From birth through three months, take a rectal temperature, using a normal digital thermometer. A temporal artery thermometer may also deliver reliable readings in babies, according to recent research.

1. How to use a rectal thermometer:

Turn on the digital thermometer and apply petroleum jelly to the thermometer's tip. Place your baby on their back, elevate their thighs, and insert the lubricated thermometer into the rectum between 1.3 to 2.5 centimetres. You can also lay your infant on his or her stomach on your lap or any other hard surface. When using a rectal thermometer, never try to push it past any resistance. Keep the thermometer in place until it indicates that it is finished. Remove the thermometer and take a reading.

A digital thermometer can be used to take a rectal or armpit temperature reading for babies and infants between the age of three months and four years. If you take an infant's temperature with another type of thermometer and are not sure if the reading is correct, take a rectal temperature.

2. How to use an armpit thermometer:

The digital thermometer should be turned on. Make sure the thermometer hits skin rather than clothing when you place it under your child's armpit. Hug your child while the thermometer is reading his or her temperature. Keep the thermometer firmly in place until it indicates that it is finished. Remove the thermometer and take a reading.

3. How to use an ear thermometer:

Activate the thermometer. Place the thermometer in your baby’s ear with care. To ensure that the thermometer is inserted the right distance into the ear canal, follow the instructions that come with the device. Keep the thermometer firmly in place until it indicates that it is finished. Remove the thermometer and take a reading.

Ear thermometers can be used on babies above 6 months of age.

4. How to use an oral thermometer:

The digital thermometer should be turned on. Ask your youngster to keep his or her lips tight while you place the tip of the thermometer beneath their tongue toward the rear of the mouth. When the thermometer indicates that it is done, remove it and read the number. Wait 15 minutes after your baby has eaten or drunk before taking their temperature by mouth.

Most children can hold a digital thermometer under their tongue for the brief period required to obtain an oral temperature reading by the age of four.

What are the Causes of Baby Fever:

Fever can be caused by the following conditions:

• Cold

• Viral infection

• Certain medications

• Heat exhaustion

• Pneumonia

• Ear infections

• Certain autoimmune diseases

• Reaction to vaccination

What are the Symptoms of Baby Fever:

• Your baby may be less active or chatty than usual.

• Your baby may appear more agitated, less hungry, and thirsty.

• Your baby may show signs of a high body temperature.

How to Reduce your Baby’s Temperature:

• Cheek with your pediatrician if acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to treat a fever. Do not give aspirin to your child. It has been linked to Reye Syndrome, a serious, potentially fatal disease.

• Do not dress your child with too many layers. Excessive clothing traps body heat and raises the temperature.

• Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids like water, juice, or popsicles.

• Take a lukewarm bath with your child. Allow your child to shiver as a result of the cold water. It has the potential to raise the body's temperature.

• Avoid alcohol baths and wipes. Use baby wipes without alcohol instead.

When to Worry about your Baby’s Temperature:

You should be worried when your baby’s temperature is not normal or when the reading on your digital thermometer is beyond the baby’s normal temperature. If you see a spike in your baby’s temperature, get in touch with your healthcare provider or pediatrician for advice on how to reduce your baby’s temperature back to its normal value.

Last but not least, choose products that do not contain harmful ingredients like parabens, alcohol and sulfates. Learn more about Johnson’s baby products made with safe ingredients for a healthy and happy baby.

References:

1. https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/fever-0-12-months/

2. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fever.html

3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/health/how-to-take-your-babys-temperature/

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2819919/

5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/thermometer/art-20047410

6. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=fever-in-children-90-P02512