Published
Oct 30, 2024
in
Fever
Fever
Published
October 30, 2024
10/30/24
in
Fever

Your Baby's Temperature and Fever

You just brought your bundle of joy home, and like many new parents, you may be wondering what is a normal body temperature for an infant. Temperature regulation is different for infants than adults. We’re here to help you understand how babies regulate their temperature and what it means for caring for your newborn. 
Written by
Dr. Ali Alhassani
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Ali Alhassani
Pediatrics and Sleep Training Expert

What is a normal newborn temperature?

Rectal reading: A reading of 98.6° F (37° C) is just the average rectal temp. A normal low can be 96.8° F (36° C) in the morning. It can change to a high of 100.3° F (37.9° C) late in the day. 

Mouth reading: A reading of 97.6° F (36.5° C) is just the average mouth temp. A normal low can be 95.8° F (35.5° C) in the morning. It can change to a high of 99.9° F (37.7° C) late in the day.

Source: healthychildren.org

We strongly recommend rectal temperatures when checking a baby as these are the most accurate and will give your pediatrician a better idea on how to proceed. 

What is considered a fever in a newborn? 

If your newborn has a fever temperature of 100.4° F (38° C) or above, it's important to seek medical attention. Fevers can be a sign of an underlying illness in infants and it's best to talk to a doctor to determine what's normal for your baby. Summer Health can connect you to a pediatrician in 15 minutes to help answer your questions and figure out the right next care steps for your little one. 

How do babies regulate their temperature?

Babies have a hard time regulating their temperature because their bodies are still developing and they have a larger body surface area relative to their mass, compared to adults. This means that they lose heat faster and have a harder time retaining heat, making it easier for their body temperature to fluctuate. 

Additionally, newborns do not have fully developed systems for regulating their body temperature, such as sweating, which helps to cool the body down. These factors combined make it more difficult for newborns to regulate their temperature, which is why they can easily become too hot or too cold. 

When should you check your baby’s temperature?

If you notice your baby acting differently or appearing “off”, such as more sluggish, more sleepy, not feeding well, or not acting at their baseline, consider checking their temperature via touch and thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, when checking younger babies you can use touch by checking the back of their neck for warmth. If they feel warm and sweaty on the back of their neck, it is best to consult a pediatrician.

If you are looking for baby thermometers to keep track of your little’s temperature, look no further. 

How to dress your baby to keep them comfortable?

  1. Layer their clothing: Dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear in the same conditions. For example, if you would wear a short-sleeved shirt and pants, dress your baby in a onesie, shirt, and pants.
  2. Use a hat: Babies lose heat through their heads, so hats are important in cold weather.
  3. Avoid over-bundling: Over-bundling can cause your baby to overheat, leading to sweating, damp clothing, and increased risk of overheating.
  4. Check for comfort: Regularly check your baby's hands and feet to make sure they are not too cold or too hot. If they are warm and comfortable, they are dressed appropriately.
  5. Keep their environment comfortable: Make sure the room temperature is not too hot or too cold for your baby.

In Conclusion

Fevers can be an alarming and confusing ordeal for parents and caregivers. Every baby's needs will be unique, however there are simple steps you can take at home to regulate your newborn’s temperature to have peace of mind. If you have questions about your baby’s temperature or fever, do not hesitate to reach out to Summer Health. We can connect you to licensed pediatricians to answer your questions over text in 15 minutes, 24/7.

References
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Summer Health offers fast and reliable pediatric urgent care through convenient access to online doctors, all through text. Whether you’re worried about your baby's fever, rashes, or other child health concerns, we provide expert advice and support anytime, right from your phone.
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