Normal Body Temperature for Babies: A Complete Parent's Guide

It's crucial for any parent to know the normal body temperature of their baby. Knowing and understanding the normal range of a baby's temperature is important to know if you're trying to determine if your child has a fever after a vaccine or when your child is sick.

Babies' normal temperature may fluctuate throughout the day depending on how much they sleep, how active they are, what kind of clothes they wear, how they are fed, and the temperature of the air in their room. Normally, a baby's temperature is between 36.5°C and 37.5°C (97.7°F and 99.5°F) in most healthy infants. For overall infant health monitoring, including a baby weight gain food chart, parents should remember that normal temperature variations are common in healthy babies.

So what is the normal temperature of a baby?

The normal range of body temperature for the baby will vary according to the temperature-measuring technique. Most health care practitioners would agree that the following readings are in the normal range:

Normal body temperature of baby (rectal): 36.6°C to 38°C (97.9°F to 100.4°F)
Normal body temperature of baby (ear): 35.8°C to 38°C (96.4°F to 100.4°F)
Normal body temperature of baby (oral): 35.5°C to 37.5°C (95.9°F to 99.5°F)
Normal body temperature of baby (underarm): 34.7°C to 37.3°C (94.5°F to 99.1°F)

Rectal temperature is usually the best way to find out the normal temperature of babies.

Normal Body Temperature of Baby in Fahrenheit

A lot of parents ask about the normal body temperature of the baby in Fahrenheit because they may find thermometers showing °F.

The normal body temperature of a baby in Fahrenheit is usually between:

97.7°F and 99.5°F for most babies
The average temperature of a baby's body is approximately 98.6°F (37°C).
Generally, when your baby's temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or above, it's a fever.

How many degrees is a baby's body temperature?

The normal reading for the average baby's body temperature is about:

37°C (98.6°F)

But not all healthy babies will be the same temperature. A baby's body temperature will change over the course of a day, and not necessarily mean they are sick.

The normal body temperature of a baby could be influenced by the following factors:

Physical activity
Feeding
Crying
Warm clothing
Hot weather
Sleep patterns

What Temperature Is Considered a Fever in Babies?

A fever is usually considered to be a temperature of:

T≥38°C

Or:

100.4°F (38°C) and above

Normally, a baby's body temperature in Fahrenheit will not exceed this level, but if it does, it is a sign that the baby's body is reacting to an infection or other medical condition.

Infants' Fever Temperatures

Mild Fever: 100.4°F to 101.3°F (38°C to 38.5°C)
Moderate Fever: 101.4°F to 102.2°F (38.6°C to 39°C)
High Fever: Above 102.2°F (39°C)

Fever in babies can occur for a variety of reasons.

The normal range of body temperature in the baby is generally fixed but there are some reasons for fever:

Viral Infections

Babies experience a high temperature from colds, flu and respiratory viruses.

Bacterial Infections

Ear infections, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia may cause a temperature above the normal body temperature for babies.

Vaccinations

A slight fever is a common reaction to the vaccines.

Overheating

Exposure to hot environments or wearing extra clothing can cause a temporary increase in body temperature.

Dehydration

Sometimes, body temperature changes due to dehydration.

Signs and symptoms of fever in babies

Symptoms associated with a higher than normal body temperature in a baby should be monitored by the parents.

These may include:

Apply heat to the forehead, neck, or chest.
Red or flushed cheeks
Sweating
Chills or shivering
Irritability
Excessive crying
Reduced appetite
Sleepiness
Low energy levels
Fussiness

The best indication of if your baby is outside the BTSN is still a thermometer reading.

The right way to take your baby's temperature

Rectal Temperature

This method provides the most reliable measurement of the normal body temperature for babies, especially newborns.

Steps:

Wash the thermometer with a clean cloth.
Smear on a lube.
Place your baby down on their back flat.
Gently insert the thermometer.
Please hold for reading!
Wash the thermometer after use.

Underarm Temperature

Suggested for use in children over 6 months of age.

Steps:

Place the thermometer in the proper location.
Tap the measure button.
Record the result.

When are Parents Concerned?

If you have any of the following:

For babies younger than 3 months.

Temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or greater

For babies of any age.

Difficulty breathing
Persistent vomiting
Dehydration
Extreme drowsiness
Seizures
Stiff neck
Poor feeding
Inconsolable crying
Rash with fever

A temperature that does not go down after more than 72 hours.

Is It a Problem if Your Baby's Temperature is Too Low?

Just as a baby's temperature is important if it is elevated above normal, so are abnormally low temperatures.

A temperature below 96.8°F (36°C) can be caused by the following:

Cold surroundings
Insufficient clothing
Prematurity
Illness
Incorrect measurement technique

If the temperature is low for a long time, there should be a discussion with the healthcare professional.

So here are some tips on keeping your baby's body temperature at a healthy level.

The following tips will help to help maintain your baby's temperature in the normal body temperature range:

Dress your baby for the conditions.
Avoid overheating.
Ensure adequate hydration.
Take the temperature when ill.
Keep the temperature in the room normal.
Adhere to immunisation timetables and childhood examinations.

Conclusion

Familiarizing yourself with the normal temperature for babies will enable you, as a parent, to take a confident look at the health of your child. The normal range for the body temperature of a baby is 97.7°F to 99.5°F, and the average is approximately 98.6°F or 37°C. It is important to know the normal body temperature range of babies so you would be able to detect the fever at an early stage and seek medical attention if needed.

Proper measurement technique, being aware of symptoms, and regular temperature checks can keep your baby healthy, comfortable, and safe.