Infant Temperature FAQs
In this section of the WAPC Web site, you will find general questions and answers about infant temperature. The questions are listed below. Each question is linked to its answer, for ease of use.
What is a normal body temperature for my baby?
What is a fever?
How do I take my baby’s temperature? What kind of thermometer should I use to take my baby’s temperature?
When do I need to take my baby’s temperature?
When do I need to call
my baby's health care provider?
How should I dress my baby? How do I know if my baby is warm enough?
At what temperature should I keep my baby’s room?
What is a safe bath water temperature for my baby?
How can I protect my baby from the sun and avoid overheating?
Can I use sunscreen on my baby? How do I use sunscreen for my baby?
What is a normal body temperature for my baby?
Answer
The average normal body temperature of a baby is 99.6° F (when taken rectally). It usually rises during the day from a low of 98.4° F in the morning to a high of 100.6° F in the late afternoon. Every baby has a normal temperature range that is unique to him or her. Small increases in your baby’s temperature can be caused by wearing too many clothes, having a hot bath, or being outside in hot weather.
Back to top
What is a fever?
Answer
Fever is the body’s normal and healthy reaction to infection and other illnesses. Fevers help the body fight infection. Fever is a symptom not an actual illness. In most cases, fever means your baby has a minor illness. Often you must look at the other symptoms your baby has to determine how serious the illness is. Although it may be scary when your baby’s temperature goes up outside of his or her normal range, a fever itself is not harmful.
Back to top
How do I take my baby’s temperature? What kind of thermometer should I use to take my baby’s temperature?
Answer
While you can often tell if your baby is warmer than usual by feeling his or her forehead, only a thermometer can tell you if your baby has a fever and how high the temperature is. Several kinds of thermometers for taking your baby’s temperature are available. You can check with your child’s healthcare provider about what kind of thermometer to use.
Mercury thermometers: These types of thermometers should not be used. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents to remove mercury thermometers from their homes to prevent accidental exposure to mercury (a toxic substance).
Digital Rectal thermometers: If your child is younger than 3 years of age, taking his or her temperature with a rectal digital thermometer provides the best reading. Here are the steps for using a rectal thermometer:
- Clean the end of the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
- Rinse it with cool water. Do not rinse with hot water.
- Put a small amount of lubricant such as petroleum jelly on the end.
- Place your child belly down across your lap or on a firm surface.
- Hold him by placing your palm against his lower back, just above his bottom.
- With the other hand, turn on the thermometer and insert the thermometer ½ to 1 inch into the anal opening.
- Hold the thermometer in place loosely with 2 fingers, keeping your hand cupped around our child’s bottom. Do no insert the thermometer too far.
- Hold in place for about 1 minute, until you hear the “beep.”
- Remove the thermometer to check the digital reading.
Digital Underarm (Axillary) thermometers: Although not as accurate, if your child is older than 3 months of age, you can take an underarm temperature to find out if he or she has a fever. Here are the steps for using an underarm thermometer:
- Place the sensor end of either an oral or rectal digital thermometer in your child’s armpit.
- Hold his arm tightly against his chest for about 1 minute, until you hear the “beep.”
- Check the digital reading.
Back to top
When do I need to take my baby’s temperature?
Answer
If you think your baby may be ill or simply not acting normally, you should take your baby’s temperature before calling his or her health care provider. You may also want to check the temperature if your baby feels warm or cool to your touch.
Back to top
When do I need to call
my baby's health care provider?
Answer
Call your baby's health care provider if:
- Your baby’s temperature is over 100.4° F
- Your baby’s temperature is less than 97.8° F (rectally) if your baby is 3 months old or younger
Back to top
How should I dress my baby? How do I know if my baby is warm enough?
Answer
New parents may want to overdress their baby. One tip is to dress your baby in one more layer than how you would dress yourself to feel comfortable.
Back to top
At what temperature should I keep my baby’s room?
Answer
Babies should be kept warm but they should not be allowed to get too warm. Keep the temperature in your baby’s room so it feels comfortable to you.
Back to top
What is a safe bath water temperature for my baby?
Answer
Test the bath water’s temperature on your forearm or on the back of your hand before placing your baby in bath water. When using tap water, always turn on the cold water first, and then add hot water. When finished, turn off the hot water first. Another precaution is to set the temperature on your hot water heater at 120° F or lower and to use a bath thermometer to check the temperature of the water.
Back to top
How can I protect my baby from the sun and avoid overheating?
Answer
Your baby will enjoy being taken outside, if dressed appropriately. Remember, a baby’s skin is more sensitive than the skin of adults or older children and it sunburns easily. If your baby will be outside for any length of time, protect the skin with clothing and a cap. It’s also a good idea to place your baby in the shade to prevent overexposure to the sun. Babies don’t sweat easily and can become overheated.
- Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. Move your baby to the shade or under a tree, umbrella, or the stroller canopy.
- Dress your baby in clothing that covers the body, such as comfortable lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats with brims that shade the face and cover the ears.
- Select clothing made of tightly woven fabrics. Clothes that have a tighter weave – the way a fabric is constructed – generally protect better than clothes with a broader weave. If you’re not sure how tight a fabric’s weave is, hold the clothing up to a lamp or window and see how much light shines through. The less light the better. Clothing made of cotton is both cool and protective.
- When using a cap with a bill, make sure the bill is facing forward to shield the baby’s face. Child-sized sunglasses with UV protection are also a good idea for protecting your child’s eyes.
Back to top
Can I use sunscreen on my baby? How do I use sunscreen for my baby?
Answer
Sunscreens should be used for sun protection and not as a reason for your baby to stay in the sun longer. Use the following tips when using sunscreen:
- Choose a sunscreen made for children.
- For babies under 6 months of age, sunscreen may be used on small areas of the body such as the face and backs of the hands if adequate clothing and shade are not available.
- For babies over 6 months of age, test the sunscreen on your baby’s back for a reaction before applying it over larger areas of their body.
- When choosing a sunscreen, look for the words “broad spectrum” on the label – it means sunscreen will screen out both ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A rays
- Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15
- Use enough sunscreen and rub it in well, making sure to cover all areas not covered by clothing, especially face, nose, ears, feet, and hands and even the backs of the knees.
- Apply carefully around the eyes, avoiding the eyelids. If your baby rubs sunscreen into his or her eyes, wipe the eyes and hands clean with a damp cloth. If the sunscreen irritates her eyes, try a different brand or try a sunscreen stick or sunblock with titanium oxide or zinc oxide. If a rash develops, consult your baby’s health care provider.
- Put sunscreen on 30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially if your baby is playing in the water.
If your baby gets a sunburn and is under 1 year of age, contact your baby’s health care provider at once – severe sunburn is an emergency. For babies over the age of 1 year, call your baby’s health care provider if there is blistering, pain, or fever.
Back to top
The use of this site is not intended for professional medical advising.
The Perinatal Foundation and the Wisconsin Association for Perinatal
Care are unable to respond to requests regarding personal medical
issues. If you have a question regarding infant temperature that is not covered here, please consult your baby's health care provider.
|
