Tips

What Temperature Constitutes a Fever in Newborns? Home Remedies to Soothe Your Baby

Do you know what a normal newborn baby's temperature is? In fact, a newborn's body temperature is usually lower than that of an adult. Parents need to regularly monitor their baby's temperature to prevent and promptly address any potential health issues.

Administrator

11 July, 2024

Monitoring a newborn baby’s body temperature is crucial, as it directly reflects their health status. The UK-based organization, The Lullaby Trust, emphasizes that new parents should pay close attention to their baby’s body temperature during the first few months of life.

Understanding the normal body temperature range for newborns and the significance of different temperature levels is essential for new parents.

1What is the Normal Body Temperature for a Newborn?

A newborn’s normal body temperature is typically lower than that of an adult by about 1 to 1.5 degrees Celsius, falling within the range of 36.5 – 37.5 degrees Celsius. While temperature can be measured at various body sites, the ideal location for taking a newborn’s temperature is the rectum, as it provides the most accurate reading.

It’s important to note that temperature readings will vary depending on the body site:

Rectum: Newborns’ body temperature typically ranges from 36.6 – 38°C when measured rectally.
Mouth: Newborns’ mouth temperature can range from 35.8 – 38°C.
Ear: The temperature in a newborn’s ear usually falls between 35.5 – 37.5°C.
Armpit: The armpit temperature for newborns is typically within the range of 35.5 – 37.5°C.

2What Temperature is Considered a Fever in Newborns?

A newborn’s body temperature is a direct indicator of their health status, and it’s important to monitor it regularly. Newborns cannot communicate discomfort, so parents must be proactive and prepared to handle any situation.

A body temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius indicates a fever. Specifically, a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius is considered a low-grade fever, while a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius or higher is a high fever, requiring immediate medical attention. If a newborn’s temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher, seek emergency medical care.

For newborns under 28 days old, a fever of 38.3 degrees Celsius or higher is considered an emergency, and they may experience seizures if their temperature reaches 38.6 degrees Celsius.

On the other hand, a body temperature below 36.5 degrees Celsius is cause for concern. Symptoms such as cold and bluish skin, low blood pressure, and muscle stiffness may occur. In severe cases, respiratory failure can occur when the body temperature drops below 34 degrees Celsius, and a temperature below 28 degrees Celsius can lead to coma and loss of light reflex in the pupils due to pupil dilation.

For further reference: A comprehensive guide to effective and safe fever management at home.

3What Causes Fever in Newborns?

Fever is a common immune response to various conditions and factors, and it is especially prevalent in young children. While fever indicates a healthy immune response, it is also a significant cause of concern for many parents.

Infections are the most common cause of fever in newborns, with viral and bacterial infections often resulting in elevated body temperatures. Common infectious conditions associated with fever include:

Common cold
Diarrhea
Ear infections
Croup
Bronchiolitis
Respiratory infections
Gastroenteritis
Urinary tract infections
Skin infections
Tuberculosis

4How to Take Your Baby’s Temperature

If your newborn exhibits signs such as waking up in the middle of the night, fussiness, fatigue, flushed cheeks, warmth, or sweating, use a thermometer to take their body temperature.

Note: Digital thermometers are safer and more accurate than mercury thermometers.

The method of taking your baby’s temperature depends on their age and the body site:

Infants under 3 months old

For newborns, taking the temperature in the armpit is convenient. If the reading is above 37.2 degrees Celsius, consider taking the rectal temperature. If the rectal temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher, seek medical attention immediately.

Infants aged 3 – 5 months

You can take the temperature in the armpit or ear.

Children under 4 years old

For children under 4, you can use the armpit method. A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher indicates a fever.

Children over 4 years old

Taking the oral temperature provides the most accurate reading. A temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or higher indicates a fever in older children.

Older children

For older children, the armpit method is suitable.

5Important Considerations When Taking Your Baby’s Temperature

When taking your newborn’s temperature, keep the following in mind to ensure accuracy and avoid any potential harm:

Avoid overdressing your baby or engaging them in vigorous activity before taking their temperature, as this can artificially raise their body temperature and provide an inaccurate reading.
Taking the temperature in the ear may be uncomfortable for newborns due to their narrow ear canals.
Only take the oral temperature for children 4 years of age and older. For younger children, the digestive system is still developing, and there are potential hygiene concerns with the thermometer.
Take temperature readings at least 3 times a day: in the morning when they wake up, before bath time, and in the late afternoon or early evening. Body temperature fluctuates, typically lower in the morning and higher in the afternoon.

6Home Care for a Feverish Newborn

In addition to knowing the normal body temperature range for newborns, parents can follow these guidelines to care for a feverish newborn at home:

Undress your baby and use a warm washcloth to wipe their armpits, groin, and head for 5-15 minutes to open the pores and allow heat to escape. Afterward, dress them in lightweight cotton clothing.
Encourage your baby to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration due to sweating and breathing. For breastfed infants, continue breastfeeding on demand.
Hold off on feeding during a high fever to prevent choking in case of seizures. Once the fever subsides, offer light, easily digestible foods.
Monitor for accompanying symptoms to identify the cause of the fever and watch for warning signs of a more severe illness.
Take your baby’s temperature every 30 minutes, and if it remains elevated, consider giving them fever-reducing medication or rectal suppositories.

Additionally, parents should AVOID the following practices, as they are ineffective in reducing fever and may even be harmful:

Overbundling
Cold compresses
Rubbing alcohol or herbal remedies on the skin
Administering antibiotics without medical advice
Combining paracetamol and ibuprofen

7When is a Fever Concerning?

Most fever cases can be managed at home with proper care. However, parents should seek medical attention if their child:

Has a high fever that doesn’t respond to cooling measures or medication.
Experiences additional symptoms such as vomiting, wheezing, fatigue, panic, cold hands and feet, or rash.
Has a persistent fever lasting 2-3 days or a recurring fever for more than a week.
Shows signs of irritability or decreased feeding along with a fever.
Is 3-36 months old with a fever of 38.9 degrees Celsius or higher, or an older child with a fever of 40 degrees Celsius or higher.
Has an underlying medical condition, such as heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anemia.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into caring for your newborn’s health. There’s nothing more important than your child’s well-being, and we wish you and your family the very best.

You may also be interested in:

Frequently asked questions

A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher indicates a fever in newborns.

You can try these home remedies: Ensure the baby stays hydrated. Dress them lightly and maintain a comfortable room temperature. Sponge them with lukewarm water. Breastfeed more frequently to provide comfort and hydration. Use infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen with a doctor’s guidance.

Call your doctor immediately if your newborn is less than 3 months old and has a fever. Also, seek medical attention if your baby is 3-6 months old and has a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher, or if the fever lasts more than 24 hours. Look for other symptoms like refusal to feed, lethargy, and irritability.

The most accurate way to take a newborn’s temperature is rectally, using a digital thermometer. Place the thermometer gently about half an inch into the rectum and wait for the reading. Armpit (axillary) temperatures are less accurate but can be used for initial screening.

Possible causes include bacterial or viral infections, overexertion, teething, immunization, and, rarely, serious underlying conditions. Newborns are more susceptible to infections, so it’s important to monitor their fever and seek medical advice promptly.