There is nothing more natural than being worried about your little one’s well-being and health, especially when they tend to get sick or show symptoms such as high fever. For this very reason, Understanding what is considered a normal baby temperature can provide you with peace of mind and help you respond appropriately to any changes in your little one's health. To learn more, keep on reading as we'll explore the topic of a baby's normal temperature and discuss what actions to take if it varies slightly from the average range.

Average Baby Temperature

Let’s start with finding an answer to this very important question: What is a baby's normal temp? Generally, the average normal temperature for baby is between 97°F (36.1°C) and 100.3°F (37.9°C). One thing to remember though, just like adults, every baby is different so are their nature and their temperature. Their temperature levels are quite variable depending on their age, crying, how active they get, and the time of the day as well. 

A great example to show this would be newborns as they generally tend to have a slightly higher temperature than older infants. Especially around evenings, they tend to have higher temperatures.

What if My Baby's Temperature Is Slightly High or Low?

Slight differences would not really make much of a difference therefore there is no need to worry about your little one as their temperature often fluctuate slightly throughout the day. In any case, continue watching them just in case they experience any discomfort or show any abnormal behaviour.

High Temperature:

If you happen to notice that your little one's temperature is slightly higher than usual but they seem comfortable and are feeding well, there might not be any reason to stress out. It is still useful to watch them carefully though.

There is a fine line between average body temperature and fever as well. If their temperature ever reaches above 100.4°F (38°C), it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional as immediately as possible, just to be on the safe side. Watching your baby’s other symptoms to detect other indications of possible underlying illnesses is also vital. Some of these symptoms can include; irritability, lethargy, poor feeding, or a change in skin colour.

Low Temperature:

Your little one looks healthy and happy but their temperature is lower than the average temperature range (97°F (36.1°C). It is important to remain calm and to consult a medical facility or professional. If the low temperature continues, it may be a sign of hypothermia or other underlying illnesses. For this very reason, please seek medical help as immediately as possible. 

When to Seek Medical Help:

We discussed that babies’ temperatures fluctuate during the day and depending on different factors and it should not really cause any alarm. On the other hand, you know your little one best. If your baby show any discomfort, feel restless, unhappy, or any other behaviour that worries you, you should seek medical help right away. It's always better to act straightaway than be wrong on your instincts.

If you need to measure your baby’s fever, see Peekaboo alternatives here.