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?
When do I need to take my baby’s temperature?
How do I take my baby's temperature? What kind of thermometer should I use to take my baby's temperature?
When should I 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
A baby’s normal body temperature is between 98.0
o F and 99.0o F (under the armpit). It usually rises during
the day—it is lower in the morning and higher later in the day. Your baby’s
temperature can go up slightly if he or she is wearing too many clothes, having
a bath, or outside in hot weather. Back to top
What is a fever?
Answer
Fever is a symptom, not an
actual illness. A fever means your baby may be sick. You must look at other
symptoms to find out how serious the illness is. It is important to look at: - How your baby is eating
- How your baby is acting (fussy, restless, or more sleepy than
usual)
- How your baby is looking (skin may be red)
Although it may be scary when
your baby’s temperature goes above the normal range, a fever itself is not
harmful. Back to top
When do I need to take my baby's temperature?
Answer
If you think your baby may be sick or not acting
normally, you should take your baby’s temperature before calling his or her care
provider. You may also want to check the temperature if your baby feels warm or
cool to your touch. 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
You can often tell if your
baby is warmer than usual by feeling his or her tummy. Only a thermometer,
though, can tell you if your baby has a fever and how high the temperature is. There
are several kinds of thermometers. Check with your baby’s care provider about
what kind of thermometer to use. If your baby’s care provider recommends doing
rectal temperatures, ask your baby’s provider how to do them correctly. Digital underarm (axillary)
thermometers: Here are the steps for using an underarm
thermometer: - Place the sensor end of the digital thermometer under
your baby’s arm (armpit).
- Hold his or her arm tightly against his or her chest
for about 1 minute, until you hear the “beep.”
- Check the digital reading.
Mercury thermometers: Do not use
this type of thermometer. The American
Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP) encourages parents to remove mercury thermometers from their homes to
prevent accidental exposure to mercury (a toxic substance). Back to top
When should I call my baby's care provider?
Answer
Call your baby’s care
provider if: - Your baby’s temperature
is over 100.4 o F
- Your baby’s
temperature is less than 97.8 o F
- Your baby looks
sick or is unusually sleepy or hard to wake up
- Your baby is
fussy
- Your baby is much
less alert and active than usual
- Your baby doesn’t
eat as well
- Your baby has
fewer wet diapers than usual
- Your baby has
loose stools or diarrhea
- Your baby has
seizures
Back to top
How should I dress my baby? How do I know if my baby is warm enough?
Answer
New parents may tend to overdress their baby. One
tip is to dress your baby in one more layer than how you dress yourself to feel
comfortable. Dress your baby for sleep so that he or she will not need a
blanket for warmth.
Back to top
At what temperature should I keep my baby’s room?
Answer
Babies should be warm but they should not be too
warm. Keep the temperature in your baby’s room so it feels comfortable to you. Babies
that are overheated have a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death syndrome (SIDS).
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 putting 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 o
F or lower.
Back to top
How can I protect my baby from the sun and avoid overheating?
Answer
Your baby will enjoy being
outside, if dressed right. Remember, your baby’s skin is more sensitive than your
skin and it sunburns easily. If your baby will be outside for any length of
time, protect his or her skin with clothing and a hat. 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 not be in
direct sunlight. Move your baby to the shade—under a tree, umbrella, or
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—how close the fibers are—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.
- Baby-sized sunglasses with UV protection are 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
You should use sunscreens for
sun protection. Do not use it as a reason for your baby to stay in the sun
longer. Follow these tips, if you use sunscreen: If your baby gets sunburn, contact your baby’s
care provider at once – severe sunburn is an emergencyBack to top
- Choose a sunscreen made for babies.
- For babies less than 6 months of age, use small
amounts of sunscreen on small areas of the body such as the face and backs
of the hands if adequate clothing and shade are not available.
- When choosing a sunscreen, look for the words
“broad spectrum” on the label – it
means the sunscreen will screen out both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays.
- Choose a
sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
- Apply carefully
around the eyes, avoiding the eyelids. If your baby rubs sunscreen into his or
her eyes, wipe his or her eyes and hands clean with a damp cloth. If the
sunscreen irritates his or 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 care provider.
- Put sunscreen on
30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply sunscreen frequently.
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.
|
