It's normal for babies and small children to get fevers from time to time. A fever is usually a sign that your baby's body is overcoming an infection, and this is completely natural. Yet, it's hard not to worry when your infant is feeling sick.
As a parent, it's important to know the signs of high temperature. With this in mind, read on to find out what temperature your baby should be.
What is the Normal Body Temperature for a Baby?
The Sydney Children’s Hospital considers a baby’s body temperature to be normal if it is in a range between 36.5 and 37.5 degrees Celsius. A temperature of 38.0 degrees Celsius or more in a baby is a fever. Some common signs of fever for babies include:
- flushed or pale complexion
- dry mouth
- persistent crying
- lack of appetite
- digestive problems such as diarrhoea
Healthy Temperature Ranges for Different Readings
If your baby is showing signs of a fever, you should use a thermometer to take their temperature. Many people find a digital thermometer is easy to use. Likewise, stick-on temperature indicators are very popular as well. What is a "normal" temperature will vary whether you take an internal or external reading? So, that's why it’s important to know what to look for depending on what part of the body you are reading from:
- Normal temperature range with an ear thermometer is 35.8 to 38.0 degrees Celsius
- The healthy oral temperature should be between 35.5 and 37.8 degrees Celsius
- Natural armpit temperature should be below 34.7 to 37.3 degrees Celsius
- For rectal thermometers, the normal range is 36.6 to 38.0 degrees Celsius
Talk to your GP or healthcare professional if you are concerned.
The Many Types of Thermometers
There are different ways to measure an infant's temperature. You may choose under the tongue, under the arm, in the ear or on the forehead. However, the method you choose may depend on what thermometer you use.
- Digital thermometer- Quick to use, with very accurate readings. These types of thermometers are generally used for taking under the arm readings.
- Ear thermometer- This type of thermometer is the quickest way to take a baby’s temperature. It can give a reading in 1 second. Follow the instructions to ensure an accurate reading.
- Strip-Hold these basic thermometers against your baby’s forehead.
- Stick-On Indicators- Track your children's temperature at a glance for up to 48 hours.
- Mercury- This method is very dated and no longer used.
How Often Should you Check your Baby's Temperature?
When your baby has a fever, you should regularly check their temperature and discomfort. Yet, it's important that your baby gets as much sleep as possible to help their body fight off the infection or virus.
When you use a traditional digital thermometer, you can disrupt your baby’s sleep. The Fevermate stick-on fever indicators help address this problem. Each wearable patch provides an easy-to-read visual cue. As you can see, you can check your baby’s temperature without needing to disturb them. This gives you the peace of mind you need as a parent while making sure your baby gets as much rest as possible. It is still advisable to wake up your child once in a while to give them fluids and see how they are doing.
It's Important to Stay Calm
While it’s horrible to see your baby feeling under the weather, most will recover from a fever after a few days. If your baby is under six and has a high temperature, visit your GP or speak to a healthcare professional. Keep older infants comfortable, encourage them to drinks lots of fluids to prevent dehydration, and be sure to keep the room well aired. Again, if you worry, get in touch with a GP or healthcare professional.
FeverMates Makes Temperatures Easier to Read
When kids are sick, they can be fussy and cranky. Don't wake them up every hour to check their temp! Instead, use a FeverMate stick-on indicator for up to 48 hours to watch what's happening. Convenient, fuss-free temperature indicators let you check your child's temperature at a glance.
These handy patches take the fuss out of reading your baby's temperature. With easy-to-read, clear numbers, FeverMates stick-on indicators are fast, safe and effective. Kids love to wear them! Our latex-free design is also hypo-allergenic.
Reading thermometers is hard. Feverish kids often don't like the thermometer in their mouth or under their arm-pit. With a FeverMate stick-on indicator, simply stick it on their forehead or under their arm to get accurate readings while your baby sleeps. Certainly, this works with adults too!
How To Soothe Your Baby's Fever Symptoms
When your little one has a fever, you want to do everything you can to help them feel better. If your baby's fever is very high or lasts more than 24 hours, you need to seek medical treatment at once. But, if you're dealing with the fever at home, there are a few ways to help put your baby at ease.
The intensity of fever can leave them feeling overheated and sweaty. A lukewarm sponge bath can help, but if your baby starts to shiver, it will actually raise their body temperature. For this reason, use warm to room temperature. If your baby is 6 months or older, a dose of infant acetaminophen can help soothe their discomfort. With this in mind, make sure they drink plenty of fluids and dress them in lightweight layers.
Cooling patches can make a big difference in combating fever symptoms. FeverMates cooling patches provide cooling relief when your child needs it most. The patches easily stick to your child's forehead. For babies, you can cut the patch to fit tiny foreheads. Provide blissful cooling for up to eight hours. This product provides soothing relief from the discomfort associated with fevers. As a result, relief from the heat can help put your baby to bed.
CTA: Here to Help When Your Family Needs it Most
FeverMates can make taking care of sick kids a little easier. Try our stick-on indicators and cooling forehead patches the next time a fever bothers your little ones.
For a full fact sheet on fever and sources of information listed in our blog, you can read more here.