Baby temperature range – How to check and how to see whether your baby is sick or ill

Normal temperature. It is normal for a baby (or child or adult) to have a body temperature of about 36 to 37o Celsius (or about 96.8 to 98.6o Fahrenheit). Lower than 36o Celsius (or 96.8o Fahrenheit) means that your baby needs to be ‘warmed up’.

People often tell you that you can find out whether your baby is hot or cold by feeling their palms and the sole of their feet. But these are not indicators of baby’s body temperature. To find out the ‘core temperature’, place your hand flat against the skin of the baby’s back or chest. If he/she feels pleasantly warm and not too hot or cold, it means his/her body temperature is normal. If the baby is very hot, he/she will feel sweaty, may have a heat rash around the neck and the face may be flushed. Reducing the number of clothes that the baby is wearing or the layers covering him/her will make him/her feel better. New parents often worry that they will not be able to tell when their baby is unwell. Once you get accustomed to the routine of your baby, you will be able to notice any change in behavior or routine. Sometimes, you may not realize that your baby is ill. Here are a few signs that will help you detect that the baby is ill:

* Lack of energy.
* Doesn’t pass urine for over eight hours.
* Stools are yellow-green in color.
* Not feeding normally.
* Cries and is irritated when carried.
* Is vomiting.
* Feels hot and sweaty or hot and dry.

Using an ear thermometer is the most accurate way of finding out the baby’s temperature. You can find out the ‘core temperature’ by placing your hand flat against the skin of his chest or back. If he/she feels hot, it indicates that the baby has fever.

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Tags: baby feaver, baby sick, baby temperature, baby temperature range