The right body temperature for babies – dearmama

What body temperature should babies have??

Many parents ask themselves what body temperature babies should have. A temperature that is too high can indicate fever, a body temperature that is too low can indicate hypothermia.

The body temperature of babies and children depends on the time of day and the measurement method and may vary slightly. Usually, the body temperature in babies is slightly higher than in an adult, between 36.4 and 37.6 degrees. The body temperature in babies and children is usually lower in the morning and highest in the evening.

Measure the body temperature in babies

Body temperature in babies and children is regularly measured with a thermometer. Here, however, it depends very much on which part of the body the thermometer is held. The rectal measurement offers the most accurate results, the measurement under the armpits is rather imprecise.

Rectal measurement

The measurement in the baby’s bottom is the most accurate way to measure the temperature, as it does not measure the skin temperature, but the body core temperature. In a rectal measurement, the baby is placed on the back and the legs are raised. The thermometer is carefully inserted into the rectum until just behind the silver measuring tip and remains there until the thermometer has completely measured the body temperature. Most thermometers have an acoustic signal.

Rub the measuring tip with baby cream or petroleum jelly so that the thermometer slides better.

Oral measurement

When measuring in the mouth, the thermometer must remain in the same place in the closed mouth for a longer period of time. The warmest places in the mouth are the two heat pockets, which are under the tongue on the left and right behind. However, the measurement in the mouth is less precise and therefore only suitable to a limited extent for babies and toddlers. There is also a risk that babies and toddlers will nibble on the thermometer.

Axillary measurement

The axillary measurement describes measuring under the armpits. It is important that the baby stays still for the duration of the measurement so that the thermometer cannot slip. The result is relatively imprecise and is usually well below the core body temperature, which is measured rectally.

The measurement under the armpits is no longer recommended by most pediatricians.

How else can you control body temperature in babies?

Measuring with a thermometer is often complex and requires time and patience. However, you can also feel your baby’s body temperature by hand. In addition, visual characteristics of the skin indicate whether your baby is too warm or too cold.

It is important that the following tips should only be considered if there is no suspicion of fever.

Babies’ hands are generally rather cold, so you don’t need to worry here. The arms, legs and especially the head should be cozy and warm. The best way to feel the approximate temperature on the neck. If your baby is sweaty there, it is probably too warm.

A baby’s skin is usually rosy. If your child is too cold, the skin may turn pale and bluish. This starts at the legs and arms and can also affect the trunk. If your child is too warm, this is usually expressed by a red head and beads of sweat on the forehead and neck.

What role does the ambient temperature play??

Shortly after birth, the ambient temperature plays an important role because the baby cools down faster in a cold room. At the same time, the baby’s body warms up faster in a room that is too warm. The optimal room temperature is around 20 to 22 degrees, provided the right clothing is provided. When walking in the fresh air, make sure your baby is dressed appropriately. Especially in cold weather, it is important that all parts of the body that cool quickly are protected from wind and cold.

When the baby is too cold

If you feel that your baby is too cold, you can warm it up with your body heat. The cuddle acts like a natural hot water bottle and quickly warms up the newborn’s body. But a regular hot water bottle or a cherry stone pillow can also work wonders. Make sure that the water in the hot water bottle is not too hot so that your baby cannot injure himself should the hot water bottle leak. Warm wool socks, a blanket, a hat or an increased room temperature can also provide pleasant warmth. If you increase the heating level, you can fill a cup with cold to lukewarm water and place it on or in the immediate vicinity of the radiator to ensure that the air is pleasantly humid.

When the baby is too warm

If your baby is too warm, you can lower the room temperature or, if necessary, do without an item of clothing. A large sip of milk can also lower the body temperature. According to the current state of knowledge, overheating the baby is one of the main risks for sudden child death. Therefore, pay close attention to the temperature in your baby.

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Christina Cherry
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