Taking a baby’s temperature

What are the signs of fever?

If you think your baby may be unwell, you should take their temperature using a thermometer; sings to look out for include:

  • Rosy cheeks
  • Your baby’s forehead may feel hot when you touch it
  • Your child’s body feels hotter than usual (their hands and feet may still be cold)
  • Your baby is crying more than usual
  • Your baby is clingy and unsettled
  • Loss of appetite

If your baby’s temperature is above 38 degrees (if they are under 3 months old) or 39 degrees if they are aged over 3 months, contact your GP or the GP out of hours service (if the surgery is closed). If you can’t get an appointment quickly enough, do not hesitate to take your baby to Accident and Emergency.

What should my child’s temperature be?

Your baby’s body temperature should be around 37 degrees (98.4 Fahrenheit); you may find that your baby’s normal temperature is very slightly lower or higher than this. You may also find that your baby’s temperature is very slightly lower if you take it under their tongue, rather than under their armpit; typically, under the tongue their temperature should be 36.4 degrees (97.4 Fahrenheit) and under their armpit the temperature should be 37 degrees.

Fever (high temperature) is usually classified as over 37.5 degrees; if your child has a high temperature, you can give them medicine, such as Calpol, to help bring their temperature down; make sure you read the instructions carefully and stick to the recommended dosage; most medicines are not suitable for babies under 3 months of age. If symptoms persist, contact your GP.

How should I take my baby’s temperature?

It is important that you follow the instructions on the thermometer carefully; most digital thermometers are either placed in the ear or under the armpit and then they must be held there for a certain period of time. Most thermometers now beep when the result is ready and the temperature flashes up on the display.

Types of thermometer

There are a variety of different ways you can take your baby’s temperature; the most accurate way of taking your baby’s temperature is to use a digital thermometer. Digital thermometers are inserted into the baby’s ear and give their temperature on a digital display, which is easy to read and gives a more accurate result; some digital thermometers are also used under the baby’s armpit. Traditional, mercury-filled thermometers have not been used by doctors for several years and they are no longer available to buy in shops. You can also buy temperature strips, which you put on your baby’s forehead; however, doctors do not recommend these because they can be inaccurate. Temperature strips measure the temperature of the skin, rather than the body temperature. Most doctors recommend using a digital thermometer because they give more accurate and reliable results.

Caring for your newborn:

Mother, Baby and Beyond

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