baby temperature - Health Topics
One mom felt a growing sense of frustration as her 10-month-old baby battled a persistent fever. After testing positive for Flu B, the child's temperature soared between 101 and 102 degrees for days. A baby's normal temperature averages 98.6 degrees F.
Understanding the Context
A fever is a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher or an armpit temperature of 99 degrees F or higher. Wait until your baby is at least 6 months old to use a digital ear thermometer. If you use another type of thermometer to take a young child's temperature and you question the results, take a rectal temperature. If your baby under 3 months old has a rectal temperature of 100.4 °F (38°C) or above and you can’t reach their pediatrician, skip urgent care and head directly to the nearest emergency department.
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Key Insights
What is a normal baby temperature? Just like your body, your baby’s body temperature will fluctuate depending on activity or time of day. Additionally, different temperature-taking methods have different ranges for what's considered normal—rectal temperatures are the most accurate method for babies under two years old. Generally, a normal temperature for a baby is between 97°-100.3°F. But if your baby is having trouble regulating their own temperature, you’ll typically see bigger spikes or drops in temperature that don’t go away on their own.
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Understand what baby fever means, normal temperature ranges for infants, common causes & when parents should seek medical attention for their child. The most accurate way to check a temperature in a newborn baby is with a rectal thermometer. If the thermometer reads higher than 100.4 Fahrenheit or 38°C, this is generally considered a fever, and you want to talk to your doctor right away.