Essential Tips For Accurately Taking Your Baby’s Temperature

When you notice your baby feeling a bit warmer than usual, or they seem fussier and more clingy than usual, it’s completely natural to wonder if they might have a fever. Taking their temperature seems like a straightforward task—especially with a baby thermometer on hand—but getting an accurate reading (and knowing how to respond) requires some familiarity. Rest assured, you’re not alone in feeling uncertain. Whether this is your first time or you’ve faced it before, understanding what to do can help ease your worries and provide clarity. We’ve crafted an easy-to-follow guide to help you take your baby’s temperature, interpret the results, and determine when a doctor’s visit is necessary.

What is a Fever in Babies?

Imagine your baby’s immune system in action, working hard to fend off sickness. A fever is essentially a signal that this process is underway—generally defined as a body temperature exceeding 38°C (100.4°F). Typically, it’s a sign they’re dealing with a cold, virus, or some other minor infection. According to Dr. Deborah Lee, the normal body temperature for a baby hovers around 36.4°C, but it can fluctuate. What does this all mean? It’s your baby’s biological alarm system, indicating that something might be amiss.

If you suspect your little one isn’t feeling well, checking their temperature is a great first step. Babies lack the same capacity as adults to regulate their body temperature. A high temperature, unfortunately, can be a red flag signaling potential infection. In fact, Dr. Lee warns that a prolonged high fever could lead to febrile convulsions, which can be concerning for parents. Fortunately, high fevers often resolve on their own over a few days. Remember, while alarming, a fever is typically just a part of the body’s effort to combat illness—quite common during infancy and childhood.

How to Take a Baby’s Temperature

When it comes to taking your baby’s temperature, using a digital thermometer is your best bet. You can find these at your local pharmacy at a reasonable price. Forget the outdated glass thermometers—those have mercury and can break easily! The forehead strips you might see in stores only offer surface readings and are hardly accurate. For little ones, ear thermometers can also be unreliable due to their narrow ear canals, as Dr. Lee advises.

To get the most accurate reading, lay your baby down on a firm surface, ideally with just a diaper on. Position the thermometer bulb under their armpit and hold their arm close to their body to ensure it stays snug. Keep it there for the duration recommended by the manufacturer—around 15 seconds should suffice. Lastly, remember that certain factors can artificially elevate your baby’s temperature, like being in a warm room or just coming in from an overly cozy cuddling session. If that’s the case, try undressing them and waiting a few minutes before checking again.

How to Reduce a Baby’s Fever

Medication

If your baby does have a fever, you may be wondering how to bring their temperature down. Paracetamol is typically a safe and effective option. It inhibits certain substances in the brain to lower fever, and various brand names like Calpol and Panadol offer formulations for babies.

From as early as two months, a baby can receive a dose of Calpol Infant Suspension—2.5 ml every 4-6 hours, but no more than four doses in a day. For babies younger than two months, it’s best to consult your GP before administering anything. Paracetamol is also available in suppository form for those little ones who may refuse liquid medication. However, if after a couple of doses the fever persists, reaching out to a healthcare professional is vital, as Dr. Lee emphasizes.

Remember to be meticulous about dosing. An overdose of paracetamol can be quite serious—and even fatal—so always stick to the guidelines on the label. Using a syringe can help ensure you’re measuring the exact amount needed. Sit your baby upright and very gently squirt the medicine into their mouth, giving it a moment before each squirt. If you’re unsure how to do this, there are visual resources available that can guide you through the process comfortably.

Ibuprofen

Alongside paracetamol, ibuprofen can also be an option for reducing fever in babies. However, this would generally be recommended for children over six months of age, so it’s essential to check the guidelines and possibly consult a healthcare provider before using it. If you find yourself needing guidance on managing your baby’s fever or medication options, don’t hesitate to seek advice from your pediatrician.

Navigating your baby’s health can feel overwhelming, but with the right information, you can take these steps with greater confidence. You know your baby better than anyone else, and trusting those instincts—paired with knowledge—will guide you through each situation that arises.

Ibuprofen can be a helpful option for parents when their baby has a fever, but it’s important to know the rules of safe use. If your little one is at least three months old and weighs over 5 kg, you might consider this nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to help reduce fever and inflammation. Dr. Deborah Lee points out that it’s crucial to have a doctor prescribe the ibuprofen solution to ensure it’s the right course of action for your baby.

A gentle reminder: avoid giving your baby aspirin before they turn 16. This is a vital point emphasized by Dr. Lee, as aspirin can lead to serious complications in young children.

Hydration is Key

When your baby is feeling under the weather, keeping them hydrated is essential. For those breastfeeding, continue as usual; frequent small feeds might be more comfortable for them than large ones. If your baby is under six months, offering a little boiled, cooled tap water in a bottle can help. For babies older than six months, you can let them sip water from a cup or beaker. Staying well-hydrated not only helps in recovery but also ensures that they feel a bit more comfortable throughout their ordeal.

Cooling Down

It’s important to maintain a cool environment for your baby when they’re running a fever. The recommended room temperature is around 18°C (64°F). Dress them lightly—avoid bundling them up too much and using tepid sponging is not advisable as it can shock their system. While using a fan to circulate the air is fine, just make sure it’s not blowing directly onto your baby, as Dr. Lee suggests.

Keep a Close Watch

Your attention is crucial while your baby is unwell. Monitor their temperature and behavior closely. If two doses of paracetamol haven’t managed to bring their fever down, don’t hesitate to contact your GP or ring 111 for guidance. It’s also essential to be on the lookout for signs of dehydration, such as dry lips or reduced urine output. If you observe any concerning symptoms, reach out to your doctor immediately.

When to Seek Help

The NHS advises parents to get in touch with a healthcare provider under certain circumstances. For example, if your baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above, or if they’re younger than six months with the same temperature, it’s important to seek medical advice. Additionally, if your baby exhibits a fever along with other symptoms like poor feeding, seeming unusually lethargic, or developing a rash, don’t wait—contact your GP. And if you notice a rash that doesn’t disappear when you roll a glass over it, call 999 or head to the emergency room right away.

Expert Guidance

Dr. Deborah Lee brings invaluable experience to the conversation about child health. With years of service in the NHS, particularly as a Lead Clinician in Community Sexual Health, she has a wealth of knowledge. Now dedicated to health writing, including contributions to Dr. Fox pharmacy, Dr. Lee continues to offer informed advice on various aspects of medical care.