Baby Care

• Check your baby’s temperature when they are calm and relaxed. Avoid measuring immediately after feeding or crying for the most accurate reading, the temperature of the milk will alter the baby’s natural temperature, and distressed babies will have a raised temperature from crying. 
• Choose a baby-friendly thermometer such as a no-touch digital or in-ear thermometer. To make the process easier, keep the room well-lit and comfortable, enlist a helper to hold or distract your baby if needed, and try checking while your baby is asleep. 
• Always clean and sterilise the thermometer before and after use. 

Your baby can’t tell you when they’re feeling unwell, which can be stressful for both them and you. If you think your baby might be under the weather, taking their temperature is an important first step to understanding their wellness and helping you decide what to do next. 

Our simple guide will help you learn how to take your baby’s temperature safely, when and how often to check it, and when it’s time to seek medical advice. 

What is a normal temperature for a baby? 

Baby body temperature can vary between about 36.5°C and 37.5°C, depending on the time of day, recent activity, or whether they’ve just been fed or wrapped up in blankets. 

How to use a thermometer to check a baby's temperature 

Digital thermometers are quick, accurate, and versatile. Most can be used to measure a baby’s temperature by the forehead, armpit, mouth, or ear. It’s helpful to know your baby's “baseline” temperature when they’re healthy. For consistent readings, always use the same measurement method. 

• Although rectal thermometers can give precise results, they carry a small risk of injury and are generally not recommended for routine use.  
• Do not used old-fashioned glass thermometers: they contain mercury, can break, and are unsafe for babies. 

Follow the instructions for your specific thermometer, and use these step-by-step guides for each method... 

Forehead (temporal artery) reading 

From birth, you can take a forehead temperature reading from your baby using a no-touch infrared thermometer. 

1. Check that your baby's forehead is dry. 
2. Hold the scanner one to three centimetres away from the centre of their forehead. 
3. Press the start button. 
4. Their temperature will then be shown on the display. 

Oral reading 

If you're using an oral probe thermometer, don't take your baby’s temperature straight after they've had hot or cold food or drinks. 

1. Gently place the probe well under their tongue. 
2. Keep the probe in their mouth and wait for the thermometer to beep. 
3. Their temperature reading will show on the digital display. 

Underarm (axillary) reading

From birth, a digital thermometer with a soft and flexible probe can be comfortably positioned under a baby's armpit to take their temperature. 

1. Ensure your baby's armpit is dry. 
2. Turn the thermometer on. 
3. Place the thermometer's probe under their armpit. 
4. Press their arm tightly next to their body. 
5. Ensure the sensor is covered under their armpit. 
6. The unit will beep once the temperature reading is ready, and it will be shown on the digital display. 

In-ear (tympanic membrane) reading

If your baby is aged three months and up, you can take an in-ear temperature reading using a specially designed digital in-ear thermometer. This method only takes a few seconds, so is handy if your baby is fussy and difficult to keep still. 

1. Ensure your baby's ear canal is clean. If you’re unsure of how to clean your baby’s ears, our guide can help you. 
2. Securely put a new disposable hygiene cover onto the end of the thermometer.  
3. Try to keep your baby's head still. 
4. Gently pull their ear back to straighten their ear canal. 
5. Position the covered tip snugly in your baby's ear opening. Remember not to use force and to never let the tip of the thermometer touch your baby's eardrum. 
6. Turn the thermometer on. 
7. To take a reading, follow the instructions for your thermometer. 
8. Take the thermometer out of your baby's ear. 
9. The digital display will show their temperature reading. 
10. Take off the hygiene cover and dispose of it. 

How to check a baby's temperature without a thermometer 

Using a digital thermometer is the best and most accurate way to take your baby’s temperature. If you find yourself in a situation where you don't have access to one, here are some fever symptoms you can look out for: 

• they feel unusually warm to the touch on the forehead, chest, or back 
• they seem fussier, weaker, or more tired than usual 
• they refuse feeds or shows reduced appetite 
• their cheeks look flushed or red 
• they are sweating or shivering 

If you notice any of these signs, monitor your baby closely and contact your GP if you’re concerned. 

When to see a doctor about a fever in a baby 

It can sometimes be hard for parents to distinguish normal fussiness or mild illnesses from serious problems. While all baby’s get poorly from time to time, there are some occasions when they'll need to visit your healthcare provider for treatment. 

If you're worried about your baby's symptoms, don't hesitate to call your doctor. Let's run through when to get medical support and advice if you're concerned about your baby's temperature. 

You should contact your healthcare provider if your baby: 

• is 3 months old or younger and shows any sign of having a fever. 
• is aged between 3 and 6 months, has a temperature up to 38°C and seems sick. 
• is aged between 6 and 24 months and has a temperature that's above 38°C and lasts longer than one day, without any other signs or symptoms. 
• has a high temperature and other symptoms like a cold, cough, or diarrhoea. 

Other symptoms that require medical attention include your baby: 

• refusing several feeds in a row or having a reduced appetite. 
• being unusually sleepy or hard to wake up. 
• crying more than usual. 
• vomiting a lot after feeds. 
• crying with fewer tears, having significantly fewer wet nappies, or having a dry mouth. These can be signs of dehydration along with the soft spot on the top of their head appearing sunken. 
• being constipated. 
• having a cold and congestion that interferes with their breathing. 
• experiencing ear pain or a cough that lasts for more than one week. 
• developing an unexplained rash. 
• having swollen, red or irritated eyes.