My Babies Temperature, too hot or too cold?

Question

My baby girl is only 1 wk old now, and I'm freaking out about her being too hot or cold.
What is the right temperature for a baby, using a thermometer under her armpit?

Answer 1

97-100 would be considered normal. Do you have a pediatrician? I'm sure your baby is fine, all first time mothers have these doubts. I used to wake my baby daughter up to make sure she was alive and breathing. I didn't do that for the second one. Good luck.

Answer 2

An armpit reading is the LEAST accurate, and you have to hold that thermometer in place for 10 minutes. The rectal is the most accurate, holding that in place for 3-5 min. That is actually the best for a baby. Insert the bulb 1/2 -1 in.. An axillary temp (armpit) is the most difficult to obtain, and the normal accurate temp for the armpit is 99.6, 1 degree higher than orally, and rectally, it should read 101.6. Keep in mind that you have to have that thermometer under the arm in place for @ least 10 min. That is why it's accuracy is the hardest to obtain. I'm sure she's fine, and you are worried because you are a young, caring mom. If she is really hot to your touch, then you will know, being too cold isn't much as a problem. If you are cold, then she will be too. Fever is a sign of infection, and usually a baby will cry a lot too. As observant as you seem to be, you will know when she is sick, she will cry a lot.

Answer 3

Being a new parent is difficult but try to relax. I work on a Neonatal Unit and the best way to check is to feel the back of the neck. It should feel just nice and warm. If its hot shes hot, or cold then she is. Dont go by the hands or feet, these are often cold as its the last place the blood reaches. Go by your own temp, if you feel chilly at home then assume she is too and put a cardi on. If you feel the room is hot then strip a layer off. Really though, if your baby is feeling uncomfortable she will cry and tell you about it. Congrats x
p.s My goodness i am reading answers above and i think you should ignore them and trust your instincts as a mother, if your baby is cold she will cry. Dont let those worry warts scare you. Common sense is all it takes, babies are very good at letting you know how comfortable they are x

Answer 4

Aww im sure all mums go through that i know i did constantly checking babys temp! its natural to be concerned its scary being a new mum,
I check my daughters temp using a ear thermometer its not always accurate, however if you check the back of her neck with your finger and her tummy they should be nice and warm. Trust your instinct if you feel she is to hot then she proberly is. In a few weeks time you will just know!!!
a babys temp should be anywhere between 36.6 c and 37. 4c good luck xxx and congrats on the baby xxx

Answer 5

you should call the baby's doc or the hospital and get some one that can tell you 1 wk old, find out immediately! Y r u on here askin doc r not sittin around givin free advice!! Sorry to sound mean but the baby could get sick 4 a long time if the temp. is not right! It is winter time 2!
Just looked it up for you!

Answer 6

Well, if she's too hot or too cold, she'll let you know. You don't need to take her temperature all the time. And there's a range of "normal," so doing it might not tell you anything.

A baby 1-week old, unless she's expressing a strong preference to the contrary, should wear about the same clothes as you, perhaps with one additional layer. And a hat.

Answer 7

research is not required, i can understand you concern of burning your babies mouth but as a mother and someone who has read literaly 9 books on parenting infants they almost all say just to test the milk on the inside of your wrist, when you squirt it on your wrist it should be body temp. meaning that if you drop a few drops on you you should not be able to feel hot or cold coming from it it shouldnt even feel like its on there, also many books now even suggest giving your baby milk out of the refrigerator "What to Expect: The First Year" is a great book and where i read about being ok to give them milk out of the frige, if you feel any heat coming from the formula when its on your wrist let it cool down for a few min hope this helps, trust me your instincts will kick in and you will just know good luck

Answer 8

The best way is take it rectally. That's going to be most accurate. However, newborns tend to run alittle higher temp. than adults and that is normal for her being a week old. I wouldnt want it to go over 100. Then I would stress!

Answer 9

Your air temp has something to do with her comfort also. Newborns are fine at 68-70 degrees. Keep her in a full-length outfit, and if you are still worried, swaddle her and put on a hat. She doesn't need anymore than this. I kept my son at this all last winter and he was fine.

Answer 10

What makes you think she is hot or cold? You allow your babies to become accustomed to the temp. that you always keep your house or else the rest of the family will smother. Keep her feet covered and her head and she should have mitts to keep from scratching herself and a blanket most of the time