Quick Answer: Normal baby temperature is 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F). A temperature below 36.5°C (97.7°F) is considered low. For newborns, this can be serious and needs attention. Common causes include being underdressed, cold environment, or illness. Warm your baby skin-to-skin and recheck in 15-20 minutes. If temperature stays low or baby seems unwell, seek medical care immediately.
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What Is Normal Baby Temperature?
Watch: Baby Care Essentials - Temperature and Comfort
Reading
Meaning
**36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F)**
Normal
**Below 36.5°C (97.7°F)**
Low (hypothermia)
**Above 37.5°C (99.5°F)**
Elevated
**Above 38°C (100.4°F)**
Fever
Where to Measure
Method
Normal Range
Best For
**Rectal** (most accurate)
36.6-38°C
Babies under 3 months
**Armpit (axillary)**
36.5-37.5°C
Quick check, add 0.5°C
**Ear (tympanic)**
36.4-38°C
Babies over 6 months
**Forehead (temporal)**
36.5-37.5°C
Quick screening
Important: Rectal temperature is most accurate for babies, especially newborns. Armpit readings are typically 0.5°C lower than actual body temperature.
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Why Do Babies Get Cold Easily?
Babies are vulnerable to temperature drops because:
Factor
Why It Matters
**Large head**
Babies lose heat quickly through their head
**Small body mass**
Less able to generate and retain heat
**Thin skin**
Less insulation
**Immature temperature control**
Brain's thermostat isn't fully developed
**Limited movement**
Can't shiver effectively to warm up
Newborns Are Most at Risk
In the first few weeks, babies cannot regulate temperature well. This is why:
Skin-to-skin contact is encouraged after birth
Hospitals keep delivery rooms warm
Newborns need careful monitoring
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Common Causes of Low Temperature
Environmental Causes (Most Common)
Cause
Solution
**Cold room**
Keep room at 20-22°C (68-72°F)
**Wet clothes/diaper**
Change immediately
**After bath**
Dry quickly, warm room
**Underdressed**
Add layers, cover head
**Air conditioning**
Dress appropriately, avoid direct drafts
Medical Causes
Cause
Other Signs
**Infection (sepsis)**
Lethargy, poor feeding, fever may follow
**Low blood sugar**
Jitteriness, poor feeding, lethargy
**Prematurity**
Born before 37 weeks
**Thyroid problems**
Prolonged jaundice, constipation
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Signs Your Baby Is Too Cold
Watch for these warning signs:
Early Signs
Cool hands and feet (can be normal, check chest)
Skin feels cool to touch (check tummy or back)
Pale or mottled skin
Less active than usual
Serious Signs (Seek Help)
Chest or back feels cold
Refusing to feed
Weak cry
Unusual sleepiness
Skin looks blue or gray
Slow, shallow breathing
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What to Do If Baby's Temperature Is Low
Immediate Steps
Move to warm room (20-22°C)
Remove wet clothes if any
Skin-to-skin contact - Place baby against your bare chest, cover both of you
Add layers - Warm clothes, hat, blanket
Recheck temperature in 15-20 minutes
How to Warm Baby Safely
Do
Don't
Skin-to-skin (kangaroo care)
Hot water bottles (burn risk)
Warm hat and socks
Electric blankets
Extra blanket layer
Heating pads
Warm the room
Overheating
Breastfeed (warmth + calories)
Rubbing limbs vigorously
Best method: Skin-to-skin contact is the safest and most effective way to warm a cold baby.
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When to Seek Medical Help
Call Your Doctor If:
Temperature stays below 36.5°C despite warming efforts
Baby under 3 months with any low temperature
Baby seems unwell (not feeding, very sleepy, floppy)
Temperature keeps dropping
Go to Emergency If:
Temperature below 35°C (95°F) - severe hypothermia
Baby is limp or unresponsive
Skin looks blue, gray, or mottled
Not breathing normally
Won't feed at all
Signs of infection (also may have fever)
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Preventing Low Temperature
Room Temperature
Keep baby's room at 20-22°C (68-72°F)
Use room thermometer to check
Avoid drafts near baby's sleep area
Dressing Baby
Temperature
What to Dress
**Above 24°C**
Light onesie
**20-24°C**
Onesie + light sleep sack
**16-20°C**
Onesie + warm sleep sack
**Below 16°C**
Layers + warm sleep sack + hat indoors
General Rule
Baby needs one more layer than you do to feel comfortable.
After Bath
Prepare warm room before undressing
Have towel and clothes ready
Dry quickly and thoroughly
Dress immediately
Skip bath on very cold days if baby is unwell
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Low Temperature vs Fever: Both Matter
Low Temperature
Fever
Below 36.5°C
Above 38°C
Can indicate infection in newborns
Also indicates infection
Warm the baby
Manage fever, don't overdress
Often overlooked
More commonly recognized
Key point: In young babies, especially newborns, a LOW temperature can be just as concerning as a fever. Sick newborns often can't mount a fever and may actually become cold instead.
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Special Situations
Premature Babies
Preemies are at higher risk for low temperature:
Less body fat for insulation
More immature temperature regulation
May need incubator care initially
Monitor closely after discharge
During Illness
A sick baby may:
Have trouble maintaining temperature
Need extra warmth
Show low temperature before developing fever
Winter/Cold Weather
Don't take newborns out in extreme cold
Warm car before placing baby in car seat
Use blanket over car seat (not under straps)
Remove extra layers once indoors
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My baby's hands and feet are always cold. Is this low temperature?
A: Cold hands and feet can be normal! Babies have immature circulation. Check the chest or back - if warm, baby's core temperature is fine. Cold hands/feet with cold chest needs attention.
Q: Should I wake my baby to check temperature?
A: Not routinely. If baby is sleeping peacefully, well-dressed, and the room is warm, they're likely fine. Check if you have concerns or baby seems unwell.
Q: Can too many baths cause low temperature?
A: Frequent baths don't directly cause hypothermia, but each bath is an opportunity for heat loss. In cold weather, bathe every 2-3 days. Always prepare warm room and dry quickly.
Q: Is low temperature in babies an emergency?
A: It depends. For newborns under 1 month, any low temperature should be evaluated by a doctor. For older babies, if warming efforts work and baby seems fine, it's usually not urgent. When in doubt, call your pediatrician.
Q: My newborn has low temperature but seems fine. Should I worry?
A: Yes, take it seriously. Newborns can appear "fine" even when they're getting sick. Warm the baby, recheck in 15-20 minutes, and if temperature doesn't normalize or you have any concerns, seek medical care.
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Key Takeaways
Normal range is 36.5-37.5°C - Below this is considered low
Newborns are high risk - Take low temperature seriously in first month
Warm with skin-to-skin - Best and safest method
Recheck in 15-20 minutes - Temperature should come up
Seek help if concerned - Trust your instincts
Prevention is key - Keep room warm, dress appropriately
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This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
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