Low Body Temperature in Babies: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do
Quick Answer: Low body temperature (hypothermia) in babies is temperature below 97.7°F (36.5°C). Newborns are especially vulnerable because they can't regulate temperature well. Common causes include cold environment, illness, and inadequate clothing. Mild hypothermia can be treated with skin-to-skin contact and warm clothing. Severe or persistent low temperature, especially in newborns under 1 month, requires immediate medical attention as it can indicate serious infection.
---
What Is Low Body Temperature?
Watch: Baby Care Essentials
Babies, especially newborns, have difficulty maintaining their body temperature. Understanding what's normal and when to be concerned is important for all parents.
Temperature Ranges in Babies
Range
Classification
**97.7-99.5°F (36.5-37.5°C)**
Normal
**96.8-97.6°F (36-36.4°C)**
Mild hypothermia
**89.6-96.8°F (32-36°C)**
Moderate hypothermia
**Below 89.6°F (32°C)**
Severe hypothermia
Why Babies Are Vulnerable
Factor
Explanation
**Large surface area**
Lose heat quickly
**Less body fat**
Less insulation
**Immature regulation**
Can't shiver effectively
**Can't communicate**
Can't tell you they're cold
**Limited movement**
Can't generate heat through activity
---
Causes of Low Body Temperature
Environmental Causes
Cause
Details
**Cold room**
Room below 68-72°F (20-22°C)
**Inadequate clothing**
Not enough layers
**Wet clothing/diaper**
Evaporation causes cooling
**After bathing**
Especially without quick drying
**Cold surfaces**
Lying on cold beds/floors
Medical Causes
Cause
Why It Happens
**Infection (sepsis)**
Babies may have low temp instead of fever with infection
**Hypoglycemia**
Low blood sugar affects temperature regulation
**Prematurity**
Less developed temperature regulation
**Thyroid problems**
Affects metabolism and heat production
**Birth complications**
Asphyxia, low birth weight
Important: In newborns, low temperature can be a sign of serious infection (sepsis). This is especially concerning in babies under 1 month old.
---
Signs and Symptoms
Signs Your Baby Is Cold
Sign
What to Look For
**Cold hands and feet**
May be normal, but check body
**Cold chest or back**
More concerning than cold extremities
**Pale or mottled skin**
Reduced circulation
**Lethargy**
Less active than usual
**Poor feeding**
Not interested or weak suck
**Weak cry**
Less vigorous than normal
**Shivering**
Older babies may shiver
Warning Signs (Seek Immediate Care)
Sign
Action
**Temperature below 96.8°F (36°C)**
Seek medical care
**Baby is limp or unresponsive**
Emergency
**Blue lips or fingers**
Emergency
**Difficulty breathing**
Emergency
**Very pale or mottled**
Seek medical care
**Won't eat at all**
Seek medical care
**Baby under 1 month with any low temp**
See doctor urgently
---
What to Do If Baby's Temperature Is Low
Mild Hypothermia (At Home)
Step
How to Do It
**Skin-to-skin contact**
Place baby against your bare chest, cover both
**Add layers**
Extra clothing, warm blanket
**Warm hat**
Babies lose heat from head
**Warm room**
Increase room temperature
**Check diaper**
Change if wet
**Feed baby**
Breast milk or formula provides warmth
**Recheck temperature**
After 30-60 minutes
Warming Techniques
Do
Don't
Skin-to-skin kangaroo care
Use heating pads (burn risk)
Add warm clothing layers
Use electric blankets
Warm the room
Put baby in hot bath
Use pre-warmed blankets
Rub skin vigorously
Keep baby dry
Overheat - causes other problems
When Temperature Doesn't Improve
If temperature stays low after 30-60 minutes of warming efforts, or if baby shows any concerning symptoms, seek medical attention.
---
Preventing Low Body Temperature
Room Temperature
Guideline
Details
**Ideal temperature**
68-72°F (20-22°C)
**Not too cold**
Baby can't generate heat well
**Not too hot**
Increases SIDS risk
**Use room thermometer**
Don't guess
Clothing Guidelines
Age/Situation
Guidance
**General rule**
One more layer than adults
**Newborns**
Onesie + sleeper + swaddle/blanket
**Sleeping**
Sleep sack rather than loose blankets
**Summer**
Still need light layer, especially with AC
**Winter**
Multiple thin layers better than one thick
After Bathing
Step
Why
**Warm room**
Prevent chill
**Warm towel**
Dry quickly
**Dry head first**
Where most heat is lost
**Dress immediately**
Don't let baby stay exposed
**Brief baths**
Longer = more cooling
---
Special Situations
Premature Babies
Concern
Action
**Less body fat**
Extra warmth needed
**May need incubator**
In hospital
**Careful monitoring**
Check temperature regularly
**Skin-to-skin very important**
Helps regulate temperature
Newborns (First Month)
Concern
Why It Matters
**Most vulnerable**
Temperature regulation still developing
**Low temp = possible infection**
Don't dismiss as just being cold
**Check frequently**
Especially in first week
**Low threshold for doctor**
When in doubt, get checked
During Travel
Tip
Details
**Check car seat**
Remove bulky coats, use blankets on top
**Avoid over-bundling in car**
Car can be warm
**Frequent checks**
Feel baby's chest
**Cold weather outings**
Limit time outside
---
How to Take Baby's Temperature
Best Methods
Method
Accuracy
Age
**Rectal**
Most accurate
All ages
**Axillary (armpit)**
Good for screening
All ages
**Temporal (forehead)**
Convenient
3+ months
**Ear**
Variable
6+ months
For Low Temperature Concerns
Rectal is most accurate
Armpit works for screening
If armpit is low, confirm with rectal
---
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My baby's hands and feet are always cold - should I worry?
A: Cold hands and feet alone are often normal in babies due to immature circulation. What matters is the core temperature. Check your baby's chest or back - if warm, and baby is active and feeding well, cold extremities are usually fine.
Q: When should I be concerned about low temperature vs. just warming my baby?
A: If your baby is under 1 month old with any temperature below 97.7°F, contact your doctor. For older babies, mild low temperature that responds to warming is usually not concerning. Seek care if: temperature stays low despite warming, baby seems unwell, won't feed, or is unusually sleepy.
Q: Can a sick baby have low temperature instead of fever?
A: Yes! This is especially true for newborns. A serious infection (sepsis) can cause LOW temperature in babies rather than fever. This is why low temperature in young babies needs to be taken seriously.
Q: How often should I check my newborn's temperature?
A: You don't need to check routinely if baby seems well. Check if baby feels unusually cool or warm, seems unwell, or if you're concerned. Many parents check once daily in the first few weeks.
Q: Is it normal for temperature to be lower while sleeping?
A: Yes, body temperature normally drops slightly during sleep. A small dip is normal. However, a significant drop or a temperature below 97°F should prompt you to warm baby and recheck.
---
Key Takeaways
Normal baby temperature is 97.7-99.5°F (36.5-37.5°C)
Newborns are vulnerable - can't regulate temperature well
Cold environment is the most common cause
But low temp can signal infection - especially in babies under 1 month
Skin-to-skin warms effectively - best first-line treatment
Recheck after warming - should improve within 30-60 minutes
When in doubt, seek care - especially for young babies
