Is a child's body temperature of 37°C normal?
Oct 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, a body temperature of 37°C is normal for children. A child's normal body temperature may vary depending on the measurement site, age, time of day, and activity level. Typically, an axillary (underarm) temperature between 36°C and 37.2°C is considered within the normal range. Oral temperature is slightly higher than axillary temperature, and rectal temperature is slightly higher than oral temperature.
In general, a body temperature of 37°C is considered normal for children. The details are as follows:
A child's normal body temperature may vary depending on the measurement site, age, time of day, and activity level. Typically, axillary (underarm) temperature ranging from 36°C to 37.2°C is considered within the normal range. Oral temperature is slightly higher than axillary temperature, and rectal temperature is slightly higher than oral temperature. If a child has a temperature of 37°C and shows no other symptoms—such as coughing, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy—there is generally no cause for concern. A child's body temperature naturally fluctuates throughout the day and may be slightly elevated after physical activity, eating, or in the afternoon. However, if the child's temperature remains consistently at 37°C and is accompanied by other abnormal signs, or if there is a trend of gradually rising temperature, close monitoring is necessary, as this could indicate early stages of illness, such as a cold or infection. In addition, high ambient temperature or excessive clothing may also cause a slight increase in body temperature. In such cases, adjusting the room temperature and the child's clothing appropriately and observing whether the temperature returns to normal is recommended.
Maintaining healthy daily habits—such as balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and moderate exercise—can help strengthen children's immune systems and prevent illness.
