What temperature indicates a fever in babies?

Jul 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My baby felt a bit warm when I touched his forehead this morning. His underarm temperature is 37.5°C, and I'm worried he might have a fever. I would like to know, what temperature indicates a fever in babies?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
A baby's fever generally refers to a body temperature exceeding the normal range. A detailed explanation is as follows: 1. Under normal circumstances, the armpit temperature ranges between 36.0 and 37.2 degrees Celsius, oral temperature ranges between 36.3 and 37.5 degrees Celsius, and rectal temperature ranges between 36.5 and 37.7 degrees Celsius. When a baby's body temperature exceeds these ranges, it can be considered a fever. 2. Fever can be categorized into low-grade, moderate, and high-grade. An armpit temperature ranging from 37.3 to 38.0 degrees Celsius indicates a low-grade fever, from 38.1 to 39.0 degrees Celsius indicates a moderate fever, and above 39.0 degrees Celsius indicates a high-grade fever. Fever is often a natural response of the body to infections, inflammation, or other illnesses. 3. When managing a baby's fever, decisions should be based on the temperature and symptoms. Mild fevers can be relieved with physical cooling methods and sufficient rest. For moderate or high fevers, it is recommended to use fever-reducing medications and pay attention to the baby's other symptoms, such as mental status and appetite. If the fever lasts too long or symptoms are severe, it is advisable to seek medical attention for the baby promptly.