The baby’s body temperature is 37.3°C, but the temperature at the top of the head is 39°C—what could this indicate?
Disease description:
I took my child’s temperature: the axillary reading was 37.3°C, while the forehead reading using an infrared thermometer was 39°C. What could be causing this discrepancy?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Xiaorong
It is normal for a baby’s head temperature to be higher than the axillary (underarm) temperature—especially when the ambient room temperature is high or shortly after the baby has consumed warm food, both of which can elevate the temperature at the top of the baby’s head. As long as the baby’s axillary temperature remains within the normal range, there is no cause for concern. Parents may apply physical cooling measures—for example, gently wiping the baby’s body with a lukewarm towel. When the baby has only a mild fever, it is advisable to avoid administering medication whenever possible, to prevent potential harm to the baby’s body.
