Body temperature of babies and children: What is normal?

Many parents wonder: What body temperature is actually normal for babies and children?
Especially when the thermometer shows a slightly higher or lower reading, uncertainty and worry can quickly arise. The truth is: fluctuations are perfectly normal – what's important is understanding the connections.

Normal temperature ranges

The following guidelines apply to babies:
• Normal: 36.5–37.5 °C
• Increased: from 37.6 °C
• Fever: from 38.0 °C
The general rule is: the temperature is usually slightly lower in the morning, rising slightly towards evening and at night.

Why does the temperature fluctuate?

Your baby's body temperature isn't constant; it adapts to their daily routine. Typical causes for fluctuations include:

• Activity: Playing, kicking, crying, and breastfeeding can cause the temperature to rise temporarily.
• Sleep: During deep sleep, the temperature drops slightly because the body conserves energy. During an active dream phase, the temperature can even be slightly elevated because more energy is consumed.
• Environment: Babies are more sensitive to cold and heat because their bodies cannot yet regulate temperature differences very well.
This means that a small temperature increase is not necessarily a cause for alarm, but is often simply part of the normal rhythm.

When will it become critical?

Fever in babies begins at 38.0 °C. For infants under 3 months old, a pediatrician should be contacted immediately if the fever exceeds 38 °C after several measurements.

What's important is not just the number on the thermometer, but also:
• Does your baby seem listless, unusually restless, or apathetic?
• Is it drinking less or refusing food?
• Are there any additional symptoms such as coughing, vomiting, or skin rash?
• If the temperature remains constant for a longer period of time (several hours)

If such symptoms occur, contacting a doctor is always the right decision. Often, it's enough to discuss the temperature trend and symptoms over the phone, saving you a stressful doctor's visit.

Tips for parents

To help you better understand your baby's temperature changes:
1. Regular measurements help maintain safety and avoid relying solely on isolated measurements.
2. Pay attention to behavior – if your child seems cheerful and active, a slightly elevated value is often harmless.
3. Pay attention to the environment – ​​overly warm clothing, blankets, or an overheated sleeping environment can distort and increase the temperature even if your child is not sick.

Smart support with MARY by sticklett 🐞

Regular temperature checks are important, but using conventional thermometers can be tiring. Instead of constantly waking your baby, you can easily keep an eye on their temperature with MARY by sticklett, which measures body temperature regularly, comfortably and conveniently for you and your child.
• You can see temperature trends over a whole day and night,
• You will receive an alert if there is a noticeable increase in demand,
• You can immediately tell whether it's normal fluctuations or a real fever.

The right product for you

The best way to use MARY by sticklett is with its matching bodysuits and pajamas. They are designed so that the sensor can be attached securely and gently while your baby sleeps comfortably.
This way you have certainty about the temperature and at the same time a temperature-regulating, breathable clothing solution that ensures a relaxed everyday life.