Question
The baby has a fever (with a body temperature of about 38.5 degrees), slightly elevated body temperature (sometimes up to 37.5 degrees during the day, but the fontanelle at the top of the head has not yet closed, in good spirits, able to eat and drink, and also happy to play, just with a slightly higher body temperature. 2. At night, is the body temperature normal? Have there been any abnormal body temperature situations in the past, sometimes high and sometimes normal, but not exceeding 37.5 degrees. Medication has been given in the past, and I would like to know how to further help the baby.
Answer
After birth, a baby’s normal body temperature is usually slightly higher than that of adults and is more prone to fluctuations. This is because infants have a vigorous metabolism and their thermoregulatory center has not yet fully developed. Generally speaking, a baby’s normal body temperature is between 37~37.2 degrees Celsius, but sometimes a baby’s normal body temperature may reach 37.4 degrees Celsius. In addition, a baby’s body temperature may fluctuate more significantly throughout the day; the body temperature of a young infant may differ by 0.5~1 degree Celsius within a day, while that of a slightly older infant may fluctuate by more than 1 degree Celsius. After eating, exercising, bathing, crying or being upset, after sweating heavily, and during hot weather or in the afternoon, the body temperature may be higher. Conversely, in the morning and during sleep, the body temperature may be lower. Since each child’s normal body temperature varies, not all children can reach 37.2 degrees Celsius or have a daily fluctuation of 0.5~1 degree Celsius between morning and afternoon.