Question
How high should a one-month-old baby’s body temperature be considered normal?
Answer
Hello: Newborns have a body temperature (rectal temperature) of 37.6℃ to 37.8℃ immediately after birth. Due to the incomplete temperature regulation function of newborns and the generally lower environmental temperature, the baby’s body temperature will drop significantly after birth, with a possible drop of 2℃ to 3℃ in the first half hour to one hour after birth, and then gradually rise, fluctuating between 36℃ and 37℃. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the environmental temperature where the baby is located. For normal newborns, the room temperature should be around 33℃ for the first two days after birth, and then gradually decrease; for premature infants, the initial room temperature should be around 34℃ to 35℃, and then gradually decrease, at a slower rate than normal infants (as per medical instructions). At the same time, pay attention to the appropriate thickness of the baby’s clothing and bedding to keep the baby’s hands and feet warm without sweating. However, some newborns may experience what is called “dehydration fever” or “single episode fever” within 3 to 5 days after birth, with body temperatures rising to 39℃ to 40℃, often lasting several hours or even 1 to 2 days. Newborns may also exhibit symptoms such as facial redness, dry skin, crying, and restlessness, which are usually caused by insufficient water intake, high room temperature, or too thick clothing and bedding. Generally, after feeding more breast milk or giving some warm plain water, the body temperature will quickly drop. If the body temperature does not decrease after the above treatment, it is recommended to consult a doctor.