Baby temperature: What is normal during the day and at night?

Many parents ask themselves: What is a normal body temperature for babies?
Especially when the thermometer shows a slight increase or decrease, uncertainty and worry quickly arise. The truth: fluctuations are completely normal – the important thing is to understand the context.

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 following applies: In the morning the temperature is usually somewhat lower, towards the evening and at night it rises slightly.

Why does the temperature fluctuate?

Body temperature isn't constant, but rather adapts to your baby's daily routine. Typical causes of fluctuations include:

• Activity: Playing, kicking, crying and breastfeeding can cause the temperature to rise briefly.
• Sleep: During deep sleep, the body's temperature drops slightly because it conserves energy. During an active dream phase, the temperature may even be slightly higher because more energy is being used.
• Environment: Babies are more sensitive to cold and heat because their bodies cannot yet regulate temperature differences so well.
This means that a small increase in temperature is not necessarily an alarm signal, but is often simply part of the normal rhythm.

When does it become critical?

Fever begins in babies at 38.0°C. For infants under 3 months of age, a pediatrician should be contacted immediately if the fever is above 38°C after repeated measurements.

Not only the number on the thermometer is important, but also:
• Does your baby seem weak, unusually restless or apathetic?
• Is your child drinking less or refusing to eat?
• Are there any additional symptoms such as cough, vomiting or rash?
• Maintains the temperature over a longer period of time (several hours)

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

Tips for parents

To help you better understand your baby's temperature changes:
1. Measure regularly – this is tedious, especially at night, but it helps to maintain safety
2. Pay attention to behavior – if your child seems happy and active, a slightly elevated value is often harmless.
3. Pay attention to your surroundings – overly warm clothing, blankets, or an overheated sleeping environment can distort the temperature.

Smart support with MARY by sticklett 🐞

Regularly taking your baby's temperature is important, but also tiring. Instead of constantly waking them, you can keep an eye on their temperature in a relaxed manner. MARY by sticklett regularly measures their body temperature, comfortably and conveniently for you and your baby.
• you see temperature trends over a whole day and night,
• receive an alarm if there is a noticeable increase,
• You can immediately tell whether it is normal fluctuations or a real fever.

The right product for you

MARY by sticklett is best combined with our special bodysuits and pajamas. They are designed to securely and gently attach the sensor while your baby sleeps comfortably.
This gives you certainty about the temperature and at the same time provides a temperature-regulating, breathable clothing solution that ensures a relaxed everyday life.