What is a safe baby sleeping temperature?
According to the NHS, the current guidelines for a normal temperature in babies and children is around 36.4°C, with anything above 37.5°C classed as a fever. It’s worth noting that the ideal baby temperature can vary for each child, so even if your little one’s temperature is not 36.4°C exactly, they may be at the right temperature for them.
If your baby’s temperature is above 37.5°C they may be unwell and may need additional medical attention. The NHS gives the following guidelines for when you should contact your GP or health visitor:
- If your baby has a raised temperature and other symptoms of being unwell
- If your baby is under three months old and has a temperature of 38°C or above
- If your baby is aged three to six months old and has a temperature of 39°C or above
Sweating can also be a sign that your baby is too hot – touch the back of their neck and head while they are asleep to check for night sweats without waking them.
What temperature should a newborn baby be?
Very new babies can’t maintain their body temperature without additional heat. However, this changes quite quickly – usually by the time that your baby is ready to leave the hospital. Therefore, once your baby is home, you should follow the same guidelines as for older babies (see above).
Premature babies can take a little longer to develop and may need additional heat for a little longer – this is particularly the case for babies who weigh less than 2.5kg. In this case, you should follow the advice given by your midwife upon leaving the hospital, and speak with your health visitor or GP if you have any concerns about your baby’s temperature. You can learn more about premature babies and temperature from the
