What is the normal body temperature of infants

  The normal values of infant body temperature vary depending on the method of measurement. The normal value when measured in the axilla is 36°C-37.2°C, the normal value of oral temperature is 36.7°C-37.7°C, and the normal value of rectal temperature is 36.9°C-37.9°C.  The body temperature of infants should be slightly higher than that of adults because the development of the center in the infant brain that controls thermoregulation is still immature and the ability to control body temperature is not strong enough, and the body temperature tends to fluctuate, resulting in the infant’s body temperature being affected by the ambient temperature. For example, infants’ body temperature is often higher in the evening than in the early morning; it may also rise temporarily after eating, crying, or exercising; it may also rise if the clothing is too thick and the room temperature is too high. If an infant has temporary temperature fluctuations of a small magnitude as described above, it is usually not considered pathological as long as the infant is in good general condition, lively and has no other symptoms or signs.  If the body temperature is too high, there is a possibility of inflammation in the body and the presence of bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Therefore, it is usually important to keep the infant warm so that pneumonia is not induced by a cold. Parents should usually measure the infant’s temperature according to the infant’s diet, sleep, activity and mental state performance to prevent abnormalities so that they can be dealt with promptly and prevent the condition from worsening.