Infant Fever Temperature Chart

What is fever? It is the rise in the normal body temperature which is caused due to the defense mechanism of our body in response to the infections and attack of various microorganisms which can cause dangerous diseases. Fever is very frequently observed in infants as they have weak immune power as compared to adults. Hence, it is very important to know what temperature will be dangerous for the baby.

Baby Fever Temperature Chart
Due to their low immune power, infants are more susceptible to get infections which may be signaled by the body in the form of fever. But to know whether the baby has fever or not, you need to know about the normal body temperature of an infant. Newborn babies have a low temperature which is less than 98ºF and as the days pass the temperature increases. The Average normal body temperature for infants varies from 97ºF to 100.4ºF. The following infant fever temperature chart will help you to get an idea about the temperature which needs medical attention.

Age	Normal Temperature	Fever Temperature
0 to 3 months	97º to 100.4ºF	Above 100.4ºF
3 to 6 months	97º to 100.4ºF	Above 101ºF
Above 6 months	97º to 100.4ºF	102ºF and above

You can feel the rise in temperature of the baby by just touching his body. But accurate temperature can be measured with the help of a thermometer. The temperature may vary according to the method used for measuring the temperature. As there are many types of thermometers, the most recommended ones are the rectal and the armpit thermometer. Other thermometers like forehead and oral thermometers are usually not considered accurate. Readings observed from different thermometers may vary, hence consider only one thermometer while measuring the temperature.

Factors Affecting the Body Temperature of Infant
The rise in temperature is not always infant fever. Hence, when your baby shows higher temperature then try to find out other symptoms of fever also like loss of appetite, extreme irritation and crying, very less energy, etc. Following are some of the factors which may increase the body temperature:

• There is a natural rise in temperature in late afternoon to early evening and drop in the morning. Hence temperature taken in these hours may differ from the normal temperature.
• Medicines may also cause rise in body temperature. Hence do not take temperature immediately after giving any type of medication.
• Room temperature may also matter. Keeping the baby in lots of blankets and many clothes may also increase the temperature. So keep your baby in a place with normal room temperature at the time of temperature measurement.

What to do if an Infant has Fever
If the body temperature of your infant is above the normal temperature then you may require medical help. If the baby is less than 3 months old then even a slight rise in temperature needs to be taken seriously, hence consult a doctor immediately. Infants who are between 3 to 6 months can bear temperatures up to 101ºF. Hence try to bring the temperature down by using some simple remedies like wiping the body with a sponge or cloth dipped in lukewarm water, dressing him in light clothes, etc. If the temperature still rises up then consult the doctor. In case of infants above 6 months take medical advice at the temperature 102ºF and above.

Do not give any medication without the doctor's prescription. This can be dangerous. If you observe vomiting, diarrhea, cough, loss of appetite, etc. then rush to the doctor. Avoid overdressing and keep the infant at room temperature in a well ventilated room. These few things will reduce your baby's body temperature.