If you have bought a baby ear thermometer recently the body temperature reading that’s considered to be normal will be included in the instruction manual that accompanies the product.  However, generally speaking normal body temperature is very difficult to define because it depends on so many variables.  For instance body temperature can vary by as much as 0.5 degrees Celsius over the course of the day reaching it’s lowest two hours before you wake.  Body temperature readings can also be influenced by environmental changes - e.g. hot or cold drinks if you use the oral route.

Body temperature is quite often quoted to be 37 degrees Celsius.  This is probably the most broadly accepted standard.  However, in humans the official average is 36.8 degrees Celsius although this will vary from person to person and over the course of any day.  Children also develop higher body temperatures during physical activity - this is perfectly normal.

Body temperature often rises during illness but this is normally nothing to worry about.  The medical term for this is pyrexia.  However, temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius are defined as hyperthermia which is a potentially life compromising condition.  Common symptoms include headache, confusion and fatigue.  This condition requires immediate medical attention.

The baby ear thermometer is one of the best devices for measuring body temperature in babies and infants as it requires no cooperation and returns a very quick reading typically in under a second.  In this way it is possible to frequently monitor your babies body temperature during illness to ensure that medical attention can be sought if your baby becomes hyperthermic.

If you want to learn more about what is considered to constitute core body temperature then click here.

Filed under: General

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