When a Baby Feels Warm But Has No Fever
Baby Feels Warm But Thermometer Says Normal: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
Your baby feels toasty to the touch, but the thermometer keeps showing a normal temperature. This happens more often than you'd think, and it doesn't mean you're imagining things or doing something wrong.
What's going on?
Babies can feel warm for lots of reasons that have nothing to do with fever. Their little bodies work differently than ours. They can't regulate temperature as well as older kids and adults, so they heat up quickly from things like being bundled up, crying, or even just being active.
Sometimes the room temperature, what they're wearing, or where they've been sleeping can make them feel warmer than usual. Your hands might also be cool from washing them or being outside, making your baby feel warmer by comparison.
The good news? If the thermometer says normal, trust it. A proper digital thermometer taken rectally (for babies under 3 months) or under the arm is much more accurate than how they feel to your touch.
What you might notice
- Baby feels warm or hot to touch
- Normal temperature reading on thermometer
- Flushed or red cheeks
- Sweaty hair or neck
- Restlessness or fussiness
- Baby seems comfortable despite feeling warm
What helps at home
Start by checking if your baby is overdressed or the room is too warm. Remove a layer of clothing or swaddle and wait 10 to 15 minutes, then check their temperature again and how they feel.
Make sure you're taking their temperature correctly. For babies under 3 months, rectal temperature is most accurate. For older babies, under the arm works well too. Clean the thermometer and wait a few minutes between readings.
Keep your baby comfortable with light, breathable clothing. If they were crying or active, give them time to cool down naturally. Offer extra feeds if they're breastfeeding or bottle feeding, as they might be a bit dehydrated.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room if your baby is under 3 months and has any fever over 38°C (100.4°F), is hard to wake up, has trouble breathing, or seems very unwell regardless of temperature.
Call your doctor or text Arlo if your baby seems uncomfortable, isn't eating or drinking normally, has other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, or if you're just worried. Sometimes babies can be getting sick even before a fever shows up.
The takeaway
Trust your thermometer, but also trust your instincts as a parent. You know your baby best.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References - [Fever and temperature taking](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/feverandtemperature_taking)
- [When your baby has a fever](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=30&language=english)
- [Caring for a sick child](https://www.ontario.ca/page/caring-sick-child)