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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Low body temperatures in a 4 Yr old

12 replies

Calmomiletea · 08/04/2025 21:31

Posting here for traffic.

I'm really just wanting to see how normal this is, or if I should be concerned. Doctors we have seen don't seem to be concerned about it.

In the last 14 months my 4 Yr old DS has woken in the night five different times and come into me - I've noticed his whole body is cold, so then checked his temp to find it was either around 35c or below it. I think the lowest was 34.3c. The first time I bought a new thermometer (I bought one to use in his ear), and those first three times it happened I took him to a&e but he was OK after he had been there a while and we went home. The last two times I've kept him at home and warmed him up, which can take a while.

It is not happening because of a cold room. It happened again last night, well, he was 35.1, and the room was warm.

The only other things of note regarding his health are: he had mild pulmonary stenosis as a baby, but was discharged with it (I've since read he should never have been discharged); and, he has struggled with tiredness when at nursery and in p1. He definitely doesn't have the same energy that a lot of other children his age have. I had to keep him off school in autumn due to him being completely exhausted. He wouldn't waken in the morning even when he had gone to bed early, he would still be in a deep sleep, and look pale.
He's had bloods checked for tiredness and seen paeds but they haven't come up with anything - I've asked for him to be rereferred to cardiology.

I'm really just wondering about the low temps because it happened again last night, is this common? Or should I be concerned about it?

UABU: it is common
UANBU: it's very abnormal

OP posts:
AJT43 · 08/04/2025 21:36

I promise you this is completely normal.
My sons temp is around 35 when asleep, my daughter is the same.
His paediatrician told me it’s completely normal if they are well, she even told me her son is the same which really made me feel better.

Mooselooseinmyhoose · 08/04/2025 21:37

Low temperatures of 35 or under when checked 3 times in 10 minutes are a red flag on nhs guidance warranting immediate medical attention. I would definitely go back to your GP for investigation.

Sorry to not just reassure you

CharlotteCChapel · 08/04/2025 21:40

O have a low body temperature but I don't know when it started. When I was in hospital with DD my temperature was low enough to be classified as hypothermia. It was August and the hottest day of the year.

Hopefully, it's just normal for him.

DearBee · 08/04/2025 21:43

My son has always run slightly low in temp - but we're talking 35.5-36 range.

I think I'd be more concerned because of the combination with the tiredness and I think you are right to get him checked out.

Calmomiletea · 10/04/2025 04:03

AJT43 · 08/04/2025 21:36

I promise you this is completely normal.
My sons temp is around 35 when asleep, my daughter is the same.
His paediatrician told me it’s completely normal if they are well, she even told me her son is the same which really made me feel better.

And do they feel freezing all over? Would he go below 35? I did fail to mention he has once had this and shown confusion at the same time - he tried to open the wrong door to get to the bathroom one night m, couldn't work out where he was.

It's happened again tonight. He is 34.7c right now.

OP posts:
Calmomiletea · 10/04/2025 04:05

CharlotteCChapel · 08/04/2025 21:40

O have a low body temperature but I don't know when it started. When I was in hospital with DD my temperature was low enough to be classified as hypothermia. It was August and the hottest day of the year.

Hopefully, it's just normal for him.

And were you really cold to touch? He has gone low again tonight: he's 34.7c right now and as he always is when this happens, hes cold to touch. I asked him does he feel cold and he said "no, a little bit warm". There's no way he should be feeling warm.

OP posts:
Lid9 · 27/02/2026 21:05

Hi, I know this is old, but have you found out what caused it? We are in the same situation

ScarlettSarah · 27/02/2026 21:09

My son tends to run low, but in the 35-36c range when asleep.

This is probably going to sound stupid but... how well wrapped up is he when he's sleeping? He might be kicking his covers off and need to wear more clothes.

Lid9 · 27/02/2026 22:21

Thanks for your reply!!

She’s well dressed and has a blanket on, but she still feels cold to the touch and her temperature is between 35–36°C. I’ve only started noticing this recently :/

Frostynoman · 27/02/2026 22:24

I would want a referral to cardiology. How is your little one OP?

SunnyRedSnail · 27/02/2026 22:30

Lid9 · 27/02/2026 22:21

Thanks for your reply!!

She’s well dressed and has a blanket on, but she still feels cold to the touch and her temperature is between 35–36°C. I’ve only started noticing this recently :/

If this is an in ear thermometer then it is normal to measure low.

Mine always measures around 35C with an in ear one. Ear wax and small ear canal means inaccurate readings. Check it with in IR thermometer or an under arm one.

Lid9 · 27/02/2026 22:34

@Frostynomanwhy Cardiology? It happens only at night for some reason.. she is fine during the day..

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