What is a low temperature for 5 month old.

[Bubbles021]

Hi all,
This might just be me worrying about nothing. What is considered a low temperature for babies? I can find online what is classed as a high temp, but not low.
DD is 5 and a half months old. Today she's been a bit fussy on the bottle. She's been having about half her normal feed or just a bit more, but seemed a bit fussy. She is otherwise her normal self. Tonight I decided to check her temperature (under arm) and it was 35.8. This shocked me as I've never known it to be so low. We kept checking over the next half hour and it fluctuated between 35.7 and 35.9.
I went into panic mode as sadly we lost our first child 18 months ago and also lost our nephew 6 months ago. So I know that I do go straight into panic mode with these things.
We called 111 who said that a clinician will ring in the next few hours. When I asked if this kind of temperature can be normal in babies she said she's not medically trained and to wait for the Dr to call.
I can't sleep for worrying. Our house can get cold, so we've put the heating on, she's sleeping in a long sleeved vest and 2.5 tog sleeping bag. I just want to know if this is a temperature I should be concerned about because 111 couldn't tell me, or whether it can be normal for babies.
Thank you 💙

The battery in the thermometer might need replacing..mine always reads low when the battery is low

Generally speaking a low temp is so unusual as to be almost always a mistake. Unless there is a clear reason for hypothermia (wet clothes cold outdoor exposure)

I think as it's under arm it will naturally read lower but it is the low end of normal I'd say. My babies have definitely had temperatures of that. Have you taken it again since she's been wrapped up Cody?

@SeaToSki thank you for replying. We have just ordered a new thermometer just in case.
Trying to stop the intrusive thoughts winning and reminding myself she is otherwise absolutely fine!
Thank you for taking the time to reply x

@thaegumathteth we woke her up to feed her about 20 mins ago, and when I checked again it came up at 35.9

A low temp is generally considered below 35.
35.7-9 is fine I would just say lower end of normal.
Based on the fact she's not feeding well & lower than usual I think you're right to have called 111 to check but I don't think you need to be panicking.

Also, I know every baby is different but I don't think she's particularly 'wrapped up'. I do have a 'cold baby' but my DS (same age) is currently in a long sleeve vest, baby gro, and a 2.5 tog sleeping bag. Our heating is on and the room is currently 19.5 degrees. He's also co-sleeping so he's getting some warmth from me.
What temp is your room? Maybe she's just a bit chilly.

When you touch her back or chest how does she feel?

Have you tried some calpol? Perhaps she's teething or coming down with something. If she's been feeding poorly all day I'd probably try and if it improves then you know something was hurting and if not you can rule that out.

@namesaga it's currently 20 degrees in our room, but reading what you've said about your little one though we will try her in a few more layers! Thank you!

I was told to add a degree to an under arm reading when mine were little. Honestly I wouldn't be too worried but given your recent losses I think it's entirely understandable that you are.

While she's sleeping can you try and doze a bit even if you can't fully sleep. Set an alarm to check on her in a wee while if that would help reassure you

A long sleeve vest, a 2.5tog bag and a room of 20’ is more than enough
Please dont add more layers.

Alot more safer to be chilly than to warm

My first was always too hot and still refuses to sleep with covers on now at 3 but this baby is definitely the opposite.
Everything is a guide but don't be afraid to add a layer if need be. You could add a thin blanket and then check her in half hour and if she feels hot on her back or chest you can easily remove it.

I've just taken DS temp and he's 36.1. So he's 0.2 degrees warmer. My thermometer is indicating this as 'green' within range for his age. Try a braun in ear thermometer as they go green, amber or red depending on the reading & age range.

I reckon she's feeling chilly because shes not fed well. Try some calpol before her next feed and see how she does.

Hopefully the doctor calls soon & can give you some proper medical advice which is of course what you need to seek just to make sure but try and get some rest.

They prioritise the calls - if they thought she was hypothermic they'd have called by now.

Thank you all, I appreciate your help. I will be keeping a close eye on her in the night. We've ordered the Braun ear thermometer which should arrive sometime today.
I know it's my own anxieties getting in the way again, just can't help but worry 🤦🏼‍♀️
Really appreciate everyone taking the time to respond xx

Guide to body temperature

What to wear in room temperatures with different togs

@PleaseCleanTheWholeToilet thank you, they're both really helpful diagrams! 🙂

Hi all, so I have a 5.5 month old age adjusted 4 months (born premature). She was unable to regulate her body temperature so ended up in NICU. She suddenly had a whole personality switch on me from a quiet baby to full on wild life complete with scratching my face, screaming and actively fighting sleep and feeding < This though isn’t my worry but thought I’d mention it for context.
I have a Braun ear scan thermometer. It is pretty accurate. I’ve noticed she’s been feeling cold to the touch lately. Her body temp sits between 35.5 to 36.4 during night time according to the thermometer. I’m not sure if this is something anyone else has experienced on here? She is always in a heated room set to 20 degrees, she sleeps in a 2.5 sleeping bag and has a full cotton grow and vest on. During the day, her temp goes back up. Should I head to A&E since GP’s are pretty useless in my area and the consultant she was born under won’t see her because they are so swamped. What do I do? Her health visitor is clueless too. Thanks all.

Is she ill? My daughter’s temperature has always dipped slightly when asleep to about 35.8. If she isn’t unwell and it’s coming up between I can’t imagine it’s anything to worry about.

@Coffeeandbourbons Thank you for sharing, it does put me slightly at ease. She was ill a couple of weeks ago with Covid. This cold temperature is something her dad picked up on recently and it ran my anxiety up because of the way he said it. I’d feel it too when she was like 2-3 months but never thought much of it. Since the outreach mid wives were happy with her temp regulation.
I googled and it does say on some websites that temp between 35.5 to 37 is normal but nothing more.
I’m not sure why she’s still doing this at 5 months old.

@Mermaidsarecool my DD did this at 5 months until recently where it's now consistently 36.2-36.6 when asleep. I have absolutely no idea why it was low. Always had a perfectly fine temp in the day.