A mother chekcing her child's temperature, with a themometer in one hand and her other hand on her childs head.

What is a normal body temperature?

03 Jun 2023

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Age (years) Body temp, normal range Fever temp. range Other signs of illness How to take their temp. Precautions
Baby (0-2)

Around 36.4C

(normal temperature for a baby can vary slightly from baby to baby – it’s best to take your baby’s temperature regularly to find out what’s normal for them).1

37.5C or above2

Hotter to touch on their forehead, back or stomach.

Sweaty, clammy or have flushed cheeks.3

Always take the temperature either under the armpit (axillary) for babies.

Place the tip of the thermometer under the baby’s armpit and gently hold them still until it beeps.4

Fever in babies under 6 months of age is rare.

If your baby is younger than 3 months and has a fever of 38C or above or is between 3-6 months of age with a fever of 39C or above, seek medical attention immediately.5

Child (2-10)          
Adult (18-65)          
Older adult (65+)          

 

Bhupesh Panchal

Author: Bhupesh Panchal, Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate

Joined Holland & Barrett: Apr 2019

Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry

Bhupesh started his career as a Clinical Toxicologist for Public Health England, advising healthcare professionals all around the country on how to manage clinical cases of adverse exposure to supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and agricultural products.

After 7 years in this role and a further year working as a drug safety officer in the pharmaceutical industry, Bhupesh joined Holland & Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019.