Newborn Temperature & Weight

Newborns and younger children normally have higher temperatures than older children and adults. If a fever is suspected in your newborn, it is imperative that a rectal temperature be taken. Other methods, notes Dr. Iannelli, such as the otic or axillary thermometer, are not very accurate in younger children. A call should be placed to your pediatrician immediately if a child's rectal temperature is above 100.4 F and the child is less than three months old.

Weight:

During the first week of life, it is not uncommon for newborns to lose 5%, even as much as 10%, of their birthweight. The lost weight is usually regained by the time he is two weeks of age and the baby should continue to gain about one-half to one ounce daily. Dr. Iannelli notes that if your newborn is not having regular wet diapers at least 5-6 times a day, then it

may be indicative of excessive weight loss and dehydration.

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