Medical Conditions

Could My Baby Have Hypothermia (Low Body Temperature)?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published WHO, AAP, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature), here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

A body temperature below 97°F (36.1°C) in a baby is considered low and may indicate hypothermia. Newborns are especially vulnerable because they lose heat quickly and cannot shiver effectively. Signs include cool skin, weak cry, lethargy, poor feeding, and in severe cases, mottled or blue-tinged skin. Mild hypothermia can be treated with skin-to-skin contact and warm clothing, but significant or persistent low temperature needs medical evaluation.

Key takeaways

  • A body temperature below 97°F (36.1°C) in a baby is considered low and may indicate hypothermia. Newborns are especially vulnerable because they lose heat quickly and cannot shiver effectively. Signs include cool skin, weak cry, lethargy, poor feeding, and in severe cases, mottled or blue-tinged skin. Mild hypothermia can be treated with skin-to-skin contact and warm clothing, but significant or persistent low temperature needs medical evaluation.
  • Usually normal when: Your baby's hands and feet are cool but their torso feels warm and their temperature reads normal
  • Call your doctor if: Your baby's temperature is below 97°F (36.1°C) and does not improve after warming efforts such as skin-to-skin contact and warm blankets
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know

According to WHO, AAP, NIH guidelines, a body temperature below 97°F (36.1°C) in a baby is considered low and may indicate hypothermia. Newborns are especially vulnerable because they lose heat quickly and cannot shiver effectively. Signs include cool skin, weak cry, lethargy, poor feeding, and in severe cases, mottled or blue-tinged skin. Mild hypothermia can be treated with skin-to-skin contact and warm clothing, but significant or persistent low temperature needs medical evaluation. At 0-3 months, newborns are at highest risk for hypothermia, especially premature or low birth weight babies. After birth, babies can lose heat rapidly through evaporation, radiation, and convection. Skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) is one of the most effective ways to warm a newborn. If your baby's temperature drops below 97°F despite warming efforts, seek immediate medical attention as hypothermia can be a sign of infection in newborns. It is generally considered normal when your baby's hands and feet are cool but their torso feels warm and their temperature reads normal. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby's temperature is below 97°F (36.1°C) and does not improve after warming efforts such as skin-to-skin contact and warm blankets.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your baby's hands and feet are cool but their torso feels warm and their temperature reads normal
Your baby's temperature is below 97°F (36.1°C) and does not improve after warming efforts such as skin-to-skin contact and warm blankets
Your baby's temperature dips slightly after a bath but quickly returns to normal after dressing
Your baby has a low temperature along with weak cry, poor feeding, lethargy, mottled or blue-tinged skin, or difficulty breathing
A brief mildly low reading that normalizes after removing from a cool environment and adding warm layers
Your baby's temperature occasionally reads below 97.5°F despite appropriate clothing and room temperature

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

Newborns are at highest risk for hypothermia, especially premature or low birth weight babies. After birth, babies can lose heat rapidly through evaporation, radiation, and convection. Skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) is one of the most effective ways to warm a newborn. If your baby's temperature drops below 97°F despite warming efforts, seek immediate medical attention as hypothermia can be a sign of infection in newborns.

3-6 months

While older infants regulate temperature better than newborns, they can still develop hypothermia from cold environments, wet clothing, or inadequate coverage during cold weather. After a bath, dry your baby promptly and dress them in warm clothing. A low temperature in this age group that occurs without cold exposure may indicate an underlying illness and should be evaluated.

6-12 months

Hypothermia is less common at this age but can occur during cold weather exposure. Babies who are learning to crawl and move may push off blankets. Use wearable blankets (sleep sacks) to keep them warm during sleep. If your baby feels cold and their temperature reads low despite a warm environment, contact your pediatrician.

12-24 months

Toddlers are more active and generate more body heat, but they can still become hypothermic during extended cold weather exposure, especially if clothing becomes wet. Dress your toddler in layers for outdoor cold weather activities and bring them inside regularly to warm up.

2-3 years

Hypothermia in older toddlers typically only occurs with prolonged cold exposure or water immersion. Children can lose heat faster than adults due to their smaller body mass. Watch for shivering, pale or blue-tinged skin, clumsy movements, and confusion, which are early signs of hypothermia.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby's temperature occasionally reads below 97.5°F despite appropriate clothing and room temperature.
  • Mention if your premature baby seems to have difficulty maintaining normal temperature.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your baby's hands and feet are cool but their torso feels warm and their temperature reads normal
  • Your baby's temperature dips slightly after a bath but quickly returns to normal after dressing
  • A brief mildly low reading that normalizes after removing from a cool environment and adding warm layers
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your baby's temperature occasionally reads below 97.5°F despite appropriate clothing and room temperature
  • Your premature baby seems to have difficulty maintaining normal temperature
  • You are unsure how many layers your baby needs for their environment
Act now when...
  • Your baby's temperature is below 97°F (36.1°C) and does not improve after warming efforts such as skin-to-skin contact and warm blankets
  • Your baby has a low temperature along with weak cry, poor feeding, lethargy, mottled or blue-tinged skin, or difficulty breathing

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your baby's hands and feet are cool but their torso feels warm and their temperature reads normal — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby's temperature is below 97°F (36.1°C) and does not improve after warming efforts such as skin-to-skin contact and warm blankets.

My Baby Can't Seem to Regulate Their Temperature

Newborns and young infants have immature thermoregulation, meaning they cannot control their body temperature as efficiently as older children and adults. They lose heat quickly through their large head surface area and have limited ability to shiver or sweat effectively. This is normal and improves over the first few months of life. Dressing your baby in one more layer than you are comfortable in and keeping the room at 68-72°F helps maintain stable temperature.

Baby Always Has Cold Hands and Feet

Cold hands and feet in babies are almost always normal, especially in newborns. Babies have an immature circulatory system that prioritizes sending blood to vital organs (brain, heart, lungs) over extremities. This means their hands and feet can feel cool and even look bluish or mottled while their core body remains warm. This is called acrocyanosis and is completely normal in the first few months. As your baby's circulation matures, this improves. Check your baby's warmth by feeling their chest or back, not their hands or feet.

Cold Weather Outdoor Safety

Babies lose heat faster than adults because of their large head-to-body ratio and limited ability to shiver or regulate body temperature. The AAP recommends dressing babies in one more layer than an adult would wear in the same conditions. Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure when wind chill is below 0°F (-18°C). Cover extremities well (hands, feet, ears, head) and watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite. Brief outdoor time in moderately cold weather is safe and healthy with proper clothing.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature) normal?
A body temperature below 97°F (36.1°C) in a baby is considered low and may indicate hypothermia. Newborns are especially vulnerable because they lose heat quickly and cannot shiver effectively. Signs include cool skin, weak cry, lethargy, poor feeding, and in severe cases, mottled or blue-tinged skin. Mild hypothermia can be treated with skin-to-skin contact and warm clothing, but significant or persistent low temperature needs medical evaluation.
When should I call the doctor about could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature)?
Your baby's temperature is below 97°F (36.1°C) and does not improve after warming efforts such as skin-to-skin contact and warm blankets Your baby has a low temperature along with weak cry, poor feeding, lethargy, mottled or blue-tinged skin, or difficulty breathing
When is could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature) normal?
Your baby's hands and feet are cool but their torso feels warm and their temperature reads normal Your baby's temperature dips slightly after a bath but quickly returns to normal after dressing A brief mildly low reading that normalizes after removing from a cool environment and adding warm layers
What causes could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature)?
A body temperature below 97°F (36.1°C) in a baby is considered low and may indicate hypothermia. Newborns are especially vulnerable because they lose heat quickly and cannot shiver effectively. Signs include cool skin, weak cry, lethargy, poor feeding, and in severe cases, mottled or blue-tinged skin. Mild hypothermia can be treated with skin-to-skin contact and warm clothing, but significant or persistent low temperature needs medical evaluation. Common explanations include: Your baby's hands and feet are cool but their torso feels warm and their temperature reads normal. Your baby's temperature dips slightly after a bath but quickly returns to normal after dressing.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature)?
You should mention could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature) at your next visit if: Your baby's temperature occasionally reads below 97.5°F despite appropriate clothing and room temperature. Your premature baby seems to have difficulty maintaining normal temperature. You are unsure how many layers your baby needs for their environment.
Is could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature) normal at 0-3 months?
Newborns are at highest risk for hypothermia, especially premature or low birth weight babies. After birth, babies can lose heat rapidly through evaporation, radiation, and convection. Skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) is one of the most effective ways to warm a newborn. If your baby's temperature drops below 97°F despite warming efforts, seek immediate medical attention as hypothermia can be a sign of infection in newborns.
Is could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature) normal at 3-6 months?
While older infants regulate temperature better than newborns, they can still develop hypothermia from cold environments, wet clothing, or inadequate coverage during cold weather. After a bath, dry your baby promptly and dress them in warm clothing. A low temperature in this age group that occurs without cold exposure may indicate an underlying illness and should be evaluated.
Should I go to the ER for could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature)?
Seek emergency care if your baby's temperature is below 97°F (36.1°C) and does not improve after warming efforts such as skin-to-skin contact and warm blankets, or if your baby has a low temperature along with weak cry, poor feeding, lethargy, mottled or blue-tinged skin, or difficulty breathing. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature) go away on its own?
In many cases, could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature) resolves on its own, especially when your baby's hands and feet are cool but their torso feels warm and their temperature reads normal. By 2-3 years, hypothermia in older toddlers typically only occurs with prolonged cold exposure or water immersion. Children can lose heat faster than adults due to their smaller body mass. Watch for shivering, pale or blue-tinged skin, clumsy movements, and confusion, which are early signs of hypothermia.
WHOAAPNIH

References

  1. [1]World Health Organization. Thermal Protection of the Newborn: A Practical Guide. WHO
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Hypothermia. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  3. [3]National Library of Medicine. Neonatal Hypothermia. StatPearls. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Could My Baby Have Hypothermia (Low Body Temperature)?.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby's temperature occasionally reads below 97.5°F despite appropriate clothing and room temperature.
  • Mention if your premature baby seems to have difficulty maintaining normal temperature.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your baby's temperature occasionally reads below 97.5°F despite appropriate clothing and room temperature
  • Your premature baby seems to have difficulty maintaining normal temperature
  • You are unsure how many layers your baby needs for their environment

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your baby's temperature is below 97°F (36.1°C) and does not improve after warming efforts such as skin-to-skin contact and warm blankets
  • Your baby has a low temperature along with weak cry, poor feeding, lethargy, mottled or blue-tinged skin, or difficulty breathing

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

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Bottom line

Most cases of could my baby have hypothermia (low body temperature) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby's temperature is below 97°f (36.1°c) and does not improve after warming efforts such as skin-to-skin contact and warm blankets.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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My Baby Can't Seem to Regulate Their Temperature

Newborns and young infants have immature thermoregulation, meaning they cannot control their body temperature as efficiently as older children and adults. They lose heat quickly through their large head surface area and have limited ability to shiver or sweat effectively. This is normal and improves over the first few months of life. Dressing your baby in one more layer than you are comfortable in and keeping the room at 68-72°F helps maintain stable temperature.

Baby Always Has Cold Hands and Feet

Cold hands and feet in babies are almost always normal, especially in newborns. Babies have an immature circulatory system that prioritizes sending blood to vital organs (brain, heart, lungs) over extremities. This means their hands and feet can feel cool and even look bluish or mottled while their core body remains warm. This is called acrocyanosis and is completely normal in the first few months. As your baby's circulation matures, this improves. Check your baby's warmth by feeling their chest or back, not their hands or feet.

Cold Weather Outdoor Safety

Babies lose heat faster than adults because of their large head-to-body ratio and limited ability to shiver or regulate body temperature. The AAP recommends dressing babies in one more layer than an adult would wear in the same conditions. Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure when wind chill is below 0°F (-18°C). Cover extremities well (hands, feet, ears, head) and watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite. Brief outdoor time in moderately cold weather is safe and healthy with proper clothing.

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