What is the general safe temperature range for newborns?

The general safe temperature range for newborns is 36 to 37.5 degrees Celsius. This range is essential because maintaining an appropriate body temperature is crucial for a newborn's health and well-being. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia due to their limited ability to generate heat and their high surface area-to-volume ratio.

When the body temperature falls below this range, it can lead to various complications, including inadequate oxygenation, metabolic disturbances, and increased risk of infection. Conversely, temperatures rising above this range can indicate fever or infection, which can also pose serious health risks.

Monitoring and maintaining the newborn's temperature within this range is a standard practice in neonatal intensive care to ensure optimal physiological function and promote healthy growth and development. Care providers utilize various methods, such as incubators or specific blankets, to help regulate body temperature effectively.