The normal temperature of children is about 36.4 ° C (97.4 ° F), but varies slightly from child to child. Fever usually occurs when the temperature rises to 37.5 ° C or higher.
You may be concerned about your child having a fever if:
• It looks hotter than normal when touched - on his forehead, back or abdomen
• Sweaty or dewy
• His cheeks are red
What causes fever for children?
Fever is relatively common in infants and young children. It can be a signal that the body is trying to fight a disease.
The natural reaction is when the body temperature increases, then it will be difficult for the bacteria and viruses that cause the disease to survive. Go to fever in children for more information on diseases caused by infections, common and dangerous, that can cause fever in children.
Some infants and young children also develop fever shortly after routine vaccines. This should be removed automatically and quickly, but if you have concerns, talk to your health supervisor or doctor.
How do I measure my baby's temperature?
If you're worried about your child's overheating, the best step to start with is to check the temperature with a thermometer. This will help you know if you need to call your doctor (see What should I do now? Below). If you talk to your doctor or nurse on the phone, it will help them decide what kind of medical care your child needs.
From an ideal point of view, for a quick and accurate reading of your child's temperature you need a digital thermometer. That you can easily get from pharmacies and most large stores.
Digital thermometers
To measure your baby's temperature, hold it comfortably on your knee and place the thermometer under your armpit (always use an underarm thermometer for children under five). Hold his arm gently and firmly against his body to keep the thermometer in place, for as long as the manufacturer's instructions (usually about 15 seconds). Some digital thermometers beep when ready. The thermometer bar will show you the temperature of your baby.
Other types of thermometer
Other types of thermometers are available, but they may not be as effective as a digital thermometer by measuring the temperature of an infant or toddler.
The auricular (or tympanic) thermometer allows you to measure the temperature of the ear. These scales are quick but expensive, and can give misleadingly low readings, especially in infants, if they are not properly placed in the ear.
Thermometers placed on the front of the child are an inaccurate way of taking the temperature. It shows the temperature of the skin, rather than the body.
Mercury thermometers should not be used inside their glass. They are no longer used in hospitals and are not available for purchase. They can break, releasing small fragments of glass and very toxic mercury. If your child is exposed to mercury, seek medical advice immediately.
Is there something else I should do to make sure that the reading is accurate?
You should get an accurate reading if you use an underarm digital thermometer and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
However, there are a few cases that can change reading a little, for example if your child:
• Wrapped heavily in a blanket
• In a very warm room
• Very active
• Incubate a hot water bottle
• Wearing a lot of clothes
If so, let it cool for a few minutes (without too cold or trembling), and measure its temperature again to see if there is any change.
what should I do now?
Always contact your doctor, medical visitor, trained nurse or general nurse if:
• Your child has other signs of illness, as well as high fever
• Your child has a temperature of 38 ° C (101 ° F) or higher (if he or she is less than three months), or
• If your child has a temperature of 39 ° C (102 ° F) or higher (if he or she is three to six months old)
You can help to make your baby more comfortable and include plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.If your baby's temperature is slightly above normal, she doesn't have any other symptoms. If you are breastfeeding, breast milk is best. Find out more about treating high fever in children.
You may be concerned about your child having a fever if:
• It looks hotter than normal when touched - on his forehead, back or abdomen
• Sweaty or dewy
• His cheeks are red
What causes fever for children?
Fever is relatively common in infants and young children. It can be a signal that the body is trying to fight a disease.
The natural reaction is when the body temperature increases, then it will be difficult for the bacteria and viruses that cause the disease to survive. Go to fever in children for more information on diseases caused by infections, common and dangerous, that can cause fever in children.
Some infants and young children also develop fever shortly after routine vaccines. This should be removed automatically and quickly, but if you have concerns, talk to your health supervisor or doctor.
How do I measure my baby's temperature?
If you're worried about your child's overheating, the best step to start with is to check the temperature with a thermometer. This will help you know if you need to call your doctor (see What should I do now? Below). If you talk to your doctor or nurse on the phone, it will help them decide what kind of medical care your child needs.
From an ideal point of view, for a quick and accurate reading of your child's temperature you need a digital thermometer. That you can easily get from pharmacies and most large stores.
Digital thermometers
To measure your baby's temperature, hold it comfortably on your knee and place the thermometer under your armpit (always use an underarm thermometer for children under five). Hold his arm gently and firmly against his body to keep the thermometer in place, for as long as the manufacturer's instructions (usually about 15 seconds). Some digital thermometers beep when ready. The thermometer bar will show you the temperature of your baby.
Other types of thermometer
Other types of thermometers are available, but they may not be as effective as a digital thermometer by measuring the temperature of an infant or toddler.
The auricular (or tympanic) thermometer allows you to measure the temperature of the ear. These scales are quick but expensive, and can give misleadingly low readings, especially in infants, if they are not properly placed in the ear.
Thermometers placed on the front of the child are an inaccurate way of taking the temperature. It shows the temperature of the skin, rather than the body.
Mercury thermometers should not be used inside their glass. They are no longer used in hospitals and are not available for purchase. They can break, releasing small fragments of glass and very toxic mercury. If your child is exposed to mercury, seek medical advice immediately.
Is there something else I should do to make sure that the reading is accurate?
You should get an accurate reading if you use an underarm digital thermometer and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
However, there are a few cases that can change reading a little, for example if your child:
• Wrapped heavily in a blanket
• In a very warm room
• Very active
• Incubate a hot water bottle
• Wearing a lot of clothes
If so, let it cool for a few minutes (without too cold or trembling), and measure its temperature again to see if there is any change.
what should I do now?
Always contact your doctor, medical visitor, trained nurse or general nurse if:
• Your child has other signs of illness, as well as high fever
• Your child has a temperature of 38 ° C (101 ° F) or higher (if he or she is less than three months), or
• If your child has a temperature of 39 ° C (102 ° F) or higher (if he or she is three to six months old)
You can help to make your baby more comfortable and include plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.If your baby's temperature is slightly above normal, she doesn't have any other symptoms. If you are breastfeeding, breast milk is best. Find out more about treating high fever in children.
Posted in: Child Health
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