Are you concerned about your toddler’s fever?
It’s tough to console a sick child, especially when they have a fever and can’t communicate their needs. As a parent, it’s important to calm them down and lower their fever to help them feel better quickly.
What Does a Fever Mean in Baby?
A fever in a baby is a sign that their body is fighting an infection or illness. It’s important to monitor the fever and seek medical attention if it becomes high or is accompanied by other symptoms.
For a child, what temperature is considered a fever?
- Young children’s body temps around 37°C (98.6°F), fluctuates by half degree.
- Low-grade fever for babies is 38.1°C (100.5°F) or higher.
- If fever reaches 40°C (104°F), see a doctor immediately.
Look for these symptoms to see if your child has a fever:
- Feels warmer than normal
- Sweating or Shivering
- Loss of appetite
- Pain and numbness all over the body
- Irritability or fussiness
If you suspect your child has a fever, take their temperature with a thermometer.
There are three types of digital thermometers that are highly recommended.
- Digital thermometers have multiple functions : read temp through rectal, oral, or underarm for infants up to 3 yrs (rectal) and 4-5 yrs (oral) and above.
- Temporal artery (forehead thermometer) : measures heat waves from the temporal artery for kids aged 3 months+.
- Tympanic (ear thermometer) : measures heat waves from eardrums for kids 6 months+.
What could be the cause of natural body changes in temperature?
What causes fevers in babies?
Fevers are usually a symptom of a more serious medical problem. Fever can hit your baby for a number of reasons, including:
- an infection caused by a virus
- an infection caused by bacteria
- a medical condition caused by certain vaccinations
- Fevers in children are commonly caused by respiratory problems such as colds and ear infections.
When Rising Body Temperature Should Be a Cause for Concern?
What Is the Exact Duration of a Fever?
When your body is fighting a sickness or infection, your body temperature usually rises. When the body has beaten whatever, it was fighting, this should return to normal. The duration of fever is determined by the cause of your child’s illness.
If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor.
- A temperature of 100.4°F or higher in children younger than 3 months.
- With a temperature of up to 102°F and a very lethargic or irritable appearance (also, if the fever is higher than 102°F without other symptoms) age 3 to 6 months.
- A temperature of more than 102°F for more than a day in children aged 6 to 24 months.
Fevers in children under the age of two should only last 24 hours. Fever in children over the age of two should not last more than 72 hours. If your child’s fever persists or he or she continues to feel ill after the fever gone, contact your doctor right away.
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