The normal children's temperature is around 36.4 ° C (97.4 ° Fahrenheit), but it varies slightly from one child to another. Fever usually occurs when the temperature rises to 37.5 ° C or higher.

You might worry about your child getting a fever, if:

• Looks hotter than usual when touched - on his forehead, back or stomach

Sweaty or dewy

His cheeks are red

What causes fever in children?
Fever is relatively common in infants and young children. It could be a sign that the body is trying to fight a disease.

The normal reaction is when the body temperature gets warmer, then it will be difficult for the bacteria and viruses that cause the disease to survive. Go to a fever in children for more information about diseases caused by infections, common and serious, that can cause fever in children.

Some infants and young children also develop fever shortly after taking routine vaccinations. This should be removed automatically and quickly, but if you have concerns, speak to your health supervisor or doctor.

 


 
 

How to measure my child's temperature?
If you are worried about your child getting too warm, the best step to start is to check your temperature with a thermometer. This will help you know if you need to call a doctor (see What should I do now? Below). If you have spoken to a doctor or nurse on the phone, this will help them make a decision about the type of medical care your child needs.

From an ideal point of view, to get a quick and accurate reading of your child's temperature, you need a digital thermometer. You can easily get to it from pharmacies and most large stores.

 

 

 

Digital thermometers
To measure your child's temperature, comfortably carry them on your knee and place the thermometer under their armpits (always use an underarm thermometer for children under five). Gently hold his arm firmly and steadily against his body to keep the thermometer in place, for the duration mentioned in the manufacturer's instructions (usually about 15 seconds). Some digital thermometers beep when ready. The thermometer will show you the temperature of your child.

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 young child.

The auricular (or tympanic) thermometer allows you to measure the temperature from the ear. These scales are quick but they are very expensive, and can give misleadingly low readings, especially in infants, if they are not placed properly in the ear.

Thermometers that are placed on the front of the child, are an inaccurate method of taking the temperature. It shows the skin temperature, rather than the body.

Mercury-containing thermometers should not be used inside its glass. As it is no longer used in hospitals and not available for purchase. It can break, releasing small shards of glass and very toxic mercury. If your child is exposed to mercury, get medical advice immediately.

Is there anything else I should do to make sure the reading is accurate?
If you use a digital underarm thermometer, you should get an accurate reading and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

However, there are a few cases that can change the reading a little, for example if your child:

• Wrapped tightly in a blanket

• In a very warm room

Very active

Incubate a hot water bottle

• Wearing a lot of clothes

If this is the case, let it cool down for a few minutes (without getting too cold or shivering), 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's temperature was 38 ° C (101 ° F) or higher (if he is under three months), or

• If your child's temperature is 39 ° C (102 ° Fahrenheit) or higher (if he is three to six months old)

You can help to make your child more comfortable and ensure that he has plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, if your child's temperature is just above the normal limit and does not suffer from any other symptoms. If you are breastfeeding, breast milk is best