Mercury thermometers must be held as long as 3 minutes to get a reading, whereas digital readings come within seconds. For both safety and convenience, a digital thermometer is a better choice. [3] X Research source The AAP also recommends using a plastic rather than a glass thermometer to avoid the possibility of breakage and injury. [4] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the anus and insert the thermometer 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) into the anus. [6] X Research source If you use a digital thermometer for rectal temperature measuring, do not use the same thermometer to take oral readings. Label the thermometer to keep it separate. [7] X Research source
Temporal thermometers can be used in children 3 months and older. [9] X Research source
Breastfeeding or telling stories will calm and distract the younger child. Older children can sit with their arm around you and snuggle in.
Underarm, or axillary, temperatures may be up to 2 degrees lower than rectal temperatures. This is not as reliable a method as taking a temperature orally or rectally. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Oral thermometer probes are to be placed under the tongue - not bitten and not clamped down with teeth - and held in place until the probe beeps or 2-3 minutes have passed.
Pull the ear slightly down and back to allow the ear canal to open for a better reading. Insert the probe a few millimeters into the ear and pause. The tympanic reading is quick, beeps when ready, and is usually only slightly less accurate than rectal. [14] X Research source A child with an ear infection will have a raised temperature in that ear so the thermometer should be used in the opposite ear if possible. [15] X Research source If the ear infection is in both ears, use a different method to check your child’s temperature.
A normal temperature is up to 37. 2C or 99F. Low grade fevers are up to 38. 3C or 100. 9F and the most common fever range is 38. 4C (101F) to 39. 7C (103. 5). [16] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source High grade fevers are over 39. 8C (103. 6F) and should be attended to by medical professionals when they do not come down with medication, or if your child seems very ill with a high fever.
Your child may also complain of muscle and joint pain, which are also normal responses as the body fights off illness.
Cooling techniques encourage heat loss but do nothing to regulate the child’s internal temperature and thus are better used as comfort measures. You can use a fan in the room to improve air circulation, but don’t position it so that it’s blowing directly on your child. [22] X Research source
Fever usually does not cause harm, is self-limiting, and medication is usually not needed. Fever usually lasts no more than a few days. Infants under the age of 12 weeks with a fever of 38C (100. 4F) or greater should go directly to emergency. [25] X Research source The main reason to treat a fever is to make your child more comfortable. But, if the fever is high (39. 8C/103. 6F or higher), you should consider treating it and seeking medical attention.
Do not give children aspirin (ASA, acetylsalicylic acid). Children who take aspirin can fall ill with Reye syndrome, a life-threatening illness that causes swelling of the brain and other issues. [28] X Research source Always be sure to give the correct dosage to a child. Children do not take the same amount as adults. Dosages are based on age and weight so read the bottle carefully to determine the right dose for your child based on the bottle guidelines. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are uncertain how much to give. There is no evidence that alternating medications reduces fever any quicker; rather, it can lead to dosage errors. This practice is not recommended in children. [29] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source Do not give ibuprofen to children younger than 6 months. If your child is vomiting or dehydrated, do not use ibuprofen. [30] X Research source
Take your child to emergency immediately if he becomes severely lethargic (drowsy), unresponsive, has trouble breathing, has a stiff neck, has a sudden rash, or becomes violently ill.
If your child is having a seizure, do not hold him down, try to stop him, or stick anything into his mouth. Remove his glasses and put something soft under his head if you can. Lay him on his side if possible. Let him be and move nearby furniture or sharp objects. Time the seizure and tell your doctor how long it lasted. If the seizure lasts more than 3 minutes, call an ambulance. Take your child for medical attention, even if he feels sleepy and wants to just rest at home. The doctor will want to ask questions to rule out any causes other than fever. Febrile seizures are common and do not cause brain damage or epilepsy.
