Fever in Children
Welcome to Cinnamon Healthcare’s blog! As parents, it is not uncommon to feel concerned when your baby or child develops a raised temperature. Understanding what constitutes a child’s normal body temperature, and how to recognise fever and its causes, is crucial.
In this blog we aim to provide you with some valuable information regarding fevers and temperatures in children including addressing common questions including what is a child’s normal body temp? and offering some guidance on when to seek medical advice.
You and your family’s health are our top priority and hence this information is evidence-based as well as drawn from years of clinical experience.
What is a Fever?
When a child’s normal body temperature rises, it’s considered a fever. In babies and children, a fever is commonly a sign that the body is fighting an infection or illness. Importantly, a fever itself is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition.
What is a child’s normal body temp?
A newborn baby’s healthy body temperature can range between 36.5°C and 37.5°C. As children grow, their normal temperature range approaches the average body temperature which is usually considered between 36°C and 37°C.
It’s essential to remember that these are just averages, and some children may naturally have slightly higher or lower normal temperatures. Generally, a child is said to have a fever if their temperature is 38°C or higher.
Common causes of fever in children
- Infections: Most fevers in children are caused by viral or bacterial infections, such as common childhood illnesses including the flu, common cold, strep throat (tonsillitis), or ear infections (otitis media or otitis externa).
- Teething: Infants may experience a slight increase in normal temperature range during teething, but this is usually not considered a fever.
- Immunisations: A fever in babies and children may develop as a side effect of vaccines, symptoms are usually temporary and mild.
Home comfort and care during a high temperature
- Keep your child comfortable in light clothing
- Ensure a moderate room temperature – not too warm and not too cold to avoid fever or chills
- Encourage your child to drink fluids and stay hydrated
- Keep an eye on how much urine they are producing / how often you are changing nappies
Home medication for high body temperature
- Both paracetamol (e.g. Calpol) and ibuprofen can be used to help with fever and discomfort
- Follow the correct dosage instructions based on your child’s age / weight, and record times doses are administered
- Avoid giving medicines at the same time, unless advised to do so by a clinician
Monitoring fever by temperature taking
- Use a reliable thermometer to measure your child’s temperature
- In-ear or forehead digital thermometers are suitable for young children
- Keep a record of temperature readings to communicate these to your clinician
When to seek medical attention
Whilst fevers in children can often be harmless and will resolve with simple measures at home, it is crucial to recognise signs that may indicate your child needs to be assessed further. We would recommend seeking advice if any of the following are present.
- Persistent high fever – if your child continues to have a fever despite simple home care and medication
- Breathing difficulties – rapid or difficult breathing can be a sign of more severe illness
- Unusual rash – seek advice if your child develops a new rash, especially if it doesn’t fade when pressed (non-blanching)
- Seizure – if your child has a seizure or fit, contact emergency services urgently
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea – continuous vomiting or diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and can also be a sign of an underlying illness
Preventing fevers
Whilst it is not possible to avoid a fever, you can take simple measures to minimise the risks. These include:
- Hand hygiene – Teach your child the importance of good hand washing to prevent the spread of infection
- Vaccinations – You can ensure that your child is up to date with the national vaccination schedule as they protect against many illnesses
- Healthy lifestyle – promote a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep for overall well being
Fevers in children can be concerning and we know it is difficult to see your children in pain or discomfort. At Cinnamon Healthcare we will always prioritise your child’s health and wellbeing and so this guide aims to empower you as parents to make informed decisions about your child’s fever and initial management. If you are concerned about your unwell child, please contact us so that we can offer appropriate advice.
If symptoms don’t go away or you are concerned we offer GP appointments by video or phone or alternatively we can arrange a home visit. If it’s an emergency then please ring 111.
(The information provided in this blog provides a general overview and cannot be relied on solely without seeking appropriate medical advice).
Get the help you need
At Cinnamon Healthcare, our experienced clinicians provide dedicated consultations to listen to your concerns and support you.
