Children and Fever

It’s scary when you realize your child has a fever, but unfortunately, most parents will face the problem with their child. All kids get fevers and are usually back to normal within a few days. The way your child is acting is more of an indicator sometimes than a fever. Don’t be concerned if they are cranky, everyone gets cranky when they have temperature even adults. If your child stops playing, smiling, eating and drinking and they don’t urinate regularly, that is a sign you should contact your child’s doctor.

There are several reliable methods to take your child’s temperature. Kissing their forehead or laying your hand lightly will tell you if they feel warm. The most reliable way to find out if they are running a temperature is to use a thermometer. There are many different thermometers and ways to take a child’s temperature.

The old-fashioned glass mercury thermometer is not recommended for use because of possible exposure to mercury. If you have one of these thermometers, don’t just toss it in the garbage. It could cause the mercury to leak out. Talk to your health department or your doctor for ways of disposing this thermometer.

Plastic strip thermometers are another means of registering temperature but are not as accurate as a digital thermometer used orally or rectally. They are placed against your child’s forehead. These are especially good for use in infants younger than a year old. They will tell you if your child has a temperature but aren’t reliable for an accurate reading. If you require an accurate reading then use a digital thermometer.

Pacifier thermometers also are convenient for seeing if the child has a temperature but isn’t recommended in infants younger than three months. The problem with the pacifier thermometer is that they require the child to remain motionless for several moments, and that is nearly impossible with most babies and toddlers.

Electronic ear thermometers have become popular in the last few years. They measure the tympanic temperature, the temperature inside the ear canal. They are quick and easy to use in children they aren’t as accurate for very young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using these thermometers for infants younger than three months.

The digital thermometer takes the quickest and most accurate readings. They are available for sale in supermarkets, pharmacies, and other retail suppliers. Digital thermometers usually have an easy-to-read digital display on one end and a flexible probe with temperature sensor at the other end. You can use a digital thermometer in one of three ways, orally, rectally, or axillary (under the arm.)

No matter what method you use to take your child’s temperature, there are a couple of things to remember. Wait at least 20-30 minutes after the child has eaten or drank anything before taking their temperature. Also, if they have been bundled tightly or held close to your body, this can cause a higher temperature reading. Don’t take a child’s temperature right after a bath, or leave a child unattended while taking their temperature.

How can you make your child feel better if they have a temperature? In most cases, a fever doesn’t need to be treated unless it’s causing your child to be uncomfortable. If your child has other symptoms that are causing discomfort, you can give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen within the guidelines given on the package. Never give aspirin to a child under 12 because of its association with Reye syndrome, which is rare, but a fatal disease. Fever medication will bring a fever down temporarily, but eventually it will rise again. Treat the symptoms and not the fever.

Give your child a sponge bath, using only lukewarm water. Don’t put your child in a cool or cold bath. This will only make the body react by raising their temperature. Cold packs, or cold baths can cause chills that also will raise your child’s temperature.

Never, no matter what your parents did, rub your child down with rubbing alcohol! It can cause poisoning when absorbed by their skin.

Dress your child in lightweight clothing and cover them with a light blanket or sheet. Overdressing can also elevate the temperature.

When your child is running a temperature, be sure to offer plenty of liquids to avoid the chance of dehydration. Water, popsicles, Jell-O, and soup are all things that will help them to stay hydrated.