Cold hands, a feeling of weakness, fatigue, flushed cheeks—everyone knows these symptoms from personal experience. Certainty comes, at the latest, with a digital thermometer. In babies and young children, an elevated body temperature occurs particularly often. Understandably, as a mom or dad, you worry about your sick little explorer. However, fever is a cleverly designed defense mechanism of the body. In this article, we explain, among other things, what fever is, how it differs from an elevated temperature, and when you should see a doctor with your feverish child.

What is fever?

Fever itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom that indicates a natural immune response in the body. With a healthy immune system, the body responds to an infection by raising its temperature. This increase slows down or prevents the reproduction of pathogens—a highly effective natural defense mechanism.

Even if you understandably worry about your baby, you generally don’t need to be concerned if they have a fever. After all, an elevated temperature or fever indicates that your child’s body is already helping itself—in other words, the immune system is working. Compared to older children and adults, infants develop fevers more often because this defense mechanism is particularly pronounced in them. Even harmless infections can be enough to cause a fever in babies.

How can you tell that your child has a fever?

An elevated body temperature in babies and toddlers doesn’t always mean they are sick. Even on hot summer days, or when your child has been particularly active, the thermometer can rise above 38 degrees Celsius—even though your little explorer is in the best of health. Some babies also develop a fever during teething, which usually isn’t a cause for concern.

However, if you notice a temperature above 38.5°C along with a runny nose , cold hands and feet and/or a weakened state , this suggests an infection accompanied by fever. Often, the rise in temperature can already be seen in the face: The Haut is clearly reddened and feels hot to the touch, and the Eyes are glassy or appear tired. Many children also become fussy or refuse the food when they have a fever. If you suspect your baby has a fever based on these symptoms, you should confirm it by Measuring temperature .

When do babies develop a fever?

The body temperature of a healthy baby or toddler ranges between 36.5 and 37.5 degrees Celsius. Usually, it is about half a degree higher in the evening than in the morning. A temperature of 37.6 degrees Celsius is considered an elevated temperature ; temperatures above 38.5 degrees are considered Fever . With high fever (above 39 degrees Celsius), you should Consult a doctor with your baby. . A body temperature above 41.5 degrees can even be acutely threatening for your child.

How should you measure fever most accurately?

Even if it might be a bit uncomfortable for you, or you’re afraid of hurting your little explorer, you’ll get the most accurate measurement by taking your baby’s temperature rectally (in the rectum) . To do this, insert a conventional thermometer about 2 to 2.5 centimeters into the anus. To make insertion easier, you can lubricate the tip of the thermometer with a little Vaseline. To prevent your baby from tensing up, speak softly to them or sing to them. Many children find it easier to have their temperature taken while lying on their stomach on your lap. Just try what works best for your baby. It’s important to hold the thermometer securely during the measurement so your child can’t hurt themselves.

Measuring in the Mund is only a true alternative if you can ensure that the thermometer is placed under the tongue and the mouth stays tightly closed. Therefore, it is often not accurate enough for children under five years old. When measuring fever in the armpit cavity , most pediatricians generally advise against it due to a lack of accuracy. Ears thermometers that work with an infrared beam are not suitable for newborns, as their ear canal is usually still too narrow to insert the device. Later on, they allow for quick and uncomplicated measurements, but proper handling for an accurate result requires some practice. Additionally, earwax can distort the measurement results.

What should you do if your child has a fever?

Even if a slight fever is not a cause for concern, you should closely monitor your child’s condition. If you are unsure, it’s best to contact your pediatrician or, in case of doubt, the emergency room, as fever can sometimes indicate a serious illness. If you feel that your baby is stable, you can support your feverish child’s recovery at home with the following measures:

• Rest: Rest and sufficient sleep are essential when your child has a fever. If your child can already walk, hold off on walks and outings until they are fever-free again, and encourage calmer play without running around. For babies, a short walk in the stroller is perfectly fine. Your child should only go back to daycare or to the babysitter once they have been fever-free for 24 hours.

• Food and Drink: When your child has a fever, the body needs more fluids than usual. So make sure your child drinks enough. If you are still breastfeeding, you can offer your baby the breast more frequently than you normally would. Children with a fever often lose their appetite. Usually, children of normal weight quickly catch up on their meals after recovering from an infection. Still, keep offering your little explorer light foods again and again. Soups are a good alternative, as they’re easy to eat even with little appetite and provide energy quickly.

• Reducing the fever: Please discuss the use of fever-reducing medications with your pediatrician. Since the elevated temperature inhibits the multiplication of pathogens, artificially lowering the fever can even be detrimental to your little explorer’s recovery. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a doctor who can assess your baby’s overall clinical situation. If your pediatrician has approved the use of fever-reducing medications, you generally have the choice between Juices and Suppository . While suppositories are very suitable for babies because they work quickly and are easy to administer, fever syrup is recommended for toddlers and older children, as it can be precisely dosed and is available in pleasant flavors, making it easier for children to take. The dosage depends on your baby’s body weight and age. Consult your doctor and read the package leaflet carefully. Calf wrap are a good option for naturally reducing a high fever. Soak towels or cloths in lukewarm (not completely cold) water and wrap them around your baby’s calves until they have warmed up. A damp, lukewarm Waschlappen auf der Stirn can also help improve your child’s well-being.

• Much care: When your little explorer is sick, they need extra care and affection. Give them lots of closeness, and use the time for extra cuddles and reading sessions.

When is a fever dangerous?

In a healthy toddler, an elevated temperature or moderate fever lasting less than two days is usually harmless. However, no general statements can be made, as your baby’s overall clinical situation must always be taken into account.

In children within three months , however, it’s better to see a pediatrician or go to the children’s hospital to rule out the possibility that the fever is caused by a more serious condition than a simple infection. Is your child older than three months ? Then a visit to the doctor is not immediately necessary, but it is advisable within the next few hours.

Basically: If your baby’s condition with an elevated temperature or fever worsens significantly within a few hours—for example, if they refuse to eat, vomit, appear lethargic, or even apathetic—you should seek medical help as quickly as possible.

Approximately 2 to 5 percent of children in Europe experience febrile seizures . These are seizures originating in the brain that occur in connection with febrile illnesses. Most febrile convulsions occur between the ages of five months and four years. A febrile seizure is often preceded by a rapidly rising body temperature. During this time, the body may twitch uncontrollably, the child may become unconscious, or the eyes may roll back—similar to an epileptic seizure. Especially if you suspect a febrile seizure in your baby for the first time, you should never hesitate to call an emergency doctor. Only medical professionals can rule out a serious condition (such as meningitis).

What is the three-day fever?

Many children contract the so-called Three-Day Fever once during infancy or early childhood. It is an extremely contagious but usually harmless viral illness. The pathogen that causes Three-Day Fever is transmitted through droplet infection and belongs to the herpesviruses. The hallmark is an initial fever lasting three to a maximum of four days. After the fever subsides, a skin rash appears, starting in small spots and then quickly spreading across the entire body. Once Three-Day Fever has been overcome, your child will remain immune to this pathogen for life. If in doubt, or if your child has a high fever, always consult a pediatrician, who will investigate the cause of the fever.

Elevated temperature and fever will surely accompany you and your little explorer from time to time. As long as you monitor the course closely and seek medical advice if necessary, you don’t need to worry unnecessarily. In most cases, your little explorer will have overcome the fever after a few days and will be healthy again soon. We wish you a quick and full recovery!