General weakness, fatigue, and a high body temperature are fever symptoms we all recognize. Fever is particularly common in young children, so it’s normal to worry when your little adventurer falls ill. But fever is actually an incredible defense reaction of the body. In this article, we explain, among other things, what fever is, how to manage your baby’s temperature, and when to consult your doctor.

What is fever?

Fever is not a disease, but a symptom of the body’s natural defense reaction, often triggered when it fights an infection or inflammation. An increase in body temperature slows down or prevents pathogens from multiplying. It is an extremely effective natural defense mechanism.

So, even if you are naturally concerned about seeing your little adventurer with a fever, there is generally no cause for alarm. After all, it shows how effectively your toddler’s immune system is responding. Compared to older children and adults, babies develop fevers more often because even a simple, harmless infection can trigger one—their defense mechanisms are particularly alert.

When does a baby have a fever?

A temperature spike in little ones does not always mean they are unwell. On hot summer days, or when your little adventurer is particularly active, the thermometer may rise above 38 degrees Celsius even if your toddler is perfectly healthy. Teething can also cause a slight fever.

However, if your child has a fever along with other symptoms—such as a runny nose, cold hands and feet, general weakness, and a body temperature above 38.5 degrees Celsius—it may be an infection. Often, you can spot a rise in temperature by looking at your child’s face: their skin may be red and warm to the touch, and their eyes may look glassy or tired. Many young children are irritable and refuse to eat when they have a fever. If you suspect, based on these symptoms, that your baby has a fever, take their temperature to be sure.

How to define fever in a baby?

The normal body temperature of a healthy baby or toddler ranges between 37 and 37.5 degrees Celsius. Generally, it is higher in the evening than in the morning, and you may notice a slight increase of half a degree. A temperature is considered elevated starting at 37.6 degrees Celsius. Above 38 degrees, a child is considered to have a fever . If the thermometer indicates a temperature of more than 39 degrees, it is advisable to take your little one to the doctor. If the body temperature exceeds 41.5 degrees, or if your infant is less than three months old, a consultation with a doctor is necessary.

How to take a child's temperature?

Even if it feels a bit uncomfortable for you, or you worry about hurting your little feverish adventurer, you will get the most accurate result by taking your little one’s temperature using the rectal route (in the buttocks). After carefully washing your hands, cleaning the thermometer with soap and water, and rinsing it, insert it approximately 2 to 2.5 centimeters into the anus. You can apply a little Vaseline to the tip of the thermometer to make insertion easier. To help your child feel more relaxed, tell them a story or sing a lullaby. This should distract them during the procedure. :)

Many parents find it easier to take their little one’s temperature when the child is sitting on their lap rather than lying completely on their stomach. Try what works best for your little adventurer. After each use, clean the thermometer.

Measuring temperature by the oral route is a good alternative if you can ensure that the thermometer is placed under the tongue and that the mouth stays closed. It is generally recommended for children over five years old, and you should add 0.5 degrees to the reading.

The temperature by the axillary pathway (under the armpit) is often discouraged because it is imprecise. However, it can give you a first impression.

Finally, taking the temperature via the ear canal allows for a precise measurement. However, an ear thermometer is not recommended for infants, as their ear canal is still too narrow to insert the device properly. You can use it if your little one is at least two years old. It provides a simple and quick measurement, but the result can be affected by the presence of cerumen.

When using a thermometer, follow hygiene rules before and after each use .

What to do in case of a fever?

Even though there is generally no cause for concern with a mild fever, it is best to closely monitor your little one’s condition. If you are in doubt, do not hesitate to consult your pediatrician or emergency services, especially if the temperature is very high. This could be a sign of a serious illness. If your little one has a mild or moderate fever, tolerates it well, and is not in danger, you can improve their comfort during recovery in the following ways:

Repositories

Rest and enough sleep are essential for your little one’s recovery. If your child has already started daycare, it is best to wait until they no longer have a fever before resuming the routine. Offer calm activities or a short walk in a stroller. Your child should not go to daycare until their body temperature has been normal for more than 24 hours.

In case of fever, staying hydrated is important, so make sure your little one drinks enough water. If you continue to breastfeed, you can offer feeds more often than usual. Feverish toddlers generally have less appetite; the trick is to offer your little gourmand small, light meals throughout the day. Soups are a very good idea because they are nourishing and also help maintain good hydration.

Bring down the fever

Since fever is a normal and natural reaction of the body fighting a pathogen, it is not always necessary to give your child medication to lower it. That is why, it is best to discuss it beforehand with your pediatrician. After examining your child, they will be able to tell you whether treatment is necessary. You can also seek advice from your pharmacist. If your pediatrician or pharmacist deems that treatment is necessary to reduce the fever, you will generally have a choice between different forms: syrup, suppositories, or sachets. While suppositories are very suitable for babies because they act quickly, syrups are recommended for toddlers and older children. They are easy to dose and have the advantage of a taste that young children enjoy.

Only administer medications that match your child’s recommended dosage. If you are a fan of home remedies, this well-known tip may also help lower your little one’s fever: dampen a washcloth with lukewarm water and place it on their forehead. This can help improve their well-being.

Adjust the temperature

Simple actions, such as helping regulate your child’s body temperature, can support comfort during a fever. For example, keep your child calm in a well-ventilated room with a temperature between 18 and 20 degrees. Avoid overheated rooms. Similarly, adjust their clothing by dressing them lightly. Remove a few layers to allow heat to escape and help lower their temperature. Of course, do not undress them completely, as your little one could get too cold.

Care

When your little adventurer is sick, the best remedy is love. Take this quiet time to read stories and shower them with hugs. :)

When does fever become dangerous?

In a healthy infant, a high temperature or moderate fever lasting less than two days is theoretically harmless. However, it is best not to generalize, as you should always consider your baby’s overall situation.

It is necessary to consult your doctor or pediatrician in an emergency in the following cases:

• Your infant is under three months old, to rule out any cause more serious than a benign infection.

• If your little one’s overall condition significantly worsens after a few hours of fever, or if your child refuses to drink or eat, vomits, or appears lethargic or apathetic.

• Your little one complains of severe headaches.

• Your child’s breathing becomes difficult; it is shorter, faster, or irregular.

In Europe, approximately 2 to 5% of children experience febrile seizures . These are epileptic seizures related to a fever episode. Most febrile convulsions occur between the ages of six months and five years. There are warning signs, such as a sudden rise in body temperature. Your child’s body is shaken by uncontrollable spasms, and they may lose consciousness. Seizures usually last between one and five minutes. Although they can be frightening to witness, they have no impact on the brain and do not put your little one in danger.

If the seizure lasts less than fifteen minutes, it is not necessary to call emergency services (15); however, your child should be examined by your doctor or pediatrician, who will investigate the cause of the fever and ensure that it is a febrile seizure.

From time to time, your parenting journey will likely include episodes of fever. The best approach is to monitor the situation closely and consult your pediatrician or doctor if necessary. Keep in mind that fever is completely natural and often harmless; soon, it will be just a distant memory. ;)