Fever in Children 2-5 Years
How to Take Your Child’s Temperature
By this age, your child already knows the word for fever. And while pressing your lips or hand to their forehead can let you know if they may be running a fever, it’s important that you know for sure. To get an accurate initial temperature reading and to see how your child’s fever is progressing, try one of these methods.
How to take your child’s temperature
If your child is less than 3 years old, it’s recommended that you use a digital tympanic (ear) thermometer for an accurate reading. If your child is 3 years old or older, use a digital (not glass) oral thermometer.
When using a digital thermometer, ensure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and cleaning.
When to take your child’s temperature
It’s normal for your child’s temperature to change throughout the day. Follow these tips to get a good idea if your child is getting better or not:
- Take your child’s temperature early in the morning and late in the afternoon — just note that it’s normal for your child’s temperature to be higher in the afternoon
- If your child seems to be getting worse, take their temperature more often
- While your child is feverish, take their temperature at the same time each day. You should, however, take your child to a doctor if they have a fever for more than 3 days.
What temperature indicates a fever
Simply put, fever is a body temperature that is higher than the normal range of 36 °C to 37.5°C (96.8°F to 99.5 °F). However, the medical definition of a fever is slightly different and depends on how the temperature was taken:
- Orally — higher than 37.8°C (100.04°F)
- In the ear – higher than 37.8°C (100.04°F)
- In the armpit — higher than 37°C (98.6°F)
Also note that a higher fever doesn’t necessarily mean that your child is sicker. For example, a mild viral infection such as roseola may cause a very high temperature whereas a serious hospital-acquired infection may cause your child to have no fever and could cause a drop in their body temperature. You should call your doctor anytime you are unsure about your child’s symptoms.
If your child does have a fever, read Tips for relief of your child’s fever for advice on how to lower it and when to call the doctor.
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