Fever in Children – When to Call the Doctor

As we head into cold and flu season, I’m partnering with Braun to share information about fever in children. Find out how to properly take a child or baby’s temperature, the easiest and most accurate thermometers, and when you need to call the doctor.

Everything You Need to Know About Pediatric Fever

When your child has a fever, it can be scary. In fact, according to a recent survey of 1000 moms conducted by Braun, fever is the number one concern among Gen X and Millennial moms when caring for their sick children.

For me, the feeling of “not being in control” is what is scariest when your child is sick!

However, the Braun survey shows that taking a child’s temperature quickly eases those concerns by making moms feel informed, responsible, prepared and in control. Once you know the severity of a fever, you can make an informed decision about the next steps.

Fever in children means their body is fighting off an infection, cold, or flu. However, pediatric fever can be serious - do you know what to look for?

What Causes Fever in Children?

A fever itself isn’t an illness, but rather, it is a symptom. (Source: WebMD)

Fever isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Fever is a sign that the body is fighting an infection, and an elevated temperature makes the body uninhabitable for certain temperature sensitive bacteria and viruses. (Source: Scientific American)

Other causes of fever, particularly in babies, include reactions to vaccinations and wearing too warm of clothing.

Because it can lead to dehydration, discomfort, or be a sign of a more serious condition, fever in children and infants should be closely monitored.

Related: How Dirt Helps Build Kids’ Immune Systems

Fever in Children — At what temperature should you call the doctor?

If you notice that your child feels warm to the touch or exhibits symptoms of illness, it’s important to check their temperature with an accurate thermometer to see if they have a fever. I’ll share a couple of my favorite thermometers later in the post.

A low grade fever can usually be managed at home. However, high fevers, and any fever at all in newborns, should be taken seriously.

Here’s when you’ll want to call the doctor:

  • 100.4°F — Under 3 months old
  • 101°F — 3-6 months old
  • 102°F — 6 months or older AND exhibits these symptoms: a cough, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, and diarrhea.
  • 103°F — 6 months or older

Source: Parents.com

Related: How to Lower a Baby’s Fever

How to accurately measure a child’s temperature

The ear canal is the best site to measure a fever because of its close proximity to the eardrum, which shares the blood supply of the brain’s temperature control center.

The Braun ThermoScan® Ear thermometer is the #1 brand among pediatricians and moms.

Here’s why:

  • Pre-warming tip technology for comfort while measuring
  • Professional accuracy
  • Provides a reading in seconds
  • A positioning system uses a light and beep to let you know that your ear tip is properly placed
  • Easy-to-read digital display

Fever in children means their body is fighting off an infection, cold, or flu. However, pediatric fever can be serious - do you know what to look for?

However, if measuring in your child’s ear is tricky when they’re not feeling well, I’ve got just the thing for you!

Personally, I love the Braun No Touch + forehead thermometer because you get the same professional accuracy by gently touching your child’s forehead.

This is the thermometer that I use on a regular basis because it is super easy and there’s never any fussing! In fact, it’s so easy that my four-year-old can take her own temperature now!

How to take child’s temperature with the Braun No Touch + Forehead Thermometer:

  1. Press the power button to turn on the thermometer.
  2. Gently touch the sensor to the middle of your child’s forehead, just above the eyebrow line. You can also position the sensor in the same area, up to two inches away from the skin.
  3. Press the button with the picture of a thermometer and wait for a reading. It should only take a second.
  4. Your child’s temperature will show in the digital display window. It will also be color coded green (normal), yellow (elevated), or red (fever).

The Braun No Touch + is sensitive enough to take a temperature reading from up to two inches away or while they’re sleeping!

It’s perfect for babies, and it’s also what I use with my 5-month-old. It can be tricky to use an ear thermometer or other types of thermometer on a squirming baby, but the Braun No Touch + can grab a quick reading without even touching their skin.

I was provided both of these Braun thermometers to review, but regardless, the Braun No Touch + is going to be my go-to from now on. It’s also what I recommend to my mom friends because it is simply that good of a product.

Fever in children means their body is fighting off an infection, cold, or flu. However, pediatric fever can be serious - do you know what to look for?

While gearing up for the winter season, be sure to get these Braun thermometers and all of your Winter wellness needs at Amazon.com:

Keep reading for a chance to win both Braun thermometers PLUS a $50 Amazon gift certificate to stock up for flu season!

Even if the fever is gone, these warning signs should not be ignored:

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following guidelines of when to call the doctor, even if a fever goes down:

  • Your child still “acts sick”
  • Your child’s condition appears to worsen.
  • Fever lasts longer than 24 hours (2 years or younger) or 3 days (2 years of age or older).

Related: Keep your family feeling well with this immunity-boosting Chicken Miso Soup! It’s kid-approved, hearty, and full of nutrients!

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For a fun way to teach your kids about how germs spread and healthy hand-washing habits, try our Glitter Germy Hands Experiment:

This germy hands experiment is a fun way to teach kids good habits to help keep them healthier during cold and flu season. Click for free printable activity

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Braun. The opinions and text are all mine.

Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
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3 Comments

  1. Such a good reminder! I always have to look up what the temperature should be before I call our doctor! Maybe I should just print it out! Have your kiddos gotten sick this season yet? I know our daughter has had 2 colds so far!

  2. Pingback: 10 Helpful Baby Care Articles for New Parents – Kids and Homes

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