To not understand what it means for a baby or toddler to have a temperature??

[inches890]

I have a one year old. I know this sounds ridiculous but I get so confused by temperatures.

If it’s over 37.5, does that mean they are DEFINITELY unwell? Could it not just mean they are hot?

Why is it important to get the temperature down with paracetamol? Does it cause further issues if the child remains too hot? I know it’s obviously uncomfortable so paracetamol would help that, but are there medical implications of having a temperature that isn’t brought down? Does something simple like wearing less clothes help too or is it an internal thing that can’t be regulated by that sort of measure?

My baby hasn’t been ill yet temperature wise and I do have a thermometer but I’m curious about these above!

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-children/

A temperature means there’s an infection in the body somewhere. If they’ve got a few layers on then yes it can help but you don’t want them to cool down too much as shivering can raise a temperature. Febrile seizures can occur in some children with high temps.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-children/

@Asparagus1 thanks. So there’s no instance where a child can just be hot and not unwell with a temperature?

If you are hot, your internal body temperature doesn't change (unless it's because of an extreme weather event, and those can kill)

As warm-blooded animals, our internal temperatures remain consistent unless something is wrong. A high temperature is the body's way of fighting infection. It's important.

Some children may not be overly poorly, especially with a borderline temp of 37.5. I work with kids, we generally find if they have a temp they aren’t well. Sometimes it is short lived and they are back the next day. Also of course a child can feel lousy and not have a temperature.

@KatBurglar thank you

Just to add as I was unaware until recently, that it’s also very very dangerous for a child’s temperature to drop below 36.4 degrees and is also a sign of an infection and sepsis.

If it drops to below 36 degrees then go straight to A&E.

There’s a lot of good advice about high temps but not as much about the dangers of a low temp!

For mine it depended on the child.
Dd2 could still be running round not appearing ill with a temperature approaching 41. The other two would be visibly unwell at 37.7.

You shouldn't give paracetamol just because a child has a temperature. A temperature is part of the body's natural defences. Unless it is really very high there is no need to give paracetamol unless they are feeling really under the weather and need it for symptom relief.

A temperature is a symptom of illness. Children are not going to be 38 degrees unless they are ill. However they might not seem ill. My daughter got covid at about 18m and had a sky high temperature but was running around as normal. Generally, unless they have other symptoms like a rash, and Calpol.is bringing the temperature down, you don't need to worry about them.having a temperature.

Why is it important to get the temperature down with paracetamol?

It isn't. Unless there is a history of febrile convulsions (in which case follow your doctor's advice) then there is no need to medicate a fever unless the DC is also in pain.

A raised temperature is a sign that the body has mounted its defences against infection (making the body warmer makes it hostile to the pathogen) and that's why it's often best to just let it run its course.

There are extrinsic (i.e. the environment, clothing etc) and intrinsic (illness) causes of increased temperature. One of the first things I do when called to a child that’s had a seizure and is hot is strip them down to their underwear.

I would only give medicine if a temperature was accompanied by distress/discomfort or it was significantly high. Bringing a mild temperature down with drugs is counterproductive as the higher temp makes the immune system work more efficiently.

@ITookABathWithAinsleyHarriott I don't think it's that clear cut. My toddlers "normal" temp is 36.3 and it regularly drops below 36 and he's perfectly healthy. I panicked once when my son was unwell having read similar and went to A&E. They said not to worry about it unless the child is visibly very unwell in themselves and that it's normal for some kids.

This is a really good website for parents to help them decide who to call and where/when to seek help for their kids. Fever is on there amongst a few other things.

https://www.what0-18.nhs.uk/

this ^ covers everything

OP- I'd suggest you go on a paediatric 1st aid course. Temp can also differ slightly depending on where you are checking it- ear, under arm, forehead, rectal etc.

@Zippedydoodahday that’s good to know!
We found out the hard way about low temperatures when a young family member of ours developed sepsis whilst unwell. Luckily all was ok in the end.

Obviously no one should rush their kid to A&E based solely on temperature, but if the child is unwell and their temp drops below 36 degrees then it can be incredibly dangerous.

I wouldn’t be concerned until the temperature is other 37.8, above 37.5 I’d just keep an eye on.

A child can be too hot and not be sick but their temperature would quickly correct when removed from whatever is making them too hot.

Low grade fever is 37.5-38.5
High fever is over 38.5
Dangerously high fever 41/42

It doesn't always mean a infection though and is dependent on your child. You know your child best for what is normal.

DS1 immune response to exposure to anything (including the common cold) is a fever but he quite happily runs around til the 39 mark. We spent a lot of time going back and fourth though as he could have a fever for 10 days straight when a toddler which would usually be the sign of something very serious.

Also a temperature can fall slightly below 36 - normally while sleeping - and the child can still be fine but you’ve got to use your judgement.

A fever is just the body's way of trying to kill the bacteria/ virus. If the child isn't unwell, I wouldn't give Calpol just to get the temp down. There would have to be accompanied pain or other symptoms.

There is a great app by The Lullaby Trust called Baby Check which can help you come to a decision as to when to seek medical help - I have used it several times.

Also, the official literature doesn't say this - but a low grade fever was also a telltale sign of teething in both of mine. But for some reason it's not recognised as such!

A high temperature doesn’t necessarily mean something is seriously wrong. A child can have a virus which gives them a temp of over 40 degrees, but can have bacterial meningitis with a temp of 38 degrees. So you need to look at the child as a whole rather than thinking a higher temp means something seriously wrong.

As PP said, a temperature in your body’s response to the illness - it’s the body’s way of fighting whatever infection it has, the intention being that by raising the body’s temperature, it can kill the infection. I only give DS Calpol / Nurofen when he’s struggling. Sometimes he can have a temp and be running around like nothing is wrong. Other times, he’s obviously not himself and needs his temperature brought down.

With my DD I have always looked at her behaviour before checking her temperature.

So if she is not herself which in her case includes not talking as well as not playing then I check her temperature. Even then she may have a normal temperature but then suddenly vomit...

We'd usually contact parents if a child had a temp of 38C or above especially with other signs they are unwell. We'd usually offer calpol (with permission) and take babies clothing down a layer at 39C+ to lower the risk of febrile convulsions. Temps this high we would suggest they get medical advice for their baby. Our role is to care for the child as safely as possible until parents arrive. Some parents prefer to let them burn out a fever but we follow guidelines from NHS while they are still in our care.