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Taking your little one’s temperature is one of the first things every mum does when they’re not feeling well. There’s nothing worse than when your child is poorly, but one thing that helps make everything easier is knowing what to do. It can be an overwhelming time, especially when you’re a new mum, but we’re here to help.
There are four choices when it comes to taking a child’s temperature: under the tongue, under the armpit, in the ear with a special thermometer, or rectally.
It may be best to take your child’s temperature under the tongue when they’re a bit older, as they’ll be old enough to hold the thermometer under their tongue for the required time.
Another option is to use the digital thermometer under the arm or rectally. Digital thermometers are the most accurate and give a reading much faster than the old-fashioned glass thermometer.
The normal temperature for babies and children is 36.4°C, but it is important to note that this can vary from child to child. A temperature higher than 38°C is usually considered a fever.
You should check your child’s temperature if they have flushed cheeks, feel hotter than usual to touch on their chest, forehead, back or stomach, are sweaty, and / or are more irritable than usual.
However, a few things can slightly affect the reading; for example, if your child has been very active, in a warm room, having a bath or wrapped up in lots of clothes or a blanket. If this is the case, let them cool down for a few minutes before taking their temperature.
If your child does have a fever, then there are numerous ways you can reduce it.
How to ease a fever:
- You can treat a temperature with children’s paracetamol, such as CALPOL® Sugar Free Infant Suspension, or ibuprofen, but never combine the two.
- To help your child feel more comfortable, dress your child in light, comfy clothing. Similarly, remove excess bedding, and perhaps just use a light blanket for sleeping.
- Staying hydrated will help your little one feel better, so make sure they’re drinking enough throughout the day. Cool drinks will help ease their discomfort and rehydrate their body as it fights the fever. Don’t worry if your child loses their appetite, this is quite a common symptom of a fever.
- Let them rest. Nobody ever feels 100% when they’re unwell and sometimes all we want to do is sleep. Set up a daybed on the sofa and give your tiny tot all of the hugs to help cheer them up.
Brought to you by
CALPOL® Infant Suspension for infants 2 months + (weighing over 4kg & not premature). Contains paracetamol. For pain and fever. Always read the label.
