What temperature is a fever in a 3 year old?

When you’re a parent, there’s no shortage of things to worry about. Is your child hitting their developmental milestones? Are they eating enough vegetables? Do they have any friends? It’s exhausting. And then, on top of all that, your little one comes down with an illness and suddenly you’re thrown into yet another anxiety-inducing situation: taking their temperature. You start to panic – what temperature is considered a fever for a 3 year old anyway? Well, take a deep breath (or pour yourself some wine) and let me break it down for you.

The Basics

Before we dive into the specifics about fevers in toddlers, let’s first make sure we understand what exactly constitutes as ‘normal’ body temperature. The average human body temperature hovers around 98.6°F (you know, like that outdated Mariah Carey Christmas song) but this can vary from person to person and even throughout different parts of the day.

According to Dr Google (we all know he has his PhD) anything above 100.4°F is generally considered a fever in adults but when dealing with children we need to be more cautious since their immune systems are still developing.

Different Types of Thermometers

The first step in accurately assessing your toddler’s temperature is making sure you’re using the right thermometer for the job (duh). There are four main types:

  1. Digital
  2. Ear
  3. Forehead
  4. Rectal

  5. Digital thermometers can be used orally or underarm.

  6. Ear thermometers use infrared heat technology which lets them measure temperatures super quick – like bamm! Just aim at ear hole please.
  7. Forehead thermometers work based on infrared similar technology but don’t require any insertion like ear ones.
  8. Rectal themometer goes ..umm… where …you know? But they are very precise in taking readings (ouch!)

All of these thermometers can be used on young children, though it is important to note that rectal thermometers are the most accurate method for measuring temperature in babies and toddlers.

Taking Your Toddler’s Temperature

So you’ve got your thermometer at hand (and a lollypop), but now what? How do you actually take your child’s temperature without them wriggling away or making it impossible?

Here are some tips:

  • Hold your child securely on your lap or ask someone else for help.
  • Use a lubricant such as petroleum jelly with a rectal thermometer to avoid any discomfort (on both ends). It’s still not pleasant, just less unpleasant…
  • Make sure the tip of the thermometer doesn’t touch clothing or anything else before being inserted.
  • Take three readings: one after resting, one after exercising/moving around and one when sick for comparison.
  • Always clean(in steam) the thermometer before inserting it into another patient’s body part to avoid cross-contamination[1].

When taking an oral reading, make sure that your toddler keeps their mouth closed firmly around the thermometer until it beeps indicating its done. Ear thermometers need their ears free from obstructions like wax and gunk.

After getting all of this information out there I bet you’re curious; so what exactly does qualify as normal/feverish according to age guidelines?

Fever Guidelines by Age

As previously mentioned , while 100.4°F is considered a fever in adults – things look different between toddlers and adult persons. Here are target values:

Age Fever (>degrees Celsius) Normal
0 – 3 months 38°C >37°C
3 – 6 months 38°C >37.5°C
6 – 12 months 38°C >37.5°C
1 – 3 years 38.3–39.4° C >36-37,8 °C

So, let’s say your darling little munchkin comes in at an ear-scorching temperature of 39°C, what now?

Don’t panic (but you most probably will), call their pediatrician immediately for advice on how to proceed with the situation before rushing off.

Fevers can be caused by a variety of illnesses and conditions such as:

  • Viral infections (such as coughs and colds).
  • Bacterial infections (including urinary tract infections, bronchitis or pneumonia).
  • Vaccinations.
  • Overdressing your child.
  • Changes in energy levels/sleeping routine.
    (It’s time to adopt a poker face)

When to Be Concerned

In general if your child has had a fever that’s lasted more than three days it’s time for medical follow-up consult. Other symptoms such as lethargy (is my kid just lazy?) , difficulty breathing or talking, vomiting/blood/abnormal stools should also be checked quickly.

If they’ve had multiple fevers over short periods of time – especially higher ones — this could indicate just rest…panic dude(insert sub-head) an underlying issue so don’t waste any delay seeking urgent care help when needed[2].

The body is fighting something causing elevation like immune response usually prompts natural self-healing interventions but watchful reading is necessary; monitoring kids’ behavior changes while preventing overheating through light clothing etcetera helps combat illness [3].

Stay informed, stay vigilant parents! You got this!

Wrap-Up

Temperature taking still remain important diagnostic tool within paediatrics which require some patience, effort..and usually a stash of lollypops too. understanding what temperatures qualify for fever and knowing your trusted thermometer is just as important in monitoring illness and nursing your child back to health.

(”Health is the crown on the well from which everything you desire can be drawn”.)

[1]https://www.cdc.gov .
[2]http://americanfamilymedicalexperts.com.
[3]https://www.webmd.com .

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