High Temperature (Fever) in Babies & Children

Normal temperature for babies and children

Body temperatures vary slightly from child to child, but the normal temperature of both babies and young children should be around 36.4°C. A normal body temperature for infants can be impacted by their level of activity and what they’re wearing.

Dawn Kelly, a health visitor lecturer and mother-of-three, says: “Some children can ‘run hot’. It’s worth taking their temperature when they’re not ill to get an idea of their natural base temperature.”

This content was written by healthcare professional Dawn Kelly in 2020. She was paid for her time but does not endorse CALPOL^® Products.

What is a fever?

A fever is a temperature of 38°C or more. Fevers, though, can have a number of other symptoms alongside the high temperature.
As a parent, you’ll know when your little one isn’t quite themselves, and could maybe spot the tell-tale signs of a fever in a baby or child.

Dawn Kelly says: “A good starting point is to put your hand on the back of their neck. If it’s hot, it’s a good sign they have a temperature. It’s then worth checking with a digital thermometer.”

This content was written by healthcare professional Dawn Kelly in 2020. She was paid for her time but does not endorse CALPOL® Products.

Fever symptoms

The following symptoms can accompany a fever:

• Feeling cold or shivery but hot and dry when you touch them

• Flushed cheeks, hot and sweaty skin

• Stomach ache or headaches

• Irritable, tired, have watery eyes and not able to settle

• Swollen glands

When to call a doctor for a fever

Most fevers will resolve themselves within three or four days. But if your child shows any of the following signs, contact your local GP or call NHS 111:

• They are under 3 months old and you’ve recorded a temperature of 38°C or higher or you think they have a temperature

• They are 3 to 6 months old and they have a temperature of 39°C or higher

• They have other signs of illness, such as a rash as well as high temperature

• The fever has lasted five days or more

• They are off their food and are not their usual self and you’re worried

• Paracetamol does not help to reduce the fever

• They’re showing signs of dehydration such as feeling thirsty, no tears when crying, dry mouth, feeling tired and dark, strong-smelling urine

Call 999 or take your child to your nearest A&E if:

• They have a stiff neck

• They have a rash that doesn't fade when you press a glass against it

• Lights bother them

• They suffer a fit or febrile seizure for the first time

• Their hands and feet are colder than normal

• Their skin is pale, blotchy, blue or grey

• Their cry becomes weak or high-pitched

• You see they are drowsy and hard to wake

• Breathing becomes difficult for them, or it’s a lot of effort, or you can see skin being sucked in between their ribs

• They are very confused, don’t respond like usual, or agitated

• Is not responding like they normally do, or is not interested in feeding or normal activities

• Is extremely agitated (does not stop crying) or is confused

Remember, you know your child best – trust your instincts. Keep a record of their temperature and if you’re worried or have any concerns, contact your GP.

Febrile seizures

Sometimes a fever in a child – usually those aged between six months and three years old - can cause them to have a febrile seizure.

You can spot a febrile seizure in a child by looking for:

• Them becoming stiff

• Arms and legs twitching

• Your child falling unconscious

• Wetting or soiling themselves

• Vomit or foam at the mouth

• Eyes rolling back

These fits usually last less than five minutes, which can seem like an age as a parent. Afterwards, they could feel sleepy for up to an hour.

Take your child to the nearest hospital or call 999 and ask for an ambulance if:

• is having a seizure for the first time

• is having a seizure that's lasting longer than five minutes and showing no signs of stopping

• is having breathing difficulties

• you suspect the seizure is caused by a serious illness

Call your GP or 111 if your child has seizures previously and this one has lasted less than five minutes.

Causes of a fever in babies and children

A fever usually occurs as a secondary symptom of other infections such as the flu. It’s often a body’s response to an infection or inflammation. Make sure you keep an eye on any other symptoms your little one has alongside their fever.

Infections
If your little one has a fever, it could be caused by the following infections:

• Respiratory tract infections

• Ear infections

• Tonsillitis

• Kidney or urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Chickenpox

• Roseola

• Whooping cough (pertussis)

If your little one has a fever and a rash, it could be a sign of the following:

• Roseola – a fever accompanied by pinkish-red spots, patches or bumps that appear first on the torso before spreading to the face, neck and arms. It’s not usually serious and usually disappears in a week.

• Scarlet fever – the fever is usually followed in a couple of days by the skin becoming rough with a pink or red rash.

• Sepsis – symptoms of sepsis can be vague though can include a fever and rash that doesn’t disappear or fade when pressed.

• Meningitis – a fever and rash that doesn’t fade or disappear when a glass is rolled over it could signal meningitis

“In the end, you know your child best. If you think things are a bit off, call 111 or your GP. If you’re seriously worried, call 999. Don’t brush your concerns aside,” says Dawn Kelly.

This content was written by healthcare professional Dawn Kelly in 2020. She was paid for her time but does not endorse CALPOL^® Products.

Immunisations

Vaccinations can sometimes bring on a fever in your little one. Your GP or practice nurse should explain all possible side effects of your baby’s vaccinations so you know what to expect. Find out more on our Vaccines page.

How to take your little one’s temperature

It’s fairly straightforward to take a child’s temperature and can be the best indicator of a fever. The most effective way to take your little one’s temperature is usually with a digital thermometer, with the armpit reading recommended.

Hold the digital thermometer in place for the period it states on the device’s instructions. Make a note of the temperature, and the time it was taken. That way you can track any changes, see if they’re getting better, and monitor how long they’ve had a fever.

Dawn Kelly said: “Always go for an armpit reading in the under 5 year olds, as this is the most accurate. Make sure you’re right inside the armpit and gently hold the top of the arm to minimise air pockets.”

This content was written by healthcare professional Dawn Kelly in 2020. She was paid for her time but does not endorse CALPOL^® Products.

Remember, certain environmental factors could also alter a temperature reading. Your little one could display a warmer temperature if they've:

• Just had a bath

• Been wrapped up warmly in a blanket

• Been cuddling a hot water bottle

• Wearing lots of layers

• The room or car they’re in is too warm

• They’ve been running around

If this is the case, give them a few minutes to cool down (without letting them get cold), and retake their temperature to see if there’s any change.

Taking a baby’s temperature
You should always use a thermometer under the armpit for children 5 years and under. If you’re using a digital thermometer, wait for it to beep so you know you have a reading.
Hold your child in your lap to help keep them still, making sure the thermometer stays in place and in contact with skin.

Taking an older child’s temperature
If your child is older, you can take their temperature by ear or with a strip, although it is more accurate under their armpit.
For safety reasons, you should never use a mercury-in-glass thermometer.
Last reviewed 2020 by qualified paediatric nurse Dawn Kelly, a health visitor, lecturer and mother-of-three. Dawn was paid for her time and does not endorse CALPOL^® Products.

Fever treatment for children and babies

Knowing what to do when your baby or child has a high temperature or fever will go a long way to helping them feel comfortable until they’re well again. If they are unsettled or really not happy there are a few home tips and medicines you can try to help reduce your little one’s discomfort and make them feel more like themselves.

“If a baby or child has a fever but is otherwise happy in themselves, it’s best to leave them be. But if they’re grumpy etc then antipyretics can be very helpful,” says Dawn Kelly.

This content was written by healthcare professional Dawn Kelly in 2020. She was paid for her time but does not endorse CALPOL® Products.

Fever medicines for babies and children
If your little one is distressed or unwell, try giving them ibuprofen or paracetamol (but not both at the same time) to help reduce their fever. Paracetamol is recommended for post-immunisation fever, especially after the MenB vaccine.

If you’re unsure they’re suitable for your child, take a look at our dosage page to find the appropriate dose for every age group.

Check out the full range of Calpol products to help feverish children feel themselves.