When is the temperature of my child too low and when too high?

An hour ago, your baby daughter was completely fine and playing happily with here toys. But a few minutes later she all of a sudden started to cry and would not stop. When you put your hand on her forehead, she feels hot. And one hour later she is perfectly fine again. 

Does this sound familiar to you?

So, when is the temperature of my child too high or too low? How long must I wait before I seek emergency care?

There are some general guidelines that might be helpful here.

First of all, with infants 0 – 3 months you should call your doctor if the body temperature is 38 ^oC. Same for a boy or girl 3 – 6 months and the body temperature is 38,9 ^oC. Also watch carefully if your loved one is unusually irritable, lethargic or uncomfortable. Is your treasure 6 – 24 months with a body temperature higher than 38,9 ^oC lasting longer than 1 day and showing signs of having a cold, cough or diarrhea, please call your doctor.

If your child is 2 years or older and has a fever but is responsive, is making eye contact and responds to facial expressions, is drinking fluids and playing there is probably no cause for alarm. But please do call a doctor if the child is listless, irritable, vomits repeatedly, has severe headaches or a stomachache or showing symptoms of significant discomfort. Also be careful and call your doctor when the fever lasts longer than 3 days.

Fever is a clear indication that there is something wrong with your child. Want to learn more about fever, please read this fever guide which was pulled together with instructions of the famous Johns Hopkins hospital in the USA.

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