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Fever in Children: Symptoms, Causes and Relief

  • A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature. Fever is common in children, especially those under 5 years old, with young children experiencing an average of 3-6 fevers a year.*
  • However, parents can often feel anxious when it comes to fever in toddlers and babies. It can be confusing to know what counts as a high temperature in babies versus a high fever in a toddler, or what the best way is to take a kid’s temperature, or when you need to see a doctor.
  • Learn more about fever in children here, and how you can help your child feel better.

Signs and symptoms of fever in children

  • Feeling hot to touch
  • Flushed cheeks
  • Being irritable or crying
  • Being less active Not wanting to eat or drink

How to relieve a fever in children

  • Give plenty of cool, clear fluids – if less than 6 months, give extra breastfeeds or cooled boiled water
  • Dress them in light clothing
  • Keep the room a comfortable temperature
  • Give paracetamol or ibuprofen, but only if their fever is making them distressed and uncomfortable

virus

Fever causes

Fever is usually caused by the body fighting an underlying infection. This is because raising the body’s temperature is helpful for the immune system and makes it harder for bacteria and viruses to thrive.

What is a normal temperature for children?

thermo

It is important to monitor your baby for any symptoms of what may be causing the fever, rather than just the fever itself.

37°C

A temperature of around 37°C is considered a normal body temperature^

38°C - 38.9°C

39°C+

Between 38°C and 38.9°C is considered a mild fever^

Above 39°C is considered a high fever^

Symptoms can include:

hot

Feeling hot to touch

Flushed cheeks

Flushed cheeks

Being fussy

Being fussy

Being less active

Being less active

Not wanting to eat or drink

Not wanting to eat or drink

See your doctor if your child has a fever plus any of the following:^

3 months old baby

Under 3 months old

Between 3-6 months with fever over 39°C

Between 3-6 months with fever over 39°C

Very high fever over 40°C

Very high fever over 40°C

Uncontrollable shivering or chattering teeth

Uncontrollable shivering or chattering teeth

Difficulty breathing or different breathing

Difficulty breathing or different breathing

drowsy

Unusual drowsiness or not waking up properly

headaches

Severe headache

Floppiness or leg pain

Floppiness or leg pain

stiff neck

Stiff neck

hallucinations

Hallucinations

vomitting

Vomiting

Skin rash that doesn’t disappear when pressed

Skin rash that doesn’t disappear when pressed

Dehydration

Dehydration

Fever has lasted more than 3 days

Fever has lasted more than 3 days

Contact with a seriously ill person

Having a seizure

^New Zealand Government Ministry of Health. Fever in children. Available here.

It is normal to feel worried about fever in your child, but remember it is not always a sign that they are dangerously sick. If you are concerned for any reason or have questions about your child’s symptoms, be sure to see your doctor.

How to take a child’s temperature

If your baby is showing signs of a fever, you should take their temperature with a thermometer. Putting your hand to their forehead is not a reliable way of diagnosing fever.

Body temperature can be measured in the armpit, rectum, mouth, skin and ear. Temperatures can vary depending what part of the body you are taking a reading from, so it’s important to understand the differences:

  • Rectal temperature is considered to be the most accurate, but it is not recommended as it may be unsafe and uncomfortable for children.
  • Oral temperature is considered to be one of the most accurate, though it is around ½°C lower than rectal temperature.#
  • Armpit temperature is reasonably accurate, but can be ¼-½°C lower than rectal temperature in newborns and ½-1°C lower in older children. When measuring armpit temperature, 37.5°C should be considered an abnormal temperature.#
  • Ear thermometers are less sensitive and aren’t accurate in babies under 3 months old.#

The most common thermometers nowadays are digital, which can be quick and easy to use. There are different options to choose from depending on the age of your child.

UNDER 4 WEEKS#

thermometer in the armpit

Digital probe thermometer in the armpit

These thermometers are easy to use, especially in younger children. However, they can be slightly less accurate and will measure about ½-1°C lower than your child’s core temperature.

How to use it:
  1. Place the end of the thermometer in your child’s armpit against their skin
  2. Close their arm over the thermometer, holding their elbow against their body. It might help to hug your child to keep their arm in place.
  3. Wait for the thermometer to beep – although it’s best to leave it in for at least 2 minutes
  4. Remove the thermometer and check the display

4 WEEKS to 4-5 YEARS OLD#

Digital probe thermometer in the armpit

See above

Digital ear thermometer

Digital ear thermometer

How to use it:
  1. Place a plastic cover over the tip of the thermometer
  2. Gently place it inside your child’s ear canal – you don’t need to push far, just at the entrance
  3. Wait for the thermometer to beep and check the display

4-5 YEARS AND OLDER#

Digital probe thermometer orally

This is usually the most accurate way to take your child’s temperature, but it does require your child to cooperate and so is recommended for school-aged kids.

Digital oral thermometer
How to use it:
  1. If your child has had a hot or cold drink, wait 5 minutes first
  2. Place the end of the thermometer in your child’s mouth under one side of their tongue
  3. Ask your child to hold it in place with their lips, not their teeth, and to breathe through their nose
  4. Wait for the thermometer to beep – although it’s best to leave it in for at least 2 minutes
  5. Remove the thermometer and check the display

While digital forehead thermometers can be easy to use, they can also be inaccurate so it’s better to use a different type of thermometer if you have one. Plastic strip thermometers and mercury thermometers are also best avoided.

If you’re unsure or concerned in any way, contact your doctor for advice.

#Sources: 1. Barbi et al 2017. 2. Raising Children Network. Taking your child’s temperature. Available here. 3. KidsHealth NZ. Thermometers – how to use them. Available here.

How to relieve a fever in children

Children can generally handle fevers well, and most will get better on their own even without any treatment. However, there are some ways you can make them more comfortable:‡

glass

Give plenty of cool, clear fluids – if less than 6 months, give extra breastfeeds or cooled boiled water

dress

Dress them in light clothing

house temperature

Keep the room a comfortable temperature

bottle

Give paracetamol or ibuprofen, but only if their fever is making them distressed and uncomfortable

Why Nurofen for Children can help a high temperature in kids

Nurofen for Children contains ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory that helps relieve pain as well as reduce fever in children.

Nurofen for Children oral suspensions are suitable for babies and children from 3 months old, offering relief from fever for up to 8 hours** and can be taken on empty tummies. For older children who don’t want to take a liquid, Nurofen for Children is also available as a soft chewable capsule for children from 7 years of age.

**Autret-Leca et al 2007 (Reckitt sponsored).

This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your health professional.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Do not use if you have a stomach ulcer. Do not give to babies under 3 months of age. Seek medical advice for children under 12 months of age. Reckitt Benckiser, Auckland. TAPS-NA12827. RB-M-46599.