What Temperature is Cause for Concern?

Make sure to use the appropriate method for taking your child's temperature depending on their age (click here to find out Is [It] a Fever and What to Do?).

Rectal temperature

• Under 2 months of age: Over 100.4°F if under 2 months of age
• Between 2 and 4 months of age: Over 101.4°F

Oral or Eardrum
Older babies and toddlers may have temperatures between 103° and 105°F.

Your child has a fever if any of the following apply:

• Rectal temperature over 100.4° F for babies less than 2 months old.
• Rectal temperature over 101.4° F for babies older than 2 months old.
• Oral temperature over 101 ° F for kids over 5 years of age

The body’s average rectal temperature is 98.6 °F, but it normally fluctuates during the day, tending to rise toward the end of the day. Fever is a symptom, not a disease. Fever is the body’s normal response to infections and plays a role in fighting them.

The usual fevers (100° to 104° F) that all children get are usually not harmful in themselves.

Does your child have a fever? Apply appropriate Fever Care to look after your child.