How often should you take a temperature?
Now it's getting curious. Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder told the Süddeutsche Zeitung this week that he takes his temperature every day. And he's not the only one. But is that even necessary?
We have actually already ticked off the topic of "fever". In the media centre on our website, there is a video and a tip to read about it. In everyday practice, however, people often ask: "How often do I need to take my baby's/toddler's temperature?" That's why I've decided to add the aspect of "taking a temperature" to the old fever topic.
It is important to us: Please do not take a temperature regularly as a ritual! It's not necessary, it stresses the child, it stresses the parents. And it leads to nothing. Instead, develop a feeling for how your child is doing. And I promise you: If your child is really so ill that the temperature is relevant and important, then you will notice it. Guaranteed. But because of other factors: Your child is much more clingy, less active, less alert, etc.
If your child is so ill and you want to check the temperature, then the following applies: measuring in the bum is the most accurate, but you don't need this precision. Measuring in the ear is accurate enough and much less struggle and agonising for the child.
But if your child is fit as a fiddle and perhaps has a little cough or a runny nose, then taking a temperature won't really help you because it simply has no medical relevance.
Further interesting tips
Lingual frenulum
A topic that often concerns new parents and that should definitely be assessed by experts: a shortened frenulum of the tongue in babies.
Sun protection
When it comes to sun protection, as is so often the case, there are rules - but you also have to approach things with common sense. Please don't lock your children up out of panic about UV damage. Because both are possible: outdoor exercise and safe sun protection - if you follow a few rules. What never hurts: when adults set a good example.
Package insert
It's a bit of a double-edged sword ... On the one hand, package leaflets are very important and helpful: for example, if you want to look up the dosage again or if there is anything you need to bear in mind, e.g. with regard to the time between meals.