Choose your language

Tip from the doc

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.

to the tip overview

Further interesting tips

Doctor's visit not necessary

Don't worry, we don't want to put anyone off. On the contrary. Everyone is welcome. We are always happy to see you again. Even if the occasion is often not a particularly good one. Nevertheless, we want to help you to know when a visit to the paediatrician's surgery is not necessary. To make life a little easier for you and us.

Nail biting

Nail biting is a nuisance - and around 10 to 15 per cent of children have this bad habit. It often causes parents stress, irritation or even concern because they ask themselves: "What's wrong with my child?" However, nail biting is not a disease in itself.

Reading - a real superpower!

Today is the nationwide Read Aloud Day. And I don't think I need to say too much more about the great importance of reading aloud. Reading is a real superpower for children. Hence the tip, the advice, the request: Take today as an opportunity to read something really nice to your child again.