How often should you take a temperature?

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.