The short version
In a toddler, a temperature of 38°C or higher counts as a fever. A fever is usually the body fighting a common virus and often settles in a few days. Keep your toddler comfortable — fluids, light clothing, rest, and age-appropriate paracetamol or ibuprofen if they are miserable. Call your GP or 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if you are worried, and dial 000 for any emergency sign such as a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade, trouble breathing or a child you cannot rouse.
When a toddler is flushed, clingy and warm to touch, the first question every parent asks is the same: is this a fever, and what do I do about it?
A toddler cannot always tell you how they feel, so it falls to you to read the signs, check a temperature and keep them comfortable. This guide covers what counts as a toddler fever, the normal temperature ranges by reading, how to bring a fever down with simple comfort measures, and the moments when a fever needs a GP or a trip to hospital.
In this guide
What counts as a fever in a toddler?
A toddler's normal body temperature sits around 37°C and can move up or down about half a degree across the day. A reading of 38°C or higher is generally considered a fever. The number on its own matters less than how your toddler looks and behaves — a child who is drinking, settling and playing between grizzles is usually managing well, even with a temperature.
Toddler temperature: what's normal and what's a fever
A “normal” toddler temperature depends on where you measure it. Readings taken inside the body (ear, rectal) tend to run higher than surface readings (armpit, forehead). The table below is a general guide — always follow the instructions for your own forehead thermometer or device.
| Where you measure | Normal range | Fever from |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead / armpit | 36.5–37.5°C | 37.8°C |
| Ear | 35.8–38.0°C | 38.0°C |
| Oral | 35.5–37.5°C | 37.8°C |
| Rectal | 36.6–38.0°C | 38.0°C |
For an infant rather than a toddler, our guide to normal baby temperature covers the under-one ranges in more detail.
What causes a fever in a toddler?
Most toddler fevers come from common viral infections — colds, flu and the usual round of daycare bugs. Bacterial infections such as a urinary tract infection, ear infection or tonsillitis can also raise a temperature. A fever can follow a routine vaccination for a day or two, and getting too hot in a warm car or overdressed for bed can lift a reading without any illness at all. A viral fever usually runs its course within a few days as the body does its job.
How to bring down a toddler's fever — comfort measures
A fever does not always need treating. If your toddler is comfortable enough, you can simply keep an eye on them. When they are miserable, the goal is comfort rather than chasing the number down:
- Offer fluids often — water, milk or diluted juice in small, frequent sips. An icy pole counts too. Staying hydrated matters more than eating much.
- Dress them lightly — one light layer. Bundling a feverish toddler in blankets traps heat.
- Keep the room comfortable — not hot, not draughty, and let them rest.
- Consider age-appropriate medicine — children's paracetamol or ibuprofen, dosed by weight and label, can help a distressed toddler feel better. Read more on paracetamol and ask your pharmacist if unsure.
- A cool forehead can help them settle — a damp face cloth or a fever cooling patch gives a cooling sensation that many toddlers find comforting while they rest.
What to avoid: cold or alcohol baths (they can cause shivering and raise temperature), aspirin (linked to Reye's syndrome in children), and heavy blankets even if your toddler complains of chills.
For the medicine drawer
FeverMates fever cooling patches give cooling comfort on the forehead, work straight from the pack and can be trimmed for a smaller forehead. Designed in Australia.
When should you take a toddler to hospital for a fever?
Most fevers are managed at home, but some signs need urgent care. Take your toddler straight to your nearest emergency department, or call 000, if they:
- are unusually drowsy, floppy or hard to rouse
- are having trouble breathing
- have blue, grey or very pale lips or skin
- have a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
- have a stiff neck, or pain looking at bright light
- have a seizure or convulsion
Call your GP or 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84, a free 24-hour nurse line) if the fever lasts more than two days, keeps climbing, your toddler will not drink, or your instinct simply says something is not right. For a fuller breakdown, see our guide to when to take your child to hospital for a fever.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature is a fever in a toddler?
How long does a fever last in a toddler?
Should I wake a sleeping toddler to treat a fever?
How should I dress a toddler with a fever?
When in doubt
A fever in a toddler is common and usually nothing to fear, but your instinct as a parent is a good guide. 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) is a free 24-hour line staffed by registered nurses, your GP is the right call during the day, and 000 is for an emergency.
You can see the full range, including thermometers and cooling patches, on the FeverMates range page.
Sources and further reading
- Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne — Kids Health Info: Fever in children — rch.org.au/kidsinfo
- Raising Children Network (Australian Government) — raisingchildren.net.au
- HealthDirect Australia — healthdirect.gov.au