It is never easy to watch your toddler feel sick and sad, and you will likely want to take away all their pain and discomfort. While you cannot cure a cough, tummy ache, running nose, or fever in an instant, you can perform various actions to protect their health and speed up their recovery. Read the following advice on what to do when your toddler doesn’t feel well.
Check Their Temperature
If your toddler is feeling unwell, check their temperature using a digital thermometer to identify if they have a fever. A normal temperature for children is approximately 36.4C (97.5°F), but it can vary. However, anything above 38C (100.4°F) is considered a fever.
A fever is bound to worry you, but it is the body’s natural response to fighting infections, such as a cold or cough. Other signs of a fever can include:
- Feeling hotter on their back or chest
- Feeling or looking unwell
- Sweaty skin
Toddlers with a fever shouldn’t return to day-care until they have been fever-free for 24 hours.
Care for Their Needs
If your child doesn’t feel well, they should remain inside the home to rest and recover from an illness. Ensure they drink plenty of fluids and offer food if they feel hungry. If they feel or appear poorly, you can provide infant paracetamol to ease a fever and alleviate some symptoms, such as a headache or muscle aches. Also, check them throughout the night and keep them away from others until they feel better.
Talk to a Doctor
If you are worried about a poorly child, you mustn’t hesitate to talk to a doctor. Help is a click away at https://tapgp.co.uk/, as you can organize a phone or video appointment with a private doctor or clinician on the website or via its app. It will allow you to speak to a doctor within minutes, ensuring your toddler receives the help they need to make a full recovery.
Give Plenty of Attention
Your toddler will likely want much attention when they feel under the weather. If possible, give your son or daughter plenty of hugs and kisses when they don’t feel well, which may improve their comfort while encouraging them to rest their body.
Monitor Your Child
It is essential to monitor your child throughout the day and night when they feel poorly. Don’t hesitate to seek emergency medical attention if your son or daughter develops the following symptoms:
- A rash that doesn’t fade
- A stiff neck
- Unusually cold hands and feet
- A seizure
- Blotchy, pale, or blue skin
- Breathing issues (they may suck their stomach under their ribs)
- A weak yet high-pitched cry
- Drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Discomfort when looking at lights
- Shows little interest in normal activities
Always trust your instincts when caring for a sick toddler, as no one knows your child better than you. If in doubt, call a doctor or visit the emergency room if they take a sudden turn for the worse.