LOL I am the biggest stress head when it comes to temps, I can usually tell my kids temps by touching their foreheads LOL. I have become very good, esp after having 2 children who had febrile convulsions (they can convulse if the temp gets too high too quickly, which is why people tend to be concerned when a child's temp is high) It's actually supposed to be not how high it is but how fast it gets there as to whether they have a convulsion or not. Jordan had her 1st at 13 mths and we had no idea what to do, She had another at 3. Josh had 2 within 2 days when he was 14 mths and then another a few mths after. So far Jemma hasn't had any and neither has jessica (touch wood)!

A dr told me over 38 is a fever, under is classed as normal, but if you know your bubs normal temp then you can sort of judge it for yourself after awhile. I give panadol at 37.5 or over. I figure they are a little up so why not. Of course my aim is to aoid convulsions. The other thing is to strip them down to singlet and nappy anything over 38. I actually hate the tepid bath, cos I find that when I get them out they shiver, shivering is the bodies way of increasing it's temp, therefore it is a vicious cycle of hot, cool, hotter IYKWIM. I prefer spongy the body. the idea too is to keep the child hydrated.

While it is a very scary thing, if your child does convulse the first aid, is to place them on their side and clear the mouth if they vomit. Take a look at the time it starts and finishes, and call an ambulance. Usually they sleep for awhile and by the time you get to the hospital they are fine. mostly high temps are caused by infection, teeth cause low grade fevers under 38.

I have spent hrs waitin in the ch'ns hosp while my "very sick" child races around the triage! Most children never convulse. My niece was 41 degreees and nothing happened.

Nell i hope Matty is better soon and if it is teeth they start to pop out. Is he off his food at all? That is usually a part of teeth too. I hope I haven't scared anybody!

Cheers michelle