Toddler Fever

No fever and no symptoms - I would definitely send him. Some kids, especially under two, seem to get what I call "no reason fevers." They mostly pop up at bedtime, are easily controlled by Tylenol or Motrin, and seems to have no real cause. I always thought that when it happened to my kids, it was their defense system kicking in to overdrive for one reason or another (growing, teething, mild bug, etc).

Hopefully he will be just fine tomorrow :)

All of the schools around here require the child to be fever free for 24 hours with out a fever reducer such as tylenol or motrin. I would assume day care is the same way.

I hope you'll be really honest with yourself when you consider possible symptoms. Very early illness, before symptoms become clear, is often very infectious.

My 4yo. grandson, with whom I usually spend every Friday, has passed along several severe bronchial infections over the past two years, and I have fragile lungs and no medical insurance. My resulting illnesses were very difficult and expensive. Children infect not only other children, but extended families, as well.

Giving Tylenol or Motrin will only 'mask' the fever and TEMPORARILY reduce it. So it is not a real indication of his fever.

Usually, a child has to be free of fever for 24-hours... before they can go back to daycare/school/etc.

AND, caregiver's do NOT like it, if you send your kid, under the reduction of Tylenol, to reduce the fever. Because the child is actually still sick.

Tylenol and Motrin do NOT 'cure' the illness... it only temporarily reduces it. The fever... will still return, if the child is still sick.

Unless his fever is very high.. I would NOT give him Tylenol or Motrin. You need to have a real temperature of his fever... and see how he is. A 'fever'... serves to rid the body of a virus... or it indicates an infection.

all the best,
Susan

You should keep him home until he has not had a fever for 24 hours. You would want the other parents to do the same thing, just in case.

He could be cutting his back molars. Fever always comes at night for some odd reason. A fever of 101 is not abnormal for a baby. Its when it gets up there to 104+ . Keep a good eye on him and feel in behind his little mouth. I'm sure you will feel a couple of bumps on either side and along will come his molars. I do believe this fever will soon pass, if not then make an appointment for him. I wouldn't let it go at that temp for more than 3 days. Good luck and I hope I'm right with your son.

Hi J.----I would say a that a fever means that something is happening so you might want to keep him home if he still have the fever in the am.

A fever of 101 really isn't all that serious. In fact, there should be no intervention until a fever exceeds 104 degrees. If you give tylenol, you interfere with the body's own natural mechanisms for taking care of bacteria or virus. In other words, we are messing with the immune system, making it lazy. I know that it is difficult if a child is uncomfortable, but there are ways to make them comfortable without drugs.

These things are likely to happen more often with a young child, until they are exposed to more bugs and build their own natural immunities. I know this is likely to interfere with your job as well, so if you would like to learn how to strengthen and balance your immune systems using an optimal diet, just let me know. I would be honored to help. I am taking a series of wellness classes taught by a Naturopath who has her PhD in Nutrition. My family is far healthier because of it.

Good luck. D.

The rule of thumb as far as day cares are concerned is that if a child has a fever above 99-100 degrees, they can't come back for 24 hours, even if they wake up the morning of daycare fever free. If you aren't sure, ask your daycare provider. Good luck and I hope he feels better!

usually my doctor says 101 is just a low grade fever. kids temps are normally higher anyways. I would say I am sure he is fine.

I have 3 grown daughters and have been through a variety of fevers. First, I believe our bodies get a fever for a reason. A fever is our system's natural response to fighting off a bacteria or virus. A fever of 101 is not really high for a toddler. My doctor, years ago, told me to let a fever go...keep tabs on it, but don't treat it unless it hits 103. This method gives the body a fighting chance of getting rid of whatever it is on its own. If you treat it, the fever won't be allowed to do its "work". Fevers can cause fussiness OR cause baby to sleep, which he probably needs. Fever reducers certainly have their place but I believe that anymore, Tylenol, Motrin, etc is given too freely. Read up on the side effects of ...not good for kidneys and livers.
So, as far as staying home, fever=stay home and monitor...no fever=go on with the day. :)

If no fever in the morning, continue on as usual but I would make a doctors appt. tomorrow sometime during the day for after daycare/work bcause fevers generally come at night and may be the start of an infection. At least you will be prepared. Best of luck.