Always dress children so that they are comfortable and can move easily, overdressing will increase their temperature. As a rule of thumb, a temperature is a fever if it is over 101 degrees rectally or 100 degrees orally after the child has been at rest for a while. Children can develop a fever for many reasons. A fever may be a sign of a cold, or a reaction to a recent immunization. One of the most common causes of fever is infection.
Children get frequent viral infections during the first five or six years of life.
If you suspect a fever, take your child's temperature. Don't rely on feeling the child's forehead. The thermometer is more accurate than your hand. There are two types of thermometers. The rectal one has a stubby and rounded silver end.