I’m a first responder – you do NOT have to rely on a thermometer’s traffic light system with your children

Using a thermometer has become commonplace over the past two years.

The coronavirus pandemic has led us to religiously check our temperatures – as an elevated temperature indicates infection.

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However, experts have warned that some brands should not be used to take your child’s temperature.

CPR Kids first responders said you should be careful when using products with a traffic light system on your little one.

The trained professionals said: “You may have seen thermometers that use a ‘traffic light’ system, showing certain results as either red (bad), amber (concerning) or green (good).

“If you have one of these types or are considering buying one, please DO NOT rely on the traffic light system.”

In a post on the CPR Kids Facebook page, the gurus said this is because the temperature considered to be of concern for babies is different than the temperature of concern for an adult.

The NHS says a normal temperature in babies and children is around 36.4C, but this can vary slightly from child to child.

When they have a high temperature, it is around 38 ° C or more.

The Australia-based experts examined various products that use the traffic light system.

They said: “Not only have temperature color ratings been inconsistent – some consider 38 to 38.1 degrees to be ‘amber’, although in fact babies under three months with a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above require urgent medical evaluation – even without other symptoms.

“Sick babies can also have a low (or normal) body temperature, which appears green on some models.”

They advised that in addition to checking your child’s temperature, you should also pay attention to it and not just the number on the thermometer.

“It’s so important to look at your child as a whole.

“You may very well have a temperature that is considered ‘green’ by these products but need medical attention for other reasons detailed in the data sheet above,” they added.

The NHS says a high temperature is very common in young children.

Most often they say that a high temperature will go away in three or four days.

It’s the body’s natural response to fighting disease and infection and is usually caused by many things, including conditions like chickenpox.

If your child has a fever, they may feel hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, feel sweaty, or look or feel unwell.

If your child has a fever, you can usually treat it at home.

You’ll need to make sure they’re getting plenty of fluids, and you can give them acetaminophen if they’re distressed or unwell.

During this time, you should try to keep your child at home and avoid contact with other people until their temperature is no longer high