Is 37.2 degrees a normal temperature for a child?

A child’s body temperature can vary for many reasons, and it is important to understand what is normal and what may indicate a possible health problem. In general, a child’s normal body temperature is around 36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius. This means that 37.2 degrees is usually a normal temperature for a child.

What is normal body temperature?

Normal body temperature can vary from person to person and also depends on the time of measurement and the measurement method. For example, in the morning the body temperature may be slightly lower than in the afternoon or evening. In addition, the temperature measured from the armpit may be slightly lower than the temperature measured from the mouth or rectum.

When is the temperature a concern?

Although 37.2 degrees is usually a normal temperature, it is important to observe the child’s other symptoms. If the child has other symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability or breathing problems, it may be worth contacting a healthcare professional. In general, a temperature above 38 degrees is considered a fever.

How to measure a child’s temperature correctly?

There are several methods for measuring a child’s temperature, such as measuring from the armpit, mouth, ear or rectum. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Underarm measurement: Easy and painless, but can be a little inaccurate.
• Measuring from the mouth: More accurate than measuring from the armpit, but more difficult to do with small children.
• Measuring from the ear: Fast and relatively accurate, but requires a special ear fever meter.
• Measuring from the rectum: The most accurate method, but can be uncomfortable for the child.

Summary

37.2 degrees is usually a normal temperature for a child, but it is important to observe other possible symptoms as well. If you are unsure about your child’s health, it is always good to contact a healthcare professional. You can find more information about a child’s normal body temperature and fever treatment at, for example, Terveyskirjasto or From the website of the Mannerheim Children’s Protection Association.