What if your 3 year old has a temperature of 96.3 is that bad?

Answer 1

For decades, medical staffs believed the "normal" temperature was 98.6 F degrees. However, temperature can fluctuate throughout the day and night, sometimes to 96 to 97 degrees, and going up again later in the day.

As well, the environmental temperature affects body temperature.

If your 3-year old appears to be without illness, is awake and playing, eating and drinking normally, the 96.3 temp reading can possibly be a passing temp which could rise to a more normal temp later. Test again in a few hours. Make sure if your house is cold that the toddler is wearing socks and adequate clothing.

You should also be aware that different ways of measuring temperature can give different results. Forehead and under the arm temps are usually lower than oral temps, and all 3 of those are, generally, lower than a rectal temp. The difference can be 1 to 2 full degrees.

As well, make sure the batteries are working. An easy way to test a thermometer is to test other family members, being sure to wash the thermometer or wipe with alcohol in between each person. If everyone reads in the 96-degree range, chances are the batteries are low. Sometimes, the cheaper digital thermometers go bad without warning, so if you still get low readings after replacing the battery, then the unit is likely malfunctioning.

Answer 2

99.3 Fahrenheit is exactly the borderline between fever, and not having fever for a child. From that point and on you might want to start worrying, but if it doesn't go up, than the child's probably fine.

Answer 3

No, that is not enough to worry about. Normal body temperature is 98.6º F. A degree below or above is nothing to set off alarms. Some people naturally run a little warm. Toddlers can be warmer from being under a blanket, from running around, from teething a molar, or a number of other reasons.

Answer 4

No, it's on the borderline though. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/common/common/069.html

Answer 5

its fine if ur tempiture is 96.3. some peoples bodies just have differetn tempitures as long as it in the 96's its fine.

Answer 6

37

Answer 7

yes