Fever in toddlers is primarily caused by infections, which stimulate the immune system to fight off viruses or bacteria. The increased body temperature helps make it harder for germs to grow and spread. Common infections leading to fever include respiratory viruses (like colds and flu), ear infections, urinary tract infections, gastroenteritis, and sometimes more serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia or meningitis
. Other causes of fever in toddlers can include:
- Overdressing or overheating, especially in infants who cannot regulate their body temperature well
- Mild fever following immunizations, which usually lasts about a day
- Less commonly, fever can be caused by heatstroke, certain medications, or inflammatory disorders
- Teething may cause a slight rise in temperature but typically does not cause a significant fever above 100°F (37.8°C)
If a toddler has a fever, it is often a sign the body is fighting an infection, and in many cases, the fever itself is not harmful. However, medical evaluation is recommended if the fever is very high, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms
. In summary, the main causes of fever in toddlers are infections (mostly viral, sometimes bacterial), reactions to vaccines, and overheating, with infections being the most common reason.
