What is the normal range for pediatric temperatures?

The normal range for pediatric temperatures is considered to be 97.2 to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. This range reflects the variability in children's body temperatures throughout different ages, times of day, and levels of activity.

Fever is often defined as a temperature that exceeds 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit in children, making this upper limit particularly relevant for recognizing when a child may require further evaluation. The lower limit of 97.2 degrees provides a beneficial baseline, acknowledging that children's normal temperatures can be slightly lower than the traditional adult norm of 98.6 degrees.

It's important for healthcare providers to understand this range, as it aids in the assessment of a child's health and guides appropriate clinical decisions. Understanding the varying norms can help differentiate between normal physiological variations and signs of potential illness.