Your 6-year-old is shivering because it's the body's way of producing heat when it feels cold.
Here's a breakdown:
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The body's natural response: Shivering is an involuntary muscle contraction. These contractions generate heat, helping to raise the body's core temperature.
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Possible causes:
- Feeling cold: This is the most common reason. Perhaps your child is undressed, in a cool environment, or has been exposed to cold water.
- Fever coming on: According to references, chills often predict the coming of a fever or an increase in the body's core temperature. The body shivers to rapidly raise its temperature to fight off an infection.
- Illness: Chills are associated with diseases.
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What to do:
- Check your child's temperature.
- Provide a warm blanket or extra layers of clothing.
- If a fever is present or the shivering persists, consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
- Make sure your child is comfortable.
