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Jun 26, 2024 · A fever in babies is one of the most common symptoms new parents face. Here are some ways to bring down a fever in a baby, plus signs that it's time to seek medical help.
- Teething Or Sick
Has a high fever. A temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or above...
- Teething Or Sick
- When your baby has a fever
- Caring for a sick baby
- How can I make my feverish baby comfortable?
- When should you call the doctor if your child has a fever?
- What if my newborn has a fever?
- Seizures and fever in infants
- Does my baby have a fever or heatstroke?
- Next steps
It can be concerning to wake up in the middle of the night to a crying baby, and find they’re flushed or hot to the touch. The thermometer confirms your suspicions: Your baby has a fever. But what should you do?
It’s important to learn how to comfort your feverish baby and recognize when you need to seek medical care.
While you may be able to feel a temperature difference through touch alone, it’s not an accurate method of diagnosing fever. When you suspect that your baby has a fever, take your baby’s temperature with a thermometer.
A rectal temperature of more than 100.4°F (38°C) is considered a fever. In most cases, a fever is a sign that your baby’s body is fighting an infection.
A fever can stimulate certain bodily defenses to protect against invading viruses and bacteria. While this is a positive step in fighting infection, a fever can also make your baby uncomfortable. You may also notice that they’re breathing faster.
Fever is typically associated with the following illnesses:
•croup
•pneumonia
Speak with your pediatrician about administering a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These usually reduce fever by at least a degree or two after 45 minutes or so. Your pharmacist or doctor can give you the correct dosage information for your baby. Do not give your baby aspirin.
Make sure your baby isn’t overdressed, and be sure to offer fluids regularly. Dehydration can be a concern for a feverish baby.
To comfort your baby, try these methods:
•give a sponge bath or a lukewarm bath
•use a cooling fan
•remove extra clothing
Call your pediatrician immediately if your baby has a fever that is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
•vomiting
•diarrhea
•an unexplained rash
•a seizure
•acting very ill, unusually sleepy, or very fussy
If your baby is younger than 3 months and you’ve taken a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, call the doctor.
Newborn babies can have difficulty regulating body temperature when they’re sick. This means they may become cold instead of hot. If your newborn has a temperature lower than 97°F (36°C), call the doctor.
Sometimes, babies older than 6 months can have seizures that are triggered by fever. They’re called febrile seizures, and they sometimes run in the family.
In many instances, a febrile seizure will take place during the first few hours of the illness. They can be just seconds long, and usually last less than one minute. A baby may stiffen, twitch, and roll their eyes before becoming limp and unresponsive. They may have skin that looks darker than usual.
It can be a very concerning experience for parents, but febrile seizures almost never result in long-term damage. Still, it’s important to report these convulsions to your baby’s doctor.
If your baby seems to be having trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. Also call immediately if the seizure continues for more than five minutes.
In rare cases, a fever may be confused with heat-related illness, or heatstroke. If your baby is in a very hot place, or if they’re overdressed in hot and humid weather, heatstroke may occur. It’s not caused by infection or an internal condition.
Instead, it’s the result of surrounding heat. Your baby’s temperature can rise to dangerously high levels above 105°F (40.5°C) that must be brought down again quickly.
Methods for cooling your baby include:
•sponging them with cool water
•fanning them
•moving them to a cooler place
A fever can be frightening, but it’s important to remember that it’s not usually a problem. Keep a close eye on your baby, and remember to treat them, not the fever.
If they seem uncomfortable, do what you can to offer comfort. If you’re feeling unsure about your baby’s temperature or behavior, don’t hesitate to speak with your child’s doctor.
Apr 20, 2023 · Infants are considered to have a fever if their temperature is: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher when taken rectally. 99°F (37.2°C) or higher when taken by other methods. Low-grade fevers don’t...
- Natalie Silver
Dec 8, 2022 · Though your fever alarm might go off as soon as your little one's temperature hits 98.7 degrees Fahrenheit, from a pediatrician's perspective, a child has a fever if a rectal reading is 100.4 degrees F or higher, or if an oral reading is 99 degrees F or higher.
Jul 10, 2024 · You might suspect your baby has a fever if their forehead, tummy or back feels hotter than usual, or if they have flushed cheeks or feels clammy or sweaty. The only way to know for sure is to use a thermometer to take their temperature.
Oct 16, 2024 · Call for any fever if your baby is younger than 3 months old. Call if your baby is 3 to 6 months old, has a temperature up to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) and seems sick. Also call if your baby has a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
People also ask
How do I know if my baby has a fever?
What is a fever in a baby?
Should I worry if my baby has a fever?
When should I see a doctor if my baby has a fever?
What temperature is considered a fever in a baby?
Sweating. Shivering. Loss of appetite. General body aches. Fussiness or irritability. If you suspect your child has a fever, use a thermometer to take their temperature. Which thermometer is the most accurate? When choosing a thermometer, consider your child's age and your comfort level.
