Baby Care 101: What to Do If Your Baby Has a Fever
There is nothing worse for parents than hearing their baby cry because of potential symptoms of illness like fever. This concern is understandable since fevers are a common symptom among many types of illnesses.
If your baby has a fever, it probably does not indicate anything serious. However, it is still important for parents to identify when they should take their baby to the doctor and what measures are best to care for a baby with a fever.
Here are Eco Babi Bundle’s tips for caring for your little one when being sick with fever:
Baby Fever 101: Checking the Temperature of Your Baby
The first step is to identify whether your baby has a fever or is feeling overheated.
The normal temperature of a baby should be approximately 98.6°F (37°C). However, the temperature of babies can vary throughout the day. For example, in the morning, your baby's temperature will usually be lower than in the evening.
Babies or children have a fever if their temperature reaches the following temperature:
A 100.4°F (38°C) or higher degrees for readings of a rectal, temporary artery, or ear temperatures
A 100°F (37.8°C) or higher when the temperature is taken orally
A 99°F (37.2°C) for armpit temperature readings
There are many ways to take the temperature of a baby. We recommend using a touch-free infrared baby thermometer since it provides accurate readings and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
When Should You Reach Out to Your Pediatrician If Your Baby Has Fever?
Parents should seek immediate medical care if their baby has a fever and is under 3 months of age.
Medical attention is necessary for babies who are older than 3 months of age if they have a fever and present any of these symptoms:
Vomit
Rash
Strong signs of discomfort in their behavior; for example, irritability, fatigue, trouble sleeping, or unconsciousness
Seizures
Difficulty breathing
Constipation
Discharge in the eye
Blue lips
Signs of severe pain
How to Lower Your Baby’s Fever
If your baby is older than 3 months of age and you consider medical attention unnecessary, the next step is to reduce the fever at home. Here is how:
Use Over-the-Counter Medicine
Medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are effective in lowering down the high fever in babies. The dosage of either medicine will depend on the weight and age of your baby.
Parents can figure out the appropriate dosage by reading the instructions that come with the medication. However, if the instructions are unclear or confusing, we encourage you to call your pediatrician.
Keeping Your Little One Hydrated
Your baby or toddler should have enough fluids and food to stay hydrated. Also, since the main goal is to prevent dehydration, consider providing healthy comfort foods that your baby is less likely to reject.
Breastmilk is sufficient to keep babies under 6 months of age hydrated. If your baby is older, he or she can benefit from consuming water, clear soups, watery fruits, and veggies, or popsicles.
Give a Sponge Bath to Your Baby
A sponge bath can soothe your baby from having a fever. However, it is extremely important not to bathe your baby with cold water. Otherwise, it could cause a shock to their body.
Medical experts recommend using room-temperature water to bathe babies. Also, it is crucial to dry your baby after the bath.
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