How can you treat a baby with fever? When our children become sick, we tend to go into bear mode. All we want to do is protect our young from all dangers. That includes illness. Fever is not only a warning sign but a fatal one. Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about fevers in babies and how to treat them.
At What Temperature is it Considered a Fever for a Baby?
Baby with Fever: Many individuals do not understand what temperature constitutes a fever for a newborn, so they do not always handle the particular circumstance as they should.
If your child exhibits any of the below-mentioned symptoms:
- Has a temperature in the 100.4 F (38 C) range or above in the rectal, ear, or temporal artery
- Has a temperature in the mouth of at least 100 F (37.8 C).
- Has a temperature in the armpits of 99 F (37.2 C) or greater
Use a different technique to verify the results if you need clarification on a temperature reading.
Using the Right Thermometer to Determine Fever in Babies
The correct temperature reading must be taken to ascertain your child’s fever. Having the proper equipment is the first step in this. No of your child’s age, a multipurpose digital thermometer is advised.
A digital thermometer is the most dependable temperature-taking device and is affordable and straightforward. A digital thermometer can be used in various ways to take your child’s temperature.
Rectal thermometers: Rectal thermometers are advised whenever possible since they provide the most precise readings, particularly for infants and young children under two. They usually aren’t enjoyable for you or your child, though.
Armpit thermometers: While this method may be more straightforward for taking your child’s temperature, they could be more precise.
Tympanic (in the ear) or temporal (in the forehead) thermometers: Tympanic (in the ear) or material (in the forehead) thermometers are less accurate since the outside temperature can affect their readings. Mercury thermometers must always be avoided if they shatter. Your child would be exposed to hazardous consequences.
Rectal temperature measurement is advised whenever possible because it is thought to be the most accurate way to determine a baby’s temperature.
How to Reduce Baby Fever at Home – Baby with Fever
Treatment Of Baby Fever: There are various ways to treat baby fever at home to make your child feel better if they exhibit discomfort or suffering.
Treatment Of Baby Fever Methods
Ibuprofen (for infants over six months) and acetaminophen, which reduce fever, can offer some comfort, but there are other ways to treat baby fever that can decrease a temperature:
- Cold compress: Applying a cool, wet washcloth to your child’s head will help your infant relax and reduce the fever.
- Give your child lots of fluids, such as water, clear soups, popsicles, or yogurt, to prevent dehydration and to help the body cool itself. Breast milk will hydrate and improve your baby’s immune system as they battle illness if they are under six months old.
- Keep baby’s room cold: To keep it at a comfortable temperature (70-74oF), use air conditioning or a fan on its low setting. If you must go outside, stay in the shade. Attempt to avoid bringing your toddler outdoors in the heat as well.
- Lightweight clothing: Take off excess layers of clothing to allow your child’s skin to release heat more readily. Infants struggle to regulate their body temperatures, making it more difficult to cool them down when they become overheated quickly.
- Lukewarm sponge bath: Give your child a soothing bath in lukewarm water to keep them at peace. The temporary lowering of the fever can be caused by the moisture evaporating from their skin. However, refrain from using cold water because it could make your baby shiver and raise your body temperature.
Avoid using aspirin to relieve pain in any way possible because it can result in Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.
What Causes Baby with Fever
It’s crucial to keep in mind that fever by itself is not a disease. Instead, it’s a sign of a different problem at the root. The problem is almost always an infection, but the sort of infection or whether there is another condition will dictate the course of treatment.
Among the most frequent causes are:
- Infection caused by a virus: Your baby may experience a fever as a standard defense mechanism against viruses, including chicken pox, the flu, croup, or intestinal infections. Antibiotics won’t help because viruses are not biologically based like bacteria.
- Despite being less frequent than viral fevers, bacterial infections can be significantly more dangerous. Antibiotics are necessary to treat bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, ear and throat infections, and urinary tract infections.
- Overdressing: Because infants, especially newborns, can’t regulate their bodies, and older children, they are more susceptible to developing fevers if they are overdressed or in a heated atmosphere. Ensure your child is adequately dressed and appropriately covered to the point where their body temperature rises. Also, ensure that their room is cozy—not too hot or cold.
- Immunization: Your child may have a low-grade fever if they have recently had a vaccination. This should not cause concern, and pain relief can be achieved by administering infants’ or children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen in the recommended dosages. However, if the fever lasts more than 48 hours, it’s best to call your doctor or go to an urgent care facility.
- Teething: As new teeth erupt, your baby can experience a little temperature increase. Using a teething ring or brushing your child’s teeth can be beneficial. Consult a doctor if your baby’s teething fever lasts more than two days.
Since it might be challenging to detect what is causing the fever, many doctors will request a blood, urine, or X-ray test to identify the underlying cause.
When to Seek Medical Treatment For a Baby with Fever
Treatment Of Baby Fever: Let’s say you take your child’s temperature because they exhibit fever symptoms. The fact that your thermometer reads 102°F shouldn’t raise any red flags. Some parents are unaware that a child’s temperature doesn’t always indicate how sickly they are.
However, you must contact your physician or an urgent care facility if your infant:
- Has a rash
- Does not eat or drink
- Has trouble sleeping
- Is extremely grumpy, agitated, or challenging to settle down
When in doubt, it’s recommended to err on the side of caution and seek guidance from your pediatrician or your neighborhood urgent care center.
When to go to the Emergency Room
Treatment Of Baby Fever: If your child exhibits any of the following signs, take them to the hospital emergency room right away or dial 911:
- Is having difficulty breathing or has purple or blood-colored patches on their skin
- Is unresponsive or sluggish
- Displays symptoms of dehydration, such as having less wet diapers and weeping without tears.
These signs show that your baby’s fever is significant and must be treated correctly.
Treatment Of Baby Fever
Ways To Treat Baby Fever: Depending on the child’s age and the accompanying symptoms, different medications will be used to treat an infant’s fever. While older infants may be treated at home if they develop a mild fever, newborns must be seen by a doctor immediately. Always consult your doctor before administering any medication to your infant, and take your child to the doctor if they experience a high fever or one that lasts for more than a few days.
