Table of Content
What is Fever?
Fever is a nightmare for parents although fever is not an illness in itself but an indicator that the body is fighting some invading virus or bacteria. So it means the body’s immune system is working well but when it comes to babies, especially newborn babies it becomes a nightmare for the parents as the baby becomes crankier and fussier than usual. Parents try their best to help their babies get healthy again.
What are the possible causes of Fever?
It’s important to learn how to comfort your feverish baby at home and when to seek help!
Most of the time it’s the flu or the baby catching a cold or some kind of infection that causes the fever.
6 Possible Causes of Fever
1. Vaccination
The baby is getting a fever maybe because of the after-effects of Vaccination. Vaccination fever begins within 12 hours and lasts 2 to 3 days. it’s of no harm.
2. Heatwave:
This normally occurs in summer due to heat waves. Dressing the baby with many layers can also be this case give your baby a lukewarm water bath and dress your baby in light and soft clothes.
3. Meningitis:
4. Viral infection:
Most childhood infections are due to viruses. Viral fever can last from 5 to 7 days.
5. Bacterial infection:
6. Others:
Kidney infection soar throat, ear infection, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection can be the cause of fever.
How to Take Baby’s Temperature?
You can take the baby’s temperature with any Thermometer
Related: (Best Baby Thermometer)
but do consider the following tips;
1. Rectal, Ear, or Forehead Thermometer:
With a Rectal, Ear, or Forehead thermometer, 100.4° F (38.0° C) or higher temperature is dangerous.
2. Armpit or Oral Thermometer:
An armpit or an oral thermometer, 99° F (37.2° C), or higher temperature is dangerous.
3. Ear Thermometer:
Ear thermometers are not accurate for babies younger than 6 months of age.
4. Forehead Thermometer:
Forehead thermometers must be digital because Forehead strips are not accurate.
What to do if my baby has a Temperature?
Here are a few things you can do at home! but remember if the baby is a newborn or 1 month old immediately see a pediatrician.
4 Things to Do to Reduce Baby’s Temperature
Here is the list of 4 Things to Do to Reduce Baby’s Temperature
1. Give prescribed Medicine
Give prescribed Medicine if the child is distressed. You can give ibuprofen to a baby older than 6 months. never give any medicine to a baby under 6 months old without a prescription.
2. Safe from Dehydration
Keep your baby hydrated. give liquid to the baby according to their age as water is not recommended for newborns. you can give them milk.
3. Cool Down the Temperature
Try to cool down the baby’s temperature by giving a bath or using a tepid sponge to cool the baby down. keep Baby in a well-ventilated and cool environment.
4. Dress Lightly
Dress the baby in a light and comfortable cloth to soothe the baby.
When to Seek Immediate Help?
Fever normally gets better within 3 to 5 days. But if your child shows any of the following symptoms immediately seek Medical Help!
- Appear drowsy or unresponsive
- Difficulty in breathing
- Inconsolable crying
- Continuous vomiting
- Has a stiff neck
- Having Seizure
- Severe Headache
- Crying in a different way than usual. Weak and high-pitched cry
- Diarrhea
- Rashes or red spots that do not fade away easily
NOTE:
Babies younger than 2 months old with a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher should receive urgent medical help. They should not be given any medicine without a doctor’s prescription.
