When Baby has a Fever
A fever may be a sign that the immune system is at work or the body is fighting an infection. Fever is defined as a rectal temperature greater that 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C). Most parents will be worried if their baby has fever. The first thing to do to help your baby is by being calm. Don’t panic and assess the situation and from there, you can then decide what you will do to help your baby.
There are many things that parents can do at home to help bring down baby’s temperature. First, increase your baby’s fluid intake but not too much as it might cause bloating. Lat your baby rest and don’t fuss with him too much. Dress you baby in comfortable clothes, not too warm and not too light. Don’t over dress him as it might add to his increased temperature. Pay special attention to your baby’s symptoms if he has. This will help the pediatrician in diagnosing what’s wrong with your baby. If you must give your baby medicine, read the instructions carefully and follow it to the letter. Don’t over dose. In bringing your baby to the doctor, tell him all you have done to lower your baby’s temperature. This way your pediatrician will know what has been done and what will be done.
When to call and bring your baby to the doctor? It’s hard not to panic a little when baby has a fever. You are concerned and you want to know what’s causing it. If your baby is only 1 or 2 weeks old, call your pediatrician immediately. Call your doctor at any time if your baby:
- is less than 3 months old, with a temperature higher than 101F (38.3C)
- has a fever of 104F (40C) and acts ill
- cries inconsolably; cannot be settled
- is lethargic or difficult to wake
- has breathing difficulties
- seems to have abdominal pain
- has a sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- looks or acts very ill
- shows no signs of improvement after you give medication
- has had a fever more than 72 hours
- was better but the fever returned
- seems to have ear pain
- has difficulty or pain when urinating
- has a febrile seizure (seizure accompanied by fever)
Upon proper and complete examination of your baby, the pediatrician will recommend treatments to help your baby. Your baby may be admitted to the hospital for further observation and testing. If your baby will be allowed to go home, follow the doctor’s orders and should you change something in the doctor’s orders, inform him at once. Don’t hesitate to ask the doctor all the questions that are bothering you for it might spell the difference in your baby’s well-being.