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Baby Fever
It can be very scary for parent’s when their baby has a fever. Infants develop fevers for a variety of reasons, including teething and illness. The normal body temperature for a baby is between 97 degrees Fahrenheit and 100.4 degrees. A fever develops as the body’s natural way of fighting off infection. Most fevers will break in a few hours. You can help comfort your child by offering over the counter medications such as Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen that are age appropriate. Cool baths or a cool wash rag placed on the forehead also help.
There are important issues related to a fever that parents need to be concerned with. It is important to track how long a fever lasts. Check the temperature every ½. If the temperature continues to remain the same or continues to rise, consult your doctor. If the temperature is more than 101.5, you should be concerned. A baby can have a seizure if their temperature goes above 102. If the temperature won’t drop or if your child seems very ill, seek immediate medical attention. To get an accurate temperature reading, invest in a high quality thermometer. The kind that you stick in your baby’s ear work fast and very effectively. The most accurate temperature reading you will get is taken rectally.
While your child likely won’t want to eat when they have a fever, push as much fluids as possible to prevent your child from becoming dehydrated. Smaller children will become dehydrated faster than older children. If your child is refusing to eat or drink anything, consult medical help.
While most fevers will break themselves, it is important to monitor them closely. An extremely high fever that is not responding to medicine can be a sign of serious health issues. Consult medical attention for your child if they are not responding to your voice or their body is very limp. Since you know your child better than any medical professional, make sure you explain any changes in behaviors and eating habits. This will help them find the source of your baby’s fever faster.
If your child has red or purple spots on their skin along with the fever, it is likely an indication of an allergic reaction or a bacterial infection. A high fever with respiratory difficulties could mean your baby has asthma or pneumonia.
As a parent, we have concerns for the well being of our baby. If you feel your child’s temperature is abnormal, trust your instincts. Call your doctor or take your child to the nearest emergency treatment center. While most fevers aren’t life threatening, extremely high temperatures can result in seizures and brain damage. The key to fevers is to keep a close eye on them. It is also important to observe your baby’s actions for changes that could be the result of issues that require medical attention.
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