Fever In Infants: What Should You Do?

How do you know if the fever in infants is a bad thing? The answer depends on what his normal temperature range is, since most babies have slightly elevated temperatures at all times, so it’s important to know what’s normal before you panic. This article explains when to worry about your baby’s fever and when not to, as well as some safe ways to help him feel better until you can get him medical attention.

How do you know if your baby has a fever?

The simplest way to check if your baby has a fever is to use a rectal thermometer, which you can buy at any drugstore. Place it into your baby’s rectum and leave it there for at least 15 seconds before reading it. The ideal temperature of a newborn is between 98.6 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37–38 degrees Celsius), so anything higher than that could be considered a fever.

How does fever affect an infant?

Unlike adults, infants cannot regulate their body temperature. As a result, a fever in an infant can be much more dangerous. This is especially true for younger babies. Babble suggests keeping an eye on things when your baby has a fever if he or she is less than 3 months old. Rapid onset of fever in an infant can also be cause for concern, as it could mean your child has developed pneumonia or sepsis or even meningitis.

Why does fever occur in babies?

Fever in infants is often caused by viral illnesses. However, it’s possible that bacterial infections could cause an elevated temperature in babies as well. Babies who are teething, fighting an infection, or have a nasal blockage can also experience fevers of up to 101 degrees F. If your baby has a fever over 102 degrees F. Check with your pediatrician right away.

What causes fever in babies?

The most common causes of fever in babies are simple infections, such as ear infections or sinus infections. When you’re a parent and you feel your baby’s forehead and it’s warm. You immediately worry about a fever.  While fever is one sign that something might be wrong with your infant, there are other reasons for an elevated temperature that don’t indicate a serious problem. Fever can actually help prevent some illnesses by fighting off bacteria before they become serious health threats.

Does every baby with a fever need medical attention right away?

Babies with a fever need medical attention if they are under 3 months old. If they have other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Or if their parents don’t know what’s causing their baby’s fever. The vast majority of infants and toddlers with a fever do not need to be seen by a doctor immediately. Most fevers aren’t serious. So it’s best to check in with your pediatrician if you’re unsure how concerned you should be.

Treatments for Fever

When an infant has a fever. It’s important to let him or her rest and drink plenty of fluids, says Prakash K. Advani, MD, FAAP. Aspirin and other analgesics (pain relievers) are not recommended for children under 18 years old because they can be associated with Reye syndrome. Acetaminophen can also help reduce your baby’s temperature, Dr. Advani says. If there is no improvement in your child’s symptoms after 24 hours or if he seems uncomfortable or irritable when awake (because of fever), call your doctor.

Prevention of Fever

Tylenol and Acetaminophen are two of the most common medications use to reduce fever in infants. Both gives in liquid form or in capsule form or combines with a rectal suppository for faster onset. The dosage for Tylenol is generally recommended as 1-2 mg/kg every 6-8 hours. Acetaminophen is dosed at 10-15 mg/kg every 4 hours (or 20-30 mg/kg every 6 hours). If your child has taken acetaminophen within 3 days. It should not be combined with Tylenol.

READ HERE FOR HOME REMEDIES TO TREAT BABY FEVER!!