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Normal body temperature of a baby would be around 36-37℃ (96.8 - 98.6℉). If your baby has a higher temperature than this, you should try to cool your baby. If the high temperature persists, seek professional medical advice.
Steps
Classify the temperature.[1]- If the baby has a temperature of 37-37.5℃ (98.6 - 99.5℉), then it isn't regarded as fever. Remove some layers of clothing and, if appropriate, bedding. This can cool your baby down, particularly in warm weather. If the temperature comes down just from altering baby's clothing or bedding, there's no need to do anything further. If the baby is still hot, strip them down to their singlet, vest or a short-sleeved baby grow with no leggings section and a nappy or diaper. Cover him or her with a light, preferably cotton, sheet.
- If the temperature is 37.5-38℃ (99.5 - 100.4℉), then he or she isn't experiencing a fever either. A bath or shower with lukewarm (not cool) water can lower body temperature. Keep bedding and clothing light.
- When the temperature is about 38-38.5℃ (100.4 - 101.3℉) then the baby is having a fever. Baby will need some medical attention in this case. Usually prescribed medicine can work. Go to doctor for a check up.
- If the temperature is about 38.5-39℃ (101.3 - 102.2℉) then they will definitely need medication (such as infant paracetamol) to reduce their temperature. You can strip your baby down, and possibly give them a tepid bath for some improvement however medical attention is needed.
- If your baby has 39-40℃ (102.2 - 104℉) then it needs immediate medical attention. The baby may be in danger of experiencing a 'fit' or a 'febrile convulsion'. Contact a doctor immediately! Infant febrile convulsions can be terrifying for a parent to witness. Try not to panic and remember that the fit is due to your baby being too warm and not any other more worrying illnesses or conditions.
Seek medical attention if baby's condition worsens. This is especially critical if they have trouble breathing, become drowsy, refuse to drink, or are not peeing as often as usual. Other signs that you should seek urgent medical attention include baby appearing to have a stiff neck or a head ache, being sensitive to light or persistent vomiting.[2]Advertisement
Seek attention immediately if baby doesn't improve in 48 hours. Again, this is especially critical if the baby's temperature reaches above 40°C (104℉).[3]
Check by age.[4]- In children under 12 months, fever might be a sign of a more significant illness, and you should definitely seek medical advice.
- Babies under three months of age who develop a fever must be seen by a doctor immediately, because it’s harder to tell if they have a serious underlying illness.
Reduce clothing. As usual make them wear light clothes.[5]
Give them enough fluids. You can give them water. Don't allow a child to become dehydrated, offer fluid time to time. Water is best.[6]
Follow the correct prescription. Give liquid paracetamol in the correct and recommended dose. Giving more doses can damage a child's liver.[7]
Make the environment cool. Turn on the fan give them a cool bath.
Cover them with a light sheet.
Expert Q&A
Tips
- Trusts your instincts. Call an ambulance if you are really worried. Professional paramedics will tell you that a call out to a child is never a waste of time. It is better to be safe than sorry. Only call an ambulance if you are sure your child is too sick to be driven to your usual GP.Thanks
- Don't risk your baby's life, early intervention can improve the success in treating a number of illnesses.Thanks
Warnings
- Don't give your child aspirin for any reason. Aspirin can make your child susceptible to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal illness. It can also cause serious illness or even death in children with chickenpox or flu symptoms.[8]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/fever/fever-children
- ↑ http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/fever_a.html
- ↑ https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/documents/fever.pdf
- ↑ http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/fever_a.html
- ↑ https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/learn-first-aid-for-babies-and-children/fever
- ↑ https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/learn-first-aid-for-babies-and-children/fever
- ↑ https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/learn-first-aid-for-babies-and-children/fever
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/reyes-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377255
About This Article
If your baby’s body temperature is above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, you should take steps to cool them down. Try removing your baby’s bedding and clothing and covering them with a light sheet instead. You should also give them extra fluids to help them stay hydrated. If they’re still too warm, turn on a fan or give them a lukewarm bath. If your baby’s temperature is over 100.4 or it doesn’t drop below 98.6 within 48 hours, take them to a doctor, since they probably have a fever. Your doctor will prescribe medication, like liquid paracetamol, to help bring your baby’s temperature down. For more tips, including how to identify other signs of fever or illness in your baby, read on.
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