Fever in babies is a common symptom of illness, but it is not always a bad thing.
A fever in adults or children usually means that the immune system is responding to an infection in the body.
Fevers normally last 3 to 5 days, and most healthy kids tolerate them well.
Viral infections are the most common cause of fever in babies. Teething may also come with a mild increase in body temperature.
In newborns, however, a fever might be a symptom of a serious infection, so always call your doctor.
Parents are understandably concerned when their child has a fever. Some call a doctor or take their child to the emergency room.
Below are some useful tips that you might find helpful if your child has a fever. Ask your pediatrician first before trying any of them.
AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) Guidelines for Baby Fever
- Babies up to 3 months: call your doctor right away if the temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher.
- Babies between 3 and 6 months: consult a doctor if the temperature is above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius).
- Babies and toddlers 6 months or older: they need to be seen by a doctor if the temperature is above 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius).
- Consult a doctor if your baby has other symptoms or signs of illness, such as a cough, diarrhea, a cold, or vomiting.
If you as a parent feel that you should visit a doctor, go ahead.
Along with the doctor’s visit and any medication the doctor prescribes, the following tips may help keep your baby comfortable.
8 Ways to Help Keep a Baby With a Fever Comfortable
1. Cool Compresses
One of the first things many parents do when their baby has a fever is put a cool, wet cloth on the baby’s forehead.
As the water evaporates from the skin, it helps cool the body.
- Pour cool water into a bowl,
- Soak a clean washcloth in the water,
- Squeeze out the excess water and put the cloth on the baby’s forehead,
- Once the cloth warms up, repeat the procedure,
- Repeat as needed while your baby is comfortable with it.
These compresses can also be placed on other parts of your baby’s body, such as the hands, feet, armpits, and groin.
Note: Do not use ice or very cold water, since it can cause shivering, which may raise the body temperature.
2. Lukewarm Bath
A lukewarm bath may help cool your baby down. It can also relax your baby and support good sleep, which is important for recovery.
- 2 to 3 lukewarm sponge baths a day are suggested for babies younger than 6 months,
- A few regular lukewarm baths a day are suggested for babies 6 months and older,
- Make sure you dress your baby right after the bath.
Note: Don’t use very cold or hot water, since it can increase the internal body temperature.
3. Breast Milk
Babies younger than 6 months who have a fever need frequent breastfeeding. Breast milk has a great balance of nutrients and supports the baby’s immune system.
Moreover, breast milk is easily digested and keeps your baby hydrated, which is important for recovery.
Since babies with a fever might refuse breastfeeding, try changing the nursing position, such as keeping your baby upright.
If your baby doesn’t want to nurse, you can pump the breast milk and feed it with a bottle or spoon.
4. Give More Fluids
Fluids are very important for sick babies.
They replace the fluids lost through sweating and help avoid dehydration, which can delay recovery.
Try offering smaller amounts of fluid more often, since babies with a fever might refuse larger quantities.
For babies younger than 6 months, breast milk or formula is the main source of fluids. Ask your pediatrician whether an oral rehydration solution is needed and how to give it. Its purpose is to replace fluids and electrolytes.
Babies 6 months or older can also be given water and, depending on their age, chilled yogurt, ice pops, or fruit juice. Ask your pediatrician what is suitable for your baby’s age.
5. Keep Your Baby in a Cool Place
The temperature of the room where you take care of your baby should be balanced, neither too hot nor too cold. A comfortable temperature is around 70 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 to 23.3 degrees Celsius).
If you have to use a fan, keep it on low speed and don’t point it at your baby.
Keep your air conditioning at a comfortable level.
Keep your baby indoors, and if you have to go out, stay in the shade.
6. Foot Massage
To relax your baby and support better sleep, which is important for recovery, you can rub the soles of the feet with warm oil.
- A gentle foot massage can be soothing for your baby,
- Use olive oil to rub the soles of your baby’s feet,
- Use your thumbs for a gentle massage,
- Once you have finished massaging the soles, massage the entire feet,
- Massage for a couple of minutes, and repeat if you think it’s necessary.
Be careful not to press your baby’s feet too hard.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar sponge baths are a traditional home practice for children who are 1 year or older. Ask your pediatrician first, and don’t use it on irritated or broken skin.
Pour lukewarm water into a large bowl, and add ¼ cup of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
Soak a clean washcloth in the mixture and squeeze out the excess liquid.
Give your child a sponge bath with this cloth.
Some parents do this 2–3 times a day while the child has a fever.
8. Monitor Your Baby’s Body Temperature
It’s very important to check your baby’s body temperature regularly. Don’t rely on your hand to guess the temperature.
There are several methods of checking the temperature:
- By the mouth – oral method,
- In the ear – tympanic method,
- By the rectum – rectal method,
- Under the armpit – axillary method.
Your pediatrician can tell you which method is best for your baby’s age.
Write down each reading so that the doctor can assess how the temperature changed while your baby wasn’t well.
More Advice
- Check your baby’s temperature throughout the night,
- Your baby should pass light-colored urine at least every 4 hours,
- If your baby won’t stop crying, or if you see a rash or signs of dehydration, call a doctor right away,
- Make sure your baby isn’t left alone for long,
- Don’t force your baby to eat solid food during this period if he or she doesn’t want it,
- For babies who already eat solids, soft food that is low in fiber is a good choice, such as crackers, bread, soup, and warm cereals like oatmeal or cream of wheat,
- Give medication only as advised by your pediatrician, and never more than the recommended dosage,
- Make sure you give medication using a measuring device,
- Children younger than 18 years shouldn’t take aspirin for a fever, since it can cause serious health issues.
Note: Before trying any of these home care tips, consult your pediatrician.
Via Health Informative | WebMD | Top 10 Home Remedies
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.