What can cause a baby's fever?
A baby's fever can be caused by many things, from teething pain to illnesses like the common cold or more serious ailments such as meningitis.
There are usually other symptoms accompany a fever, so keep an eye out for any changes in the baby's behavior; things like loss of appetite or soreness in any area can indicate the cause.
How to dress a feverish baby in the summer
In the summer months, it is important to be aware of the temperature in your baby's room as well as what they are wearing to bed. Babies with a fever should wear only lightweight clothing such as a breathable onesie, pajamas or a sleep sack.
It is also important for the amount of clothing to match the temperature of the room - so on cool nights, cozy footed pajamas can provide an extra layer of warmth without over-heating. In addition, tucking a light blanket or sheet around them with their feet uncovered can help increase airflow and further regulate their body temperature.
Additionally, make sure to layer appropriately if going out at night - think hats and light sweaters rather than bulky coats!
What should a child with a fever wear to bed in the winter?
During the winter months, the best clothing for a fever-stricken child would be a lightweight thermal shirt or nightgown paired with fleece or flannel pants or pajamas. If the room is chilly, add a layer of breathable cotton fabric around their ankles and chest to create an extra thermal barrier.
Make sure to adjust the layers according to how well they are sleeping; if they become too hot, start with more lightweight clothing until you reach the optimal level. Whatever clothes you choose for your fevered child make sure they are easy to remove quickly so that taking temperature readings can be done without adding unnecessary stress.
What body temperature is normal for babies?
Generally, the average body temperature for a baby is around 100.4°F (38°C). It may be a bit higher when the baby is sleeping or after playing but usually doesn't get below 97.7°F (36.5°C). As mentioned above, a child's temperature can fluctuate depending on whether your baby is awake or asleep, so it's important to keep an eye on it.
You could use a digital thermometer to monitor your infant's temperature and get an accurate reading, particularly if your baby seems unwell or isn’t as active as usual. Finally, remember that your individual child's normal temperature can vary slightly from what’s listed above, so talk with your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about their temperature.
How to check your baby's rectal temperature
Checking a baby's temperature is quick, easy, and painless. All you need is an ear or rectal thermometer and some lubricant like petroleum jelly.
To check your baby's rectal temperature, lift their legs gently so their bottom is slightly raised off the surface. Then squeeze a small amount of lubricant onto the tip of the thermometer, insert just 1 inch into their rectum, and hold it in place for up to one minute.
Once the thermometer has provided an accurate reading, clean it with a disinfectant solution and store it properly for future use. It's important to note that if you plan on using the same thermometer between people, you will need to buy a disposable probe cover for additional hygiene protection.
When should I take my baby to the emergency room?
If your baby is under three months old and has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, you should seek immediate medical attention.
If your child is between 3 to 12 months old and has a fever of 102.2 degrees or higher you should seek medical attention as well.
Any child that has had a fever for over 48 hours and is not responding to fever reducers should also be examined by a doctor.
If your baby has additional symptoms such as persistent vomiting or lethargy, that could indicate a more serious issue and so it's best to take them to the emergency room promptly.
It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health of your little one and an experienced doctor can help you accurately diagnose any issues that may be causing the fever.
Which fever medication is safe for babies?
Infants aged zero to two should not take aspirin, but there are still plenty of other options that can provide effective relief from a fever and help your little one to feel better.
These include medicines that are specifically designed for babies, such as acetaminophen, which has been studied extensively and provides an appropriate dose of medication based on body weight. Children over the age of 6 months can use ibuprofen.
It's important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any type of medication so that you get the right dosage and best advice for your baby’s symptoms.
Fever treatment: Quick guide to treating a fever (Mayo Clinic)How to keep your baby hydrated when they have a fever
It's important to make sure that we, as parents, are providing enough fluids for our little ones, even if their appetite isn't what it normally is.
If your child is still breast feeding then continue to feed them the same amount of breast milk as normal even though they might be fussy. Additionally, other popular methods of introducing fluid include pedialyte popsicles and slowly allowing your child to drink small sips of water throughout the day.
Can my child's fever cause long-term problems?
High fevers in babies may be worrying, but in most cases they are nothing to worry about. In fact, a fever is a sign that your baby's immune system is doing its job and fighting off whatever bacterial infection or illness has come their way.
However, if the fever goes beyond 103°F it could cause long-term problems. If you're worried about a baby fever it's best to call the doctor for further advice; they'll be able to tell you whether your baby needs to see a doctor and help put your mind at ease.
The key things to look out for with any high fever in babies is how long it lasts, if there are other symptoms that appear alongside it and of course keep an eye on their behavior - any drastic changes will likely be a warning sign that something more serious is going on.
What else can help bring down my baby's temperature?
When it comes to bringing down your baby's temperature, sometimes a dose of medicine isn't the only answer.
Depending on the circumstances and the reason behind their fever, you may be able to use other methods to bring down a baby fever safely and effectively. Consider giving them a lukewarm bath or wiping them down with cool cloths.
It is also important to make sure that their head is not covered when they have a fever and to keep them in light clothing so their body can cool itself naturally and regulate its temperature more easily.
Additionally, encouraging your baby to take small sips of fluids like water, tea, or clear soup will help keep them hydrated which can help reduce the fever.
Does cold water on their skin help relieve fever symptoms?
One of the methods for helping a baby's mild fever might be something as simple as applying lukewarm water to their skin with a sponge bath. This can help cool them down and decrease their fever, especially if it is mild to moderate. Just be sure it is not freezing cold, and make sure to wrap your child in a warm towel after any applications.
What if my baby has trouble breathing?
If your baby is having difficulty breathing or making noises whilst trying to breathe, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms such as flaring nostrils, increased heart rate and weak muscles may indicate that your baby is having difficulty getting enough oxygen.
Your doctor may advise you on treatments such as oxygen therapy or breathing treatments with an inhaler. They will also be able to fit your baby with any necessary medical equipment to help them breathe easier.
How do I know if my baby has a serious infection?
To tell if your baby is infected, look out for symptoms such as an unusually high fever, swelling or redness of any part of their body, reduced appetite or difficulty feeding, or a lack of energy and fussiness.
Depending on the severity of the symptom(s), you may want to consult a doctor as soon as possible to seek further medical advice and treatment. If your baby is too young to properly communicate their feelings, looks for other signs such as listlessness, irritability, and abnormal sleep patterns - all of which could indicate a potential infection.
Our final thoughts on dressing a baby with a fever at night
Dressing a baby with a fever at night certainly can be tricky walking the line between comfort and safety. It's important to remember that when a baby has a fever, it is important to keep them cool, but not too cold.
Depending on the room temperature, dress your baby in layers of light clothing such as pajamas or an undershirt and diaper. Avoid any bulky clothes that may cause your baby to overheat while they are sleeping.
Make sure to check their temperature often throughout the night and adjust their clothing accordingly. With this advice we hope your baby gets a good night's sleep even with a fever.