Baby fever is one of the scariest thing for parents especially when the baby is very young.  Even though colds and  fevers are common in children, fevers should be taken more seriously. Knowing  the causes and how to treat baby fever can help ease the anxiety.

What are the causes of baby fever ?

 
Fever is usually an indication of an infection, even though it not the case all the time. When the body detects an infection, the brain raises the body’s temperature to fight the condition. Fever is the body’s first line of defense in fighting an infection.  Apart from an infection, a baby’s temperature may be high due to the following :

• reaction to vaccination
• baby being dressed too warmly or spending too much time outside on a sunny day

What are the signs of baby fever ?

 
One of the common signs of baby fever is having a warm forehead. However  not having a warm forehead doesn’t mean the baby does not have a fever. Fever my also cause your child to be more fussy and cranky. Other signs of fever include :

• poor eating habit
• poor sleeping
• less active
• not interesting in playing
• seizures

How do i take my baby’s temperature ?

 
There are different ways to take a baby’s temperature. These include through the rectum (rectally), mouth (orally), ear, under the arm (axillary)  or at the temples. The American Academy of pediatrics recommend that parents  remove mercury thermometers from their homes to prevent accidental poisoning  and exposure.  They also recommend using only digital thermometers in children.

Taking a rectal temperature is the most accurate way of taking your child’s temperature.  These steps will help you take a rectal temperature.

• wash the tip of the thermometer with soap and water or rubbing alcohol
• lubricate the bulb of the thermometer with a water based lubricant such a petroleum jelly
• place your baby on his tummy or a firm surface. If the baby is comfortable on his back, you can put him on his back and gently lift his legs
• gently insert the lubricated thermometer  about 1 inch into the rectal opening
• hold the thermometer in place for about two minutes until you hear  a beep
• gently remove the thermometer and read the temperature

 
NOTE

A baby’s normal temperature ranges from  about 97 degrees Fahrenheit up to 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Most health care professionals consider a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher as a fever.

How to manage baby fever

 
If a baby younger than 1 year gets a fever, call the doctor right away. However for babies older than one, these tips may help

• bathe your baby with luke warm water. It is important to check the temperature of the water with your wrist before washing your baby. Do not bathe the baby in cold baths, ice or alcohol rubs. It usually  makes the situation worse.
• dress the baby in a light layer of clothes
• make the baby’s room comfortable, not too hot or too cold
• give the baby enough fluids to avoid dehydration.  These include breast milk, formula and water depending on the baby’s age
• with your doctor’s okay, you may give the baby Tylenol or ibuprofen. You should NEVER give a baby aspirin for fever. This is because of the risk of a rare but fatal condition known as Reye’s syndrome. You should also not give a baby  under age 6 months Advil, Motrin or other medicines that contain ibuprofen. Be sure to ask your doctor about dosage and read the instructions on the package carefully

When should i call my doctor ?

Call your doctor in following circumstances :

• baby is under 3 month old and has a fever. If a your baby is between ages 1 and 2 months and has a fever, it is considered an emergency. Seek medical help immediately
• showing signs of dehydration such as fewer wet diapers, dry mouth  and no tears when crying
• breathing or eating problem
• lethargic or unresponsive
• has a seizure