How To Be Ready If Your Baby Has A Fever

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If you’re a parent, one of the scariest things you can face is your baby having a fever. It can be difficult to know what to do and how to best take care of them, particularly if it’s your first time as a parent. In this blog post, we’ll look at how to be best prepared for when your baby has a fever and talk about the best approaches for managing their temperature and getting them comfortable and back to health. 

Identifying a Fever

If your little one wakes up in the middle of the night and appears unusually warm, you may need to take their temperature to see if they’re running a fever. To properly do so, choose a thermometer designed to quickly and accurately measure the temperature of newborns. Use a digital thermometer that reads your baby’s temperature within 10-15 seconds. Normal temperatures hover around 98.6° Fahrenheit (37° Celsius). This can vary slightly from morning to night but is commonly consistent throughout the day.

Your baby is considered to have a fever if her temperature is:

• 100.4° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius) or higher when taken rectally

• 99° Fahrenheit (37.2°C) or higher when taken in other ways

A fever in a baby under three months of age requires immediate medical attention to determine the underlying cause and treat it if necessary. However, Low-grade fevers don’t always need a visit to a doctor for babies older than three months.

When Your Baby Has A Fever

For a slightly elevated temperature in a baby older than three months, a trip to the doctor may not be necessary. You may be able to treat the fever at home with the following steps:

1. Give Them a Lukewarm Bath

A lukewarm sponge bath is one of the most common and effective ways to get a baby’s fever down. This is particularly true if the fever has been present for over an hour or if the baby’s temperature is unusually high for their age. Start by filling the tub with tepid water (around 95° Fahrenheit), then put the baby in and use the sponge to bathe them for about 10 minutes. Never use cold water, as this can cause shivering and raise the baby’s temperature.

2. Dress Your Baby in Light Clothing

When a baby has a fever, it’s essential to dress them in light clothing, as this helps regulate their body temperature. Choose clothing that allows free airflow around the baby’s skin and keeps them away from heavy blankets that can make matters worse. 

3. Offer Fluids

A fever isn’t an excuse to deprive your infant of fluids, particularly if they are younger than six months old. Make sure they get small amounts of water or other regular liquids (breast milk or formula) throughout the day and evening. This will help strengthen your baby’s immune system while fighting illness. Also, make sure your little one has tears when she cries, regular wet diapers, and a moist mouth.

4. Allow Your Baby to Rest

Allowing your baby to rest can be difficult when they’re in pain or uncomfortable, but it’s essential during times of illness. With a fever, your little one can become irritable and have a hard time sleeping. You can help them rest by providing a dimly lit room and playing soft music to help block out other noises and help them relax. You may also turn down the temperature in your home to help prevent your baby from overheating.

You may leave them for short periods during the day to allow them some quiet time, but always ensure your baby is safe and comfortable.

5. Cold Compress

This is a good way to help your baby feel more comfortable. You can use a wet washcloth, towel, or soft cloth and simply place it over their forehead, cheeks, and neck. Keep the compress in place for 10-15 minutes, then remove it briefly before reapplying. This will help to cool your baby down and provide some relief from their pain.

It is essential to be prepared for your baby's fever. It is vital to have the right supplies on hand, such as a thermometer, and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a fever, such as a high temperature, body aches, and feeling warm to the touch. It is also essential to contact your baby's doctor immediately if the fever persists or if other symptoms arise. Being prepared and knowing what to do can help you better manage your baby's fever and ensure they receive the best care possible.

Author Bio

Andrea is currently the head of content management at SpringHive Web Design Company, a digital agency that provides creative web design, social media marketing, email marketing, and search engine optimization services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. She is also a blog contributor at Baby Steps Preschool where she writes storytime themes, parenting tips, and seasonal activities to entertain children.