What is the best way to treat a baby with a fever?

What is the best way to treat a baby with a fever?

February 09, 2024

Sometimes, you may be able to reduce a fever in a baby more than three months old with home remedies. But, in newborn babies, a fever may require instant medical care. If your baby wakes up in the middle of the night crying and feeling flushed, you’ll need to check their body temperature with a suitable digital thermometer if they have a fever. There are several reasons why your little one might develop a fever.

Though fevers themselves aren’t dangerous, many times, the underlying cause can be. Young kids are more likely than older kids to have the cause for their fever, which requires on-the-spot treatment. Newborns aged 3 months and younger should be seen by a doctor immediately after a fever.

If you didn’t notice any other alarming symptoms, there may be a chance of low-grade fevers in infants of three months or below. But those who have high or persistent fever ought to see a physician immediately.

In this article, let’s explore some of the best ways to treat a baby with a fever at home.

Identify the fever in Baby First –

The average temperature among babies is roughly 98­­­.60 F (370 c). The temperature can change a bit from dusk to dawn. Usually, your body temperature is more significant in the afternoon and lower in the evening when you wake up.

When a fever strikes a younger baby of more than three months, they should see a doctor right away so they can be treated rightly, if needed.

When taken readings, remember that 100.40 F or higher; when given in other ways, it is 990 F or higher.

Tips to reduce a fever in baby –

A slightly higher temperature in an infant older than three months may not require a doctor's visit. But you may be able to treat the fever at home in the following ways. So, let’s check these out here –

Acetaminophen: If your baby is more than three months old, you can offer them a safe amount of children’s acetaminophen (Tylenol). Doses are usually based on body weight, so consider the doctor’s recommendation first. If the baby is not uncomfortable or fussy from their fever, then you may not need to give them any medication. For higher fevers or other symptoms that are making the child uncomfortable, then medications can help them to feel better.

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Adjust their clothing:

Dress your baby in lightweight clothing and use just a sheet or light blanket to keep them cool and comfortable. Overdressing the baby may interfere with their body’s natural methods of cooling down.

Turn down the temperature: Make sure you keep your home, especially the baby’s room, cool. This can help prevent them from overheating.

Give them a lukewarm bath: Try sponging your baby down with lukewarm water (water should make them feel warm, but not extremely hot; touch it on your inner arm first). Maintain constant supervision during bathing to ensure water safety. Avoid using cold water, as it can lead to shivering, which may increase their temperature. Dry your baby off properly following the bath, and dress them in lightweight clothing.

Alcohol baths or wipes to lower fevers are not recommended by doctors and can be harmful as well.

Offer fluids: Dehydrate your baby, if possible, for a complication of fever. Offer them regular fluids and make sure your baby has tears when crying, a moist mouth and regular wet diapers.

Call the doctor to discuss ways to keep your child hydrated if this is a concern.

What are some things to avoid?

There are many different things that you should avoid if your baby has a fever:

  • Avoid delaying medical attention for a newborn with any fever or an infant with persistent fever or who looks pretty ill.
  • Do not administer medications to your infant without checking their body temperature and consulting the doctor.
  • Do not overdress your child.
  • Avoid using ice or rubbing alcohol to lower their temperature.
Why do babies get fevers?

Fevers are usually a symptom of a more significant medical condition. There might be a chance that your baby may develop a fever for any of the following reasons –

  • a viral infection
  • a bacterial infection
  • certain vaccination
  • another medical condition

Some common causes of fevers in kids also include respiratory illnesses like colds or ear infections.

Does teething cause fevers?

Teething doesn’t cause a fever, but it may be that your teething baby has another underlying condition that causes the fever.

Conclusion –Treating your baby with the right Health care product is the most essential thing that you must consider. Fever in Infants will vary based on the age of the child and symptoms surrounding the fever. A doctor must see newborn babies if they develop a fever, while other infants may be treated at home if they develop a mild fever.

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