Information technology can be concerning when a baby has a fever. Yet, a fever is a sign that the body is fighting an infection and that the immune system is working.

Low-course fevers may even exist benign to very immature children, but high-grade fevers can indicate a serious infection.

In this article, nosotros look at how to reduce a babe'south fever, what to avoid doing, and when to seek aid.

A woman reads a baby's temperature from a thermometer and wonders how to bring down a baby's fever. Share on Pinterest
Treating the cause of a baby'south fever is more important than bringing their temperature down.

A baby'south body temperature is ordinarily around 98.6°F (37°C). Babies have a fever if their body temperature is:

  • 100.four°F (38°C) or higher when taken rectally
  • 99.4°F (37.4°C) or college when measured in other areas, such as the ear or forehead

Babies often become very high fevers. A fever itself

is not dangerous

unless it rises to a higher place 105°F (forty.5°C).

However, the infection that causes a fever can be very dangerous, even if the fever is non loftier.

When a babe has a fever, a caregiver'south focus should be on treating the underlying cause of the fever, not the fever itself.

The correct treatment volition depend on the baby'southward age, the severity of the fever, and any other symptoms.

Anti-fever medication

A medico may recommend specific medication to bring down a fever. Never use aspirin, and do non requite a baby anti-fever medication designed for adults.

It is crucial to follow the instructions on packaging or from the doctor. In most cases, the right dosage depends on the child'south weight. Double-check the dosage, and make certain that the tool for giving the medication uses the right measurements.

A person should just give fever-reducing medication to babies and children co-ordinate to official guidelines, and preferably nether a doctor'southward care. For babies younger than iii months, do not employ this type of medication without talking to a doc kickoff.

In the United States, 2–five% of babies and children have a febrile seizure earlier the age of v, and these seizures are non ordinarily dangerous. They are triggered by a fever, usually as a upshot of a cold, flu, or ear infection. Anti-fever medication does non reduce the take a chance of having a seizure.

Home remedies

If a md does non recommend giving a baby anti-fever medication, the following home care techniques may still help:

  • Drinking fluids: The goal is to keep them hydrated, so giving them enough of water is best.
  • Dressing them lightly: Clothes the infant in lightweight layers, non heavy clothes or a coat.
  • Washing: Practice ambitious handwashing and other hygiene measures to prevent the infection from spreading.
  • Nursing: If the baby is breastfeeding, it can assist to nurse them on demand.

Breastfeeding tin can supply the baby with antibodies to help fight the infection. It also helps keep them hydrated and may ease their pain. Fifty-fifty if the caregiver is ill with the influenza, information technology is safe to continue nursing.

Many domicile remedies for a fever only decrease the external torso temperature, which tin make a baby more uncomfortable.

If a baby has a fever:

  • Practice not use habitation remedies instead of medical care to care for symptoms of an infection, such as a fever or pain.
  • Practice non use cool or lukewarm cloths to the baby if they testify signs of discomfort, such equally crying or shivering.
  • Do not finish breastfeeding them.
  • Do non give the baby medication unless a doctor recommends it, and then follow the instructions carefully.
  • Do not limit the baby'due south fluid or food intake.
  • Practice not accept the baby out in public or send them to daycare.

The most reliable way to accept a baby's temperature is rectally.

Outset, lubricate the tip of a thermometer. Place the babe on their side or stomach, and gently insert only the seedling of the thermometer into their rectum. Do not use drinking glass thermometers, and do non force the thermometer.

Information technology may help if the baby nurses while someone takes their temperature. If the baby resists, try waiting until they are securely asleep.

If a baby under iii months old develops a fever, seek immediate medical attending. If it is not possible to arrive touch on with a pediatrician, become to the emergency room.

Babies under i calendar month former may need testing for serious infections and may need to spend time in a hospital. For babies under 3 months old, a doctor may need to perform blood tests and other tests.

If an older babe or toddler develops a fever, phone call a doctor for guidance. If there are no other symptoms, it is unlikely that the illness is serious.

If a dr. recommends a treatment but the symptoms do not better within a few days, call the doctor over again.

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if a infant develops a fever and:

  • seems lethargic or confused
  • shows signs of problem breathing, such equally gasping, wheezing, or flaring their nostrils
  • shows signs of an allergic reaction to the medication, such as a rash or trouble breathing
  • was born prematurely
  • has a compromised allowed system
  • has a seizure for the first fourth dimension or has a second seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes

Treating a fever in babies depends on their age and symptoms. Every child is different and has different risk factors.

If any baby nether 3 months develops a fever, contact a dr. immediately. A baby aged 3 months or older with a mild fever can benefit from treatment at domicile, just it is withal a good idea to contact a healthcare provider for advice.

Overall, information technology is best to seek medical help without delay and exist mindful that a fever can indicate a serious infection.