Nothing beats the anxiety of a parent's heart when their baby has a fever. You may think there's not much you can do, but you can make your baby more comfortable, especially if he's old enough to take fever-reducing medication. Don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician for specific treatment instructions or a little reassurance to calm you down. We've also answered some of the most common questions about treating fever in babies.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Should I call the doctor if my newborn has a fever?
Step 1. Yes, immediately take the newborn to the doctor if he has a fever
If your baby is less than 3 months old, don't try to bring down the fever yourself at home. Call your pediatrician immediately if your baby has a fever of 38°C or more. If the doctor's clinic is closed, don't hesitate to bring the baby to the ER.
The doctor will examine the baby and provide a specific treatment plan
Method 2 of 6: How to bring down a baby's fever?
Step 1. Give febrifuge if he is more than 3 months old
It's hard watching your baby struggle with a fever, but medication can make him more comfortable and help bring the fever down. If the pediatrician recommends medication, give your baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen if he is over 6 months old. Here are the conditions:
- Infant-only liquid acetaminophen: give 1.25 ml if the baby weighs between 5.5 and 7.5 kg or 2.5 ml if the baby weighs between 8 and 10.5 kg
- Infant-only liquid ibuprofen: give 2.5 ml if the baby weighs between 5.5 and 7.5 kg or 3.75 ml if the baby weighs between 8 and 9.5 kg
- Ibuprofen drops for infants: give 1.25 ml if the baby weighs between 5.5 and 7.5 kg or 1.875 ml if the baby weighs between 8 and 9.5 kg
Method 3 of 6: How to lower baby fever naturally?
Step 1. Give plenty of fluids for adequate hydration
Your baby's body is working hard to regulate body temperature and he needs fluids. If he is under 6 months, give him as much breast milk or formula as he can drink. For older babies, you can give them water or diluted fruit juice. Hug him while drinking, so he will feel calmer.
It is very important to prevent dehydration when the baby has a fever. Encouraging your baby to drink every few minutes will make him feel better and hydrated
Step 2. Bathe with warm water to lower the body temperature
Fill the baby bath with 5 cm of warm water between 32 and 35°C, and place the baby in the tub. Support his body and slowly wet his hands, feet, and stomach with warm water. You can sing or talk to him gently to relax him.
- Never leave the baby in the bath. If the head can not be upright, do not forget to support the neck.
- Cold water may seem like a better idea, but it can actually take your system by surprise. If the baby shivers, his body temperature will actually rise.
Method 4 of 6: How is the baby's fever graded?
Step 1. A temperature of 38–39°C includes a low fever
A healthy body temperature for babies is usually around 36–38°C. You don't need to worry and you don't have to try to reduce the heat as this is a sign that your baby's body is fighting something on its own.
- It's a good idea to keep checking her temperature so you can tell if it's rising.
- When your baby has a low fever, he may be a bit fussy and always want company. Give him extra hugs and attention to make him feel better.
Step 2. A temperature of 39–40°C is a moderate fever for babies over 3 months
This temperature may seem high, but it actually means the baby's body is fighting something. To make him more comfortable, you can give baby acetaminophen.
Watch for symptoms of other illnesses and note how long the baby has had a fever. If you have to call a doctor or nurse, they will ask for details about the baby's fever
Step 3. A temperature above 40°C is a high fever
High temperatures are scary, the baby's behavior may be different from usual or always weak. Call the doctor immediately or take the baby to the ER, especially if the fever is over 41°C. The medical team can find out what's causing the fever and give the baby fluids to keep him hydrated.
You should seek medical attention if your baby has a high fever. If the doctor's clinic is closed, take him to the ER
Method 5 of 6: What clothes should a cold baby wear?
Step 1. Wear light clothes so the heat doesn't get trapped inside
Don't dress in layers or swaddles, but wear simple overalls made of breathable fabrics, such as cotton. Loose one-ply clothes can make your baby more comfortable than layers.
- If he sweats, change his clothes immediately. Wearing wet clothes will make him cold.
- If your baby starts to shiver, it's a sign he's cold. You can cover her with a light cloth, but don't immediately put on thick clothes because later she will overheat.
Method 6 of 6: When should I take my baby to the doctor?
Step 1. Call the doctor if the newborn has a fever
If your baby is not yet 3 months old and his temperature reaches 38°C or above, you should be wary. Don't hesitate to call your pediatrician even if he or she isn't showing any other symptoms.
The doctor may request that the baby be taken for examination and see if there are other medical conditions
Step 2. Call the pediatrician if the baby aged 3–6 months has a fever with a temperature of 39°C
If your baby has a low fever and is acting normally, pay attention to his temperature and make him as comfortable as possible. If she starts to get fussy or weak and has a fever, call her doctor. Hug and hold him or her, or listen to a song while you talk to the doctor.
Your doctor may ask you to take your baby for a check-up or will give you treatment instructions for you to treat yourself at home
Step 3. Seek medical attention if the baby's temperature does not drop after 1 day
If your baby is over 6 months and the temperature is over 39°C, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen and wait for the fever to go down. Call the doctor if the fever lasts more than 1 day or the baby shows other symptoms such as diarrhea, coughing, or vomiting.
You should also call the doctor if your baby has a low-grade fever that lasts more than 3 days
Tips
Use a rectal thermometer to get the most accurate temperature. If not available, use an oral thermometer. Both of these thermometers are more accurate than the armpit thermometer
Warning
- Babies with fevers can be troubling, which is why you shouldn't hesitate to contact your pediatrician. Your doctor can give you the best recommendations that are specific to your baby. The doctor can also reassure you that there is nothing to worry about.
- Do not give aspirin to babies because aspirin is associated with Reye's syndrome which can irritate the nervous system.
