Fever in babies can make the parents worried, while the infant stays in discomfort. A high body temperature in babies indicates that something is amiss with their body and should be addressed by a doctor. This post discusses some of the prominent causes of fever in newborns, how to care for a baby with a fever, and preventive strategies to avoid a fever in the first place.
What Temperature Is A Fever For The Baby?
A fever is the condition when the brain increases the core body temperature from normal. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) defines fever in infants as a body temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C) (1). The normal body temperature range of the baby is between 97.5°F (36.4°C) and 99.5°F (37.5°C). However, there are several ways of measuring a baby’s body temperature, based on which the definition of a fever can vary. The table below shows you the normal temperature range and the fever temperature in infants (2) (3): Temperature from the armpit is the least accurate and that from the rectum the most precise. Body temperature between 100°F to 100.2°F (37.7°C to 37.8°C) is considered a low grade or mild fever in babies (4). Temperatures above 100.4°F (38°C) are high-grade fevers. Nevertheless, if the baby’s temperature is over the normal body temperature range, then it is best to take the infant to a doctor to find out the reason behind the fever.
What Causes A Fever In Babies?
A fever is the symptom of numerous diseases and conditions. Here are some prominent causes of a fever in babies: A fever is a symptom in itself, and each condition can present other indicators of the problem. A fever per se can be spotted by looking at specific tell-tale signs in the baby.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Fever?
When your baby has a fever, the primary symptoms are that of the disease causing the fever. Here are the symptoms specific to a fever: Taking the baby to a doctor in certain scenarios is important.
When To Call The Doctor For A Baby’s Fever?
Take the baby to a doctor in the following situations:
The baby is younger than three months: Newborn fever can be dangerous since the infant is still developing immunity and is at a higher risk of developing complications.
The baby is between three and six months and is lethargic: A fever is usually accompanied by drowsiness, lack of energy, and general lethargy.
Above six months with fever for more than one day: Sometimes, the baby has a fever, and the only symptom is a hot forehead. But if the fever persists for more than one day, consult a pediatrician.
The following symptoms, along with a fever, are indicative of a problem:
Diarrhea Vomiting Constant crying Body rash or skin discoloration Stomachache Stiffness of muscles Swelling of a body part Convulsions or seizures Unconsciousness
The doctor diagnoses a fever and its cause after analyzing the symptoms, conducting medical tests, and learning more about the baby’s medical history. Treatment is specific, and medications target the pathogen or condition that has led to an increase in body temperature.
How To Bring Down A Fever In Babies?
Follow the below steps to bring the baby on track to good health: It is essential to reduce the intensity of a fever since it may lead to a rare but severe complication.
Febrile Convulsions
Fever is seldom the direct cause of complications. Nevertheless, it can lead to a condition called febrile convulsions that cause stiffening of the body, twitching of muscles, and involuntary rolling of eyes (11). During the episode, the baby stays unresponsive, and their skin turns a shade darker. Convulsions only happen if the temperature is over 100.4°F (38°C) and usually last less than a minute. In rare conditions, the seizure lasts for 15 minutes. There is a 50% chance of convulsions recurring in infants who have suffered it before the age of 12 months. Febrile convulsions are common in children aged between three months and six years. The cause of febrile convulsions is unknown, but they are considered to be a random glitch in the baby’s nervous system, caused by a fever. The condition could be genetic (positive family history of febrile convulsion) and has no specific treatment. Curing the fever is the only way to reduce the chance of a convulsion. The fever complication only happens when the baby is left untreated. Treatment, with proper nourishment and care ensures that the baby recovers faster.
What To Feed A Baby Who Has A Fever?
Here are a few nutritious meal options you can try to feed a baby who has a fever. Never force the infant to eat but always feed on demand. As the baby starts feeling better, his appetite will improve. While treatment and nutrition are vital, it is also important to know the ways to prevent fever in babies.
How To Prevent Fever In Babies?
Here a few tips to keep fever away from your baby. A fever in babies can create a few tense moments in early parenthood. Nevertheless, the causes of a fever are always curable. Home care improves the baby’s condition while nourishment helps them fight the underlying infections. The little one eventually fights the fever, and glides out of the phase strong and healthy. Have any tips to deal with a fever in babies? Share them with us in the comments section
