Managing fever in babies
A normal temperature in babies and children is about 97.5F or 36.4C. This may vary slightly. A high temperature is 100.4F or 38C or more. A high temperature (fever) is common in babies. It may arise out of multiple conditions, most of which may not be serious. It is usually the body’s natural response to fight infections like coughs and colds. It may also arise if the baby has been vaccinated or is teething. In such cases, the temperature usually returns to normal within 3 or 4 days.
Use a digital thermometer to check the temperature. To take the temperature, hold the baby comfortably & put the thermometer in their armpit. Gently, but firmly, hold the baby’s arm against its body to keep the thermometer in place till it records the reading or beeps. The display on the thermometer will then show your baby’s temperature.
If your baby has a high temperature, they might show one or more of the following symptoms-
- Feel hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest
- Feel sweaty
- Look or feel unwell
- May not eat properly or show disinterest in food
- May sleep more than usual
- May be fatigues or less active
If your baby has fever-
- Give them plenty of fluids
- Look out for signs of dehydration & speak to your doctor if you spot them
- Give them paracetamol if they’re distressed or unwell (only after consulting a doctor)
- Do not cover them up in too many layers of clothing
- Do not give them multiple medicines in an attempt to bring down the temperature
Speak to your doctor immediately if-
- Your baby has other signs of illness, such as a rash or a fit, breathlessness, drowsiness or dizziness, etc. along with a high temperature
- The temperature is not coming down even after paracetamol
- The temperature is not coming down even after 4 days
Source: NHS, Zyla Medical Team
