Fevers can be a real pain. When your baby has a fever, that can be very scary. A fever is usually nothing to be concerned about. They’re normal, and they can be a sign that your child is healthy and growing strong. It’s important to understand why your baby is experiencing a fever and when to consult a doctor.
What causes fever?
Your baby may have a high fever for many reasons. First, you should know that fever is not a disease. It is a symptom. Your baby’s fever is a result of his or her immune system fighting off an infection. In fact, this is what most commonly causes fevers. There are many different bacteria, viruses, and bugs all around you and on your skin. These can all cause various illnesses if not checked. Your immune system has an extensive memory, and as a result, it is able to identify common pathogens, which can be stopped before they cause harm. The immune system of a baby is still learning the area. If it seems that they are getting sick every two weeks (especially if you send them to daycare frequently), this is because they are building up a strong immunity system.
Fever can be caused by viruses, infections and other things. A fever can be caused by a reaction to a vaccination (which is perfectly normal) or even by a baby who has been dressed too warmly, or spent too much time outdoors on a hot summer day. Babies aren’t as able to regulate body temperature like adults, so parents and caregivers have to do most of it for them.
Do teething fevers cause fevers in children?
There is no evidence that teething can cause a fever. One theory is that teething weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to viral or bacterial infections. This is a very common belief, especially when you are trying to calm a baby with a fever, snot and toothache at 2 am. But it’s not scientifically proven.
When should you check your child’s temperature?
Babies can be notoriously hard to read. It’s especially difficult if you are a first-time parent. There are some signs to watch out for when determining if your child has a fever. One sign is that they may be more cranky or fussy than usual. It could be that they are not getting enough sleep or eating more than usual (including sugary foods). They may also be more lethargic, less interested in playing, or less active. You can also use the old hand on the forehead method to see if the child is warm. It’s a good idea, to be safe, to use a thermometer if any of these signs appear, even just a little.
What is the normal temperature of a baby’s body?
The temperature of all bodies fluctuates throughout the day, whether they are babies or adults. Your temperature will be higher if you have been playing with toys all over the house. Your temperature will be low if you have just sat on the couch watching your favorite mermaid film for the 100th time. It’s important to know the range of normal temperatures. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics the normal temperature for children is between 97degF and 100.4degF. It also depends on the child’s age and the way in which their temperature is taken. Here are some charts that you should keep in mind.
Temperature Charts by Method
Armpit: 97.8degF – 99.5degF
Mouth: 95.9degF – 99.5degF
Ear: 96.4degF – 100.4degF
Rectum : 97.9degF – 100.4degF
When a Fever is Considered:
From 0 to 3 Months: Above 100.4degF
From 3 to 6 months: above 101degF
6 months and older: 102degF or higher
The biggest question is: when should you call a doctor?
It’s important to first take a deep breath and ensure you are not overreacting. You probably didn’t know that becoming a parent could be terrifying. This precious bundle of life is totally dependent on you to survive. They can’t tell you if they are sick! It’s easy to panic at the first sign that something is wrong when you have such high stakes. This can cause your child to be stressed and can drain your wallet if you live in America.
Let’s begin with signs that you don’t need to see a doctor:
The fever lasts less than five days, and the child is generally normal. They play, eat, drink, etc.
The temperature is below 102.5 degF for children aged 3 months to 3years.
The person has recently received a vaccination and is experiencing a mild fever that lasts less than 24hours.
Remember that fever-reducing medicines such as Tylenol ™, Children’s Motrin ™, and others will only lower the temperature of your child by one degree. So don’t worry if it doesn’t return to a healthy 98.6degF immediately.
Do not hesitate to call your doctor if…
If your child is under 3 months of age and has a temperature greater than 100.4degF, you should seek medical attention.
Your child’s fever is 104degF and it won’t subside with medication.
You have recently vaccinated your child and he/she has had a temperature higher than 102degF over the past 24 hours.
You’ll notice that your child doesn’t act like them: they are extremely lethargic and irritable; have fewer wet nappies, eat less, etc.
It can be a bit nerve-wracking, even if you have all the medical information in the world. It doesn’t need to be the end of everything. There are many other things that can make you feel this way. Take a deep breath and do whatever you can to help your baby get better and feel happier. Cherish even the most difficult moments, because they are often the ones that will make the best memories!
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