When your little son has a fever, particularly if he is still a newborn, it can seem like the worst thing in the world. You may feel helpless and don't know what to do to help, but it is actually possible to make him feel better in a number of ways, especially if he is old enough to be able to take antipyretic medicines. Don't hesitate to call your pediatrician for advice or just for reassurance. In this article we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions from readers on how to deal with the problem.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Should I call the doctor if a newborn has a fever?
Step 1. Yes, take him to the doctor right away
For infants less than 3 months old, it is not recommended to try to lower the fever at home; contact your pediatrician immediately if the fever exceeds 38 ° C. In case his office is closed, don't hesitate to take your child to the emergency room.
The doctor will examine the child and prescribe the most suitable therapy for him
Part 2 of 6: How is a fever lowered in an infant?
Step 1. You can give him antipyretics if he is over 3 months old
It is undoubtedly difficult to watch your child struggle with a fever, but the right medications can lower the temperature and give him relief. If your pediatrician recommends medication, you can give him acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Here are some doses:
- Pediatric paracetamol in syrup: administer 1.25 ml if the child weighs between 5 and 8 kg, or 2.5 ml if he weighs between 8 and 10 kg.
- Pediatric Ibuprofen in syrup: Administer 2.5ml if your child weighs between 5 and 8kg, or 3.75ml if your child weighs between 8 and 10kg.
- Pediatric ibuprofen in drops: administer 1.25 ml if the child weighs between 5 and 8 kg, or 1.875 ml if he weighs between 8 and 10 kg.
Part 3 of 6: How can I get my fever down naturally?
Step 1. Get him to drink a lot to keep him hydrated
His body is struggling to regulate his body temperature and he needs a lot of fluids to do this! If the baby is under 6 months old, give him all the breast or formula milk he can get. if he is older, you can encourage him to drink by offering him diluted fruit juices, as well as water. Pamper him while you are feeding or feeding him; you will help him feel calmer.
It is essential to prevent dehydration when the child has a fever; encouraging him to drink, even for a minute or two, can help him replenish the necessary fluids and make him feel better
Step 2. Give him a lukewarm bath to lower the temperature
Pour about 5 cm of water into his bath tub, at a temperature between 32 and 35 ° C, then place the baby inside. Support him while you splash the warm water on your arms, legs and belly. To help him relax, you can sing or talk to him softly.
- Never leave while the baby is in the tub; if he is still unable to hold his head up on his own, don't forget to support his neck.
- A cold bath may seem like a good idea, but it can actually shock the body; if the baby starts shaking too much, the temperature will rise rather than drop.
Part 4 of 6: What are the severity levels of fever in infants?
Step 1. A rectal temperature between 38 and 39 ° C is a low fever
The normal temperature in children up to 3 years old is around 37-38 ° C, so when it is just above this range it is not of concern. There is usually no need to intervene to get it through, as it indicates that the immune system is reacting as it should.
- However, it is important to measure the temperature frequently, to check that it does not get too high.
- When the child has a fever, it is normal for him to be more irritable and more eager for attention than usual; give him lots of cuddles to help him feel better.
Step 2. A rectal temperature between 39 and 40 ° C is a normal fever for babies over 3 months
It may sound tall, but it simply indicates that your body is effectively fighting whatever is attacking your body. To give him relief, you can give him paracetamol, dosing it according to age and weight.
Check for other symptoms and how long the child has had a fever: in case you need to call the doctor or an emergency number, they will ask you for details
Step 3. A rectal temperature that exceeds 40 ° C is considered a high fever
It can be of particular concern: the child may appear lethargic or otherwise behave in an unusual way. Contact your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately, especially if the temperature exceeds 41 ° C. The medical staff will be able to determine the cause of the fever and, if necessary, give the child fluids to hydrate him.
It is essential that the child receives medical attention if he has a very high fever: if the pediatrician's office is closed, do not hesitate to take him to the hospital
Part 5 of 6: How should I dress him when he has a fever?
Step 1. Dress him in light clothing so as not to trap the heat
Don't suffocate him with several layers of clothing or by wrapping him in a blanket: just put on a onesie made of a breathable material, such as cotton. A single loose, comfortable piece of clothing will make it look much better than several heavy layers.
- If you notice that he is sweating a lot, change his clothes immediately; having a sweat-soaked fabric in contact with the skin can make him feel cold.
- If he begins to tremble, it means he is feeling cold; at that point you can cover him with a light sheet or blanket, but resist the urge to put heavier clothes on him, as the heat may be excessive.
Part 6 of 6: When should I take it to the doctor?
Step 1. Call the doctor if your child is a newborn and has a fever
A temperature higher than 38 ° C in a baby less than 3 months old is a warning sign. Do not hesitate to contact your pediatrician, even if you have not experienced any other symptoms.
Your doctor will probably ask you to take your child to his or her office to be able to see him and rule out any other pathologies
Step 2. Contact your pediatrician if your child is between 3 and 6 months of age and has a fever of 39 ° C
If the fever is low and the child is behaving normally, just keep the temperature under control and make him feel comfortable. however, if you begin to show signs of irritability or seem unusually tired, call your doctor. Hold him, cuddle him or sing him a few songs to keep him quiet while you consult with your pediatrician.
Your doctor may ask you to see your baby or give you direct instructions on treatment
Step 3. Get medical attention if the temperature does not drop after one day
If the baby is over 6 months old and has a fever above 39 ° C, you can try lowering the temperature with paracetamol or ibuprofen; However, if the fever persists for more than a day or other symptoms appear, such as diarrhea, cough or vomiting, call your doctor.
You should also contact your pediatrician if your baby has a low fever, but one that has lasted for more than three days
Advice
Use a rectal thermometer to measure the temperature as accurately as possible; alternatively you can use an oral thermometer. Both are more accurate methods than taking the axillary temperature. However, keep in mind that the rectal temperature is a little higher than the oral one, while the axillary temperature tends to be lower than both
Warnings
- It is normal to be frightened when a very young child has a fever, so do not hesitate to consult your pediatrician: in addition to giving you specific indications for your child's health, he will be able to reassure you if the problem is not serious.
- Do not give him aspirin to lower the fever: Administration of acetylsalicylic acid in children has been associated with Reye's syndrome, which can severely damage the nervous system.
