You want your baby to be healthy and happy, and when he or she has a fever, all you want to do is make your baby feel better. So, how do you make a feverish baby comfortable? Here are some tips:
What If My Newborn has a Fever?
The first thing to know is what is normal and what is not. That is dependent upon their age. Here are the normal ranges:
- 0 – 2 years old: 97.0 – 100.4°F if taken rectally
- Newborns: 99.5°F on average
A rectal thermometer will give you the most accurate results, and with that, a temperature above 100.4°F constitutes a fever. With an oral thermometer–which is not accurate in babies–a temperature above 100°F is considered a fever. Finally, with an armpit thermometer, a temperature above 99°F is considered feverish.
A fever doesn’t necessarily mean your child is seriously ill; they might have been out in the sun playing or crying a lot, all of which can raise their temperature. However, if your child is less than 3 months old and has a fever higher than 100.4°F (if taken rectally), you should give the doctor a call.
How to Make a Feverish Baby Comfortable
Once you’ve identified that your baby does have a fever–and consulted a doctor if necessary–here are a few tips to make your baby comfortable:
- Adjust their clothing–make sure they’re dressed in lightweight clothing and use a sheet or light blanket to keep them comfortable;
- Fluids–keep them drinking fluids so they don’t become dehydrated and make matters worse;
- Lukewarm bath–you can sponge them down with lukewarm water, but don’t use cold water and make sure to dry them right after bathing them;
- Acetaminophen–if your baby is over 3 months old, they can be given a safe amount of acetaminophen, but you should check with your doctor to make sure this is safe for your baby and to find out the dosage.
How to Effectively Treat Your Baby’s High Temperature Fever at Home
Aside from the tips listed above regarding how to make a feverish baby comfortable, there are some other things you can do to effectively treat your baby’s fever:
- Monitor your baby’s activity. If they are comfortable, alert, and seem happy, they might not need any treatment.
- Avoid waking them just to give them medication. If they’re sleeping, it’s better to let them rest than wake them up.
- Keep them home. Don’t send a feverish baby to daycare or take them around other people or babies. You don’t want to expose other people and you don’t want to stress your baby.
By knowing how to effectively treat your baby’s high temperature fever, you can remain calm as you get them what they need to feel better.
