As new parents, encountering for the first time the fact that our baby is feverish, extremely frightening. Apart from the fright, it is important to handle the situation thoughtfully and calmly: proper treatment of fever is extremely important, and it also matters how old our baby is at the time the our baby: its significance, treatment, and the necessary steps may all vary. The health visitor can be a great help to us in every situation the health visitor you may have met several times during your pregnancy alsoIt is worth making use of this opportunity in every case, since They can provide expert help and reassurance that there is always someone you can turn to with even your smallest questions about the baby. They have expertise and also provide reassurance that there is always someone you can turn to Hungarian only mothers have been given this opportunity, since there is no health visitor service in other countries.
Why do we develop a fever?
First, it is worth clarifying what it means when a person develops a fever. We usually develop a fever when our immune system responds to an infection, inflammation, or illness. Proteins produced by the immune system, such as molecules called cytokines, cause the body temperature to rise, which helps the immune system function and inhibits the reproduction of pathogens.
Overall, fever is a symptom that helps our body fight pathogens. However, our baby’s young body may still react differently to many things.
An infant’s normal body temperature
An infant’s normal body temperature is the same as the normal body temperature of an adult.
- Normal temperature: 36.0–37.2°C (external factors can affect this, such as a summer heatwave)
- Elevated temperature: 37.2–38°C
- Moderate fever: 38–39°C
- High fever: 39–40.5°C
- Very high fever: above 40.5°C
In the case of an elevated temperature or fever, it is advisable to monitor our baby’s behavior. Fever is always just a symptom, not the specific illness itself.
At what age does fever require particular attention?
KSo, our baby’s fever always requires attention, but there are ages when it is especially important to be vigilant.
- Fever is rare in infants under 6 months of age. If it does occur, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately!
- For infants under 3 months of age with a fever above 38°C, and infants aged 3–6 months with a fever above 39°C, hospital observation will generally be necessary.
Symptoms of fever in infants
The most common symptoms we may encounter when our baby has a fever:
- Lethargy: The baby may seem very tired or inactive and may not want to eat or play.
- Reduced appetite: The baby wants to eat less than usual.
- Drowsiness: The baby is sleepier than usual.
- Crying: The baby cries continuously and is not soothed by stroking or baby swing even being rocked in the baby swing, which they previously loved.
- Irritability: The baby is irritable and cries easily.
- Breathing difficulties: If fever and difficulty breathing occur together, seek medical attention immediately.
- Skin rash: The baby may develop a skin rash along with the fever.
As we can see, fever can cause numerous symptoms, making it difficult to recognize. If we notice that our baby's behavior differs from normal, it is worth checking their health and ruling out the possibility of illness.
How should we measure a baby's fever?
It is advisable to measure our baby's fever rectally with a digital thermometer. Subtract 0.5°C from the temperature measured this way, as it may be that much higher than an armpit measurement.
Rectal temperature measurement can be used up to the age of 3; after that, armpit measurement is recommended.
Ways to reduce fever in babies
Reducing a fever can be misleading because it only eliminates the fever as a symptom and is not always a solution: although we may feel better, it does not address the underlying problem. In babies (and indeed up to the age of 10) salicylate-containing fever reducers should be avoided (such as Aspirin or Kalmopirin). Paracetamol or ibuprofen may be a good choice if there are no allergic symptoms.
In addition to medication, a lukewarm bath can also help. It is important to avoid shivering. Once the temperature has successfully reached 38°C, this type of fever reduction should not be continued in babies.
When using cool compresses, cool your baby with a towel or other material dipped in room-temperature water, approximately 22–24°C.
Frequently asked questions
Should I see a doctor immediately if my baby has a fever?
A fever is a serious symptom in babies, so it requires immediate attention. If we measure a high fever, it is advisable to contact our health visitor immediately, who can help us determine the next steps.
When can we say that our baby has a fever?
If your baby's body temperature has reached 37.2°C, they have an elevated temperature; if it reaches 38°C, they have a fever.
Can I use medication to reduce a fever?
Yes, but be sure to ask our health visitor for help! Avoid fever reducers containing salicylates. It is important to understand that this does not treat the illness itself, since fever is always only a symptom.
Is it normal for my baby to have a fever?
Fever is very rare in infants and can often indicate an illness, possibly a serious one. Therefore, this symptom should be taken seriously.
Who can I turn to if the situation is serious?
The health visitor or the hospital will be able to help in the event of a serious problem.
Is hospital care definitely necessary?
A baby's fever can generally be treated at home unless our doctor advises otherwise; however, it is important to continuously monitor our baby's condition.
What should you pay particular attention to if your baby has a fever?
In the event of a fever, one of the most important things is to prevent dehydration. The most common signs of dehydration are: dry mouth, a coated tongue, absence of tears, and sunken eyes
Can the baby go out in public with a fever?
No, we definitely do not recommend it. First, we should determine the cause of the fever, and only after the illness has resolved should the child return to the community.
Can cold bathwater also help?
No! It is important that we do not put our baby in cold water, even accidentally. A cool bath may help reduce the fever, but if we are not sure about the appropriate temperature, we should choose another way to reduce the fever instead.
When should I seek immediate medical help?
There are situations when there is no time to wait and it is advisable to see a doctor immediately. If we notice any of the following symptoms, we should not wait:
- Our baby shows signs of dehydration despite being kept hydrated
- In the event of seizures
- New, unusual symptoms appear as a result of the fever
- The fever has lasted for more than three days
- We are unable to provide full supervision and care at home
What will they ask me if I seek help?
We will probably be under a great deal of stress when we ask for help in this situation. The specialist who answers the call will mainly want answers to the following questions:
- How long has the fever lasted?
- What temperature did we actually measure?
- What solutions have we tried to reduce the fever?
- Have we kept our baby hydrated?
- Have any other symptoms appeared?
Based on these and other questions, the specialist will be able to help determine what further steps are needed to reduce the baby's fever and whether further intervention is necessary.
So we should not take it lightly when our baby develops a fever; however, it is important to keep calm and, with help, deal with the problem quickly and effectively!
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