Fever In Babies

Baby fever is a common sign of illness, and because of developing immunity in children, fever keeps reoccurring. It leads to crankiness and fatigue in babies. Thus as parents, you should look for effective treatment with guidance from the doctor for baby fever.

What Is Baby Fever?

Baby fever is an elevation in a baby’s body temperature that occurs temporarily as a result of an illness. It’s an indication that something unusual is going on in a baby. It usually disappears after a few days. However, it can be treated with a variety of medications, but it’s sometimes preferable to let it alone. Fever appears to play an important part in a baby’s body’s ability to fight against a variety of illnesses.

Causes Of Fever in Babies

Baby fever occurs when the hypothalamus, also known as your body’s “thermostat,” changes the set point of your regular body temperature upward. In this situation, the baby starts feeling cold and shivers to create more body heat, resulting in a raised body temperature. 

The normal body temperature fluctuates throughout the day, with a lower temperature in the morning and a greater temperature later in the afternoon and evening. Although most people consider 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit to be normal. Normal baby temperature ranges between  97 degrees Fahrenheit to 99 degrees Fahrenheit.

Causes of fever in baby:

• Cold and coughs
• An infection caused by bacteria
• A Viral infection
• Exhaustion due to the heat
• Antibiotics and pharmaceuticals 
• Some vaccinations for babies, such as the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) vaccine or the pneumococcal vaccine. 

How to Take Baby Temperature

• Place the tip of the thermometer beneath your baby’s tongue and ask them to keep it for a while in their mouth. 
• When the thermometer indicates that it is done, remove it and read the number. 
• Else, wait for 15 minutes to take the baby fever temperature if they have eaten any meal to detect the body temperature. 

How to Break Baby Fever

If your baby is over 3 months, you may not require to take them out to the doctor. Instead, you can follow these tips to cure baby fever just at your home.

Treat Fever in Babies At Home

1. Lukewarm Sponge Bath

Giving a sponge bath to your child with lukewarm water helps keep the baby fresh and clean. A lukewarm sponge bath helps a baby to sleep better and recover faster. It also helps the baby to relax and regulate their body temperature. Never use very hot or cold water to give your baby a sponge bath because it may worsen the situation. Use a clean and soft cotton cloth for the sponge bath.

2. Keep Your Baby At An Average Room Temperature

Earlier, there was a misconception about keeping the baby at a warm temperature to bring more sweat. However, this may lead to several other problems. If it’s wintertime, you do not need a fan. However, your room temperature should be comfortably cool in summers – around 26 degrees is good enough. You can set your air conditioner at this temperature and use a fan at a slow speed. Do not place the baby directly under the fan. Also, use a cool-mist humidifier to keep the air moist. Dry air can irritate airways.

3. Breastfeeding

Breast milk is essential for babies below the age of 6 months. It provides vital nutrients and minerals, hydration as well as antibodies to the baby. Breast Milk helps to develop the immune system in babies. Breastfeeding prevents dehydration in the baby. Breast milk is easy to digest and helps a baby to recover faster. Formula milk is the alternative option in case of a low breast milk supply.

Remember not to give water to your baby until he is over the age of 6 months. However, parents can provide water, fresh fruit juice, and vegetable puree in small amounts to keep the older babies hydrated and nourished.

4. Basil Leaves

In babies older than six months, basil leaves can be given as a natural antipyretic remedy. Scientifically proven, basil leaves help bring down the fever in kids. This plant is as effective as several antibiotics available in the market. Its anti-inflammatory characteristics will aid in the rapid reduction of fever. To treat baby fever, all you need to do is to take one cup of water and boil 20 basil leaves. Add one teaspoon of crushed ginger until the mixture is reduced to half. Now give the mixture with a teaspoon to your child. Do not add honey or sugar to it and wait for the miracle to happen. 

5. Prescribed Medicines

Prescribed medicines are essential for the effective treatment of baby fever. Consult your doctor for the medication and the required dosages if the fever is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

When to take the baby to the doctor for Fever Treatment

If any of the following signs or symptoms accompany a fever, get medical help right away:

• Unusual skin rashes
• Sensitivity to intense light 
• Vomiting that doesn’t stop.
• Breathing problems or chest discomfort.

Takeaway

It’s not always possible to pinpoint the source of a fever. If you’ve had a fever for more than three weeks and your doctor hasn’t been able to figure out what’s causing it despite a thorough examination, it might be a case of fever of unknown origin. So, consult your doctor on time.

#childhealth

Related Articles:

Remedies For Cough: Here are a few paediatrician-approved natural remedies that you can try for cough relief. 

Things To Know About Dengue: Here Dr Subash Rao tells about the must-know things about Dengue and its prevention. Check them out here! 

What To Feed When A Child Is Down With Fever: What to feed when your child is down with a cold, cough, fever or diarrhea? Know here!