It can exist concerning when a baby has a fever. However, a fever is a sign that the torso is fighting an infection and that the allowed system is working.

Low-form fevers may even exist beneficial to very young children, simply loftier-grade fevers tin betoken a serious infection.

In this article, nosotros look at how to reduce a baby's fever, what to avoid doing, and when to seek assistance.

A woman reads a baby's temperature from a thermometer and wonders how to bring down a baby's fever. Share on Pinterest
Treating the cause of a babe'due south fever is more than important than bringing their temperature downward.

A baby's torso temperature is usually effectually 98.6°F (37°C). Babies have a fever if their body temperature is:

  • 100.4°F (38°C) or higher when taken rectally
  • 99.4°F (37.4°C) or higher when measured in other areas, such as the ear or brow

Babies ofttimes get very high fevers. A fever itself

is not dangerous

unless it rises in a higher place 105°F (twoscore.5°C).

Nevertheless, the infection that causes a fever tin can be very dangerous, even if the fever is not high.

When a baby has a fever, a caregiver's focus should be on treating the underlying cause of the fever, not the fever itself.

The correct treatment volition depend on the babe'south age, the severity of the fever, and whatever other symptoms.

Anti-fever medication

A doctor may recommend specific medication to bring down a fever. Never use aspirin, and do not give a baby anti-fever medication designed for adults.

Information technology is crucial to follow the instructions on packaging or from the doctor. In most cases, the right dosage depends on the child's weight. Double-check the dosage, and make sure that the tool for giving the medication uses the right measurements.

A person should only give fever-reducing medication to babies and children according to official guidelines, and preferably nether a doctor'southward care. For babies younger than 3 months, do not use this blazon of medication without talking to a doctor outset.

In the United States, ii–5% of babies and children have a febrile seizure earlier the age of 5, and these seizures are non usually dangerous. They are triggered past a fever, usually as a effect of a cold, flu, or ear infection. Anti-fever medication does not reduce the take a chance of having a seizure.

Home remedies

If a dr. does non recommend giving a baby anti-fever medication, the following abode intendance techniques may still help:

  • Drinking fluids: The goal is to continue them hydrated, and then giving them enough of water is best.
  • Dressing them lightly: Wearing apparel the baby in lightweight layers, not heavy clothes or a glaze.
  • Washing: Exercise aggressive handwashing and other hygiene measures to prevent the infection from spreading.
  • Nursing: If the babe is breastfeeding, it can assistance to nurse them on need.

Breastfeeding can supply the baby with antibodies to help fight the infection. It likewise helps keep them hydrated and may ease their pain. Even if the caregiver is sick with the flu, it is condom to continue nursing.

Many domicile remedies for a fever but subtract the external torso temperature, which can make a baby more uncomfortable.

If a baby has a fever:

  • Do not utilise home remedies instead of medical care to care for symptoms of an infection, such as a fever or pain.
  • Do not apply cool or lukewarm cloths to the babe if they show signs of discomfort, such every bit crying or shivering.
  • Do not end breastfeeding them.
  • Exercise not requite the baby medication unless a medico recommends it, and and so follow the instructions carefully.
  • Practise not limit the baby'due south fluid or food intake.
  • Exercise not take the infant out in public or transport them to daycare.

The near reliable fashion to take a baby'south temperature is rectally.

First, lubricate the tip of a thermometer. Identify the baby on their side or stomach, and gently insert only the bulb of the thermometer into their rectum. Exercise not use glass thermometers, and do not force the thermometer.

Information technology may help if the infant nurses while someone takes their temperature. If the baby resists, try waiting until they are deeply asleep.

If a baby nether 3 months old develops a fever, seek immediate medical attention. If information technology is not possible to get in touch on with a pediatrician, get to the emergency room.

Babies under ane month old may need testing for serious infections and may need to spend time in a hospital. For babies under 3 months onetime, a doctor may need to perform claret tests and other tests.

If an older babe or toddler develops a fever, call a doctor for guidance. If there are no other symptoms, information technology is unlikely that the disease is serious.

If a doctor recommends a handling but the symptoms exercise non meliorate within a few days, phone call the physician again.

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if a infant develops a fever and:

  • seems lethargic or dislocated
  • shows signs of trouble breathing, such as gasping, wheezing, or flaring their nostrils
  • shows signs of an allergic reaction to the medication, such equally a rash or trouble breathing
  • was born prematurely
  • has a compromised immune system
  • has a seizure for the first time or has a 2d seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes

Treating a fever in babies depends on their age and symptoms. Every child is different and has different risk factors.

If any baby under 3 months develops a fever, contact a md immediately. A baby aged 3 months or older with a balmy fever tin can benefit from treatment at home, but it is still a good idea to contact a healthcare provider for advice.

Overall, information technology is all-time to seek medical help without delay and be mindful that a fever can indicate a serious infection.