Baby's first fever can be quite distressing for new mums and dads and can make a parent feel helpless. A fever, also known as a high temperature, is usually caused by an infection of some sort and is part of the body's way of dealing with infection. With this guide parents will be able to recognise signs of fever, why a baby may have a high temperature and receive tips on how to reduce a baby's fever.
Normal and High Baby Temperatures
Fever for babies under six months of age can be a warning sign that something serious is wrong with the baby. It is rare for young babies to develop a fever. When a baby under 3 months of age develops a temperature of 38º C or above, parents should contact their doctor immediately or take their child to the hospital. For an older baby, contact the doctor if the child's temperature is 39º C or higher.
A normal temperature for a baby ranges from 36 to 37.5º C, depending on the season and time of day. A baby's temperature may be lower during the night and at its highest around 6pm.
According to Dr. S. Lingam, author of The Complete Book of Child Health (Marshall Cavendish, 1995), body temperature is kept fairly even by the region of the brain called the hypothalmus. When body temperature rises, the brain diverts blood to the skin. As the skin surface cools through evaporation of sweat, it reduces the heat and the baby's temperature.
Why a Baby May Have a Fever
Dr. Lingam states that a raised body temperature is linked to the activity of the white blood cells, which play a key role in the body's defence system. They produce a substance called pyrogen, which acts on the hypothlamus and causes the body temperature to rise. The white blood cells multiply and become more active when there is infection.
While fever may be the cause of a minor illness, taking a baby's temperature cannot determine the severity of an illness. Noticing other symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite or an upset or lethagic baby, can better determine the general health of the child.
Reasons a baby may be suffering a fever include:
- A common virus like the flu, chicken pox and measles
- Viral infection
- Bacterial infection
- Malaria
- Pneumonia
- Infections of the bowel
- Infections of the bladder
- Abscesses
Besides a raised temperature, other signs a baby may have a fever include:
- She looks pale and feels cold or is shivering.
- She looks flushed.
- Her forehead feels hot.
Bringing Down a Babies Fever
The following are steps for reducing a baby's temperature.
- Take the child's temperature every 20 minutes until the fever has gone
- For babies aged over 1 month of age, give them the recommended dose of paracetamol, Panadol's Colourfree Baby Drops are ideal. Babies under 1 month of age cannot be given paracetamol. In this case, go directly to step 3 or call a doctor.
- Remove heavy bedding and clothing.
- Fill a bowl or wash basin with tepid water or run the baby a tepid bath. Gently sponge her face, neck arms and legs. Continue sponging for around half an hour and allow skin to dry naturally, before taking her temperature again. If her temperature is still above 39ºC, call a doctor immediately.
- A child will sweat profusely when her temperature begins to fall, so offer her plenty to drink to replace any fluid that is lost.
- Change her bedding and clothing when temperature has reduced.
A mother's instinct will usually tell her if there is something seriously wrong with her child. If ever in doubt about a baby's health, always contact a medical professional immediately. By following these steps, parents can be certain they have done everything they can to protect the health of their child.
For related articles, also read First Aid for Parents: Burns and Scalds, First Aid for Parents: Cuts, Grazes and Abrasions and How to Childproof Your Home for Toddler Safety.
Sources:
Babycenter.com. How to Take Your Baby's Temperature (accessed July 10, 2010).
Dr S. Lingam: The Complete Book of Child Health. London: Marshall Cavendish, 1995.
Fenwick, Elizabeth: The Complete Book of Mother and Baby Care. London: Dorling Kindersley, 1990.
Sharon Rattray - After completing her studies in Freelance Journalism in 2003, Sharon received a Diploma in Freelance Journalism and a Higher Diploma in ...
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