Fever is a normal reaction to infection or teething. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, fever does not need to be treated unless your infant is uncomfortable or has had febrile convulsions in the past. Fever can make your infant cry and be fussy and tired. You can help relieve the symptoms with a few home remedies. However, always call your pediatrician when your child has a fever and follow the instructions your doctor gives you.
Fever
When your child has a fever, it means that her body temperature is higher than normal. Fever is a normal way for your body to fight infection. Microbes cannot function optimally when your body temperature is high, whereas your immune system can effectively fight the infection during fever. Your child's normal body temperature differs with age. A fever of 100.4 is serious for an infant less than 3 months old, while it is the normal upper temperature for infants older than 3-months, when taken rectally. You can measure your child's body temperature with an electronic oral, rectal, ear or forehead thermometer. However, the most accurate temperature is taken rectally.
Fever Medications
Give your infant fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen, or, if your infant is older than 6 months, ibuprofen. Never give your infant aspirin. Fever medications help lower your child's body temperature by blocking the mechanisms that cause fever. However, MayoClinic.com recommends you do not give medications to treat fever under 102 degrees Fahrenheit but let your child's body "deal" the fever naturally. Remember that these medications do not treat the cause of fever, only lower your child's body temperature and help ease the discomfort that fever can cause. The dose of fever medication depends on your baby's weight. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you are using the correct dosage.
Sponge Bath
Give your infant a sponge bath. This can help lower her temperature and relieve discomfort. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should use warm water from 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not use cold water that can cause shivering and raise your baby's body temperature. Sponge baths can help bring down your baby's body temperature within 45 minutes.
Fluids
Give your infant plenty of fluids during fever. Fever can lead to dehydration, especially if combined with diarrhea. Encourage your infant to drink water, juice or milk. Your infant may not have an appetite during fever, but it is important that she continues to drink fluids.
Other Remedies
Other ways that you can help ease the discomfort include dressing your child lightly and keeping the room temperature comfortable. You do not need to make your child sleep during fever, if she would rather play and be awake. However, do not let her overexert herself.
Considerations
Always call your pediatrician if your infant has a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Fever can be a result of a serious illness, and your baby's doctor needs to know about it. Never give an infant that is less than 3 months old any fever medications or other remedies. If the fever is caused by infectious disease, keep your child away from other children and people.
References
- "Your Baby's First Year"; The American Academy of Pediatrics; 2nd edition; 2005
- MayoClinic.com; Fever Treatment: Quick Guide to Treating a Fever; January 2010
