Fevers during infancy are a normal part of growing up. Your infant can experience a fever from teething, being overdressed or immunizations. A serious fever is caused by an illness or infection from a bacteria or virus. In certain situations, a fever in your infant may warrant an appointment with the doctor or a trip to the emergency room. Learn the signs and symptoms to prepare if this situation occurs.
Taking An Infant's Temperature
If your baby is 3 months old or younger, the best way to take her temperature is rectally. Use a glass thermometer or digital thermometer and lubricate the insertion end. Lay your child on her stomach with her knees to her chest. Hold one hand on her thighs and gently insert the thermometer with the other hand. After 3 months of age, you can use an ear thermometer, which is faster and easier, or continue to do it rectally.
6 Weeks of Age or Younger
Any time your infant, younger than 6 weeks old has a fever, you will worry. Your infant of this age should get immediate medical help if her fever raises above 101 degrees Fahrenheit. In this instance, do not try to bring the fever down yourself and do not wait for your doctor to call you back. Bring your baby to the emergency room for prompt treatment.
7 Weeks to 3 Months of Age
A fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit in a baby between 7 weeks and 3 months of age warrants a call to your doctor. Begin treating the fever with medication if your pediatrician has approved it. You can also try giving your baby a lukewarm bath or apply a cool washcloth to the skin. If the fever progresses and symptoms worsen, take your child to the emergency room or have your doctor paged.
Any Age
Certain signs indicate a fever is a serious problem at any age. If any other these symptoms appear, call your doctor immediately. A child that has a fever greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit that does not come down to at least 102 degrees Fahrenheit after treatment, call your doctor immediately. If your child seems apathetic, limp and unresponsive, this could indicate a serious problem. Excessive moodiness or crankiness with a fever warrants medical attention. If your child exhibits muscle stiffness, headache or sensitivity to light as well as a fever, this could indicate meningitis, so call your doctor.
