Fever is your body's defense mechanism against infections and is a positive sign that your baby is fighting an infection. However, fever can make your baby uncomfortable, fussy and may increase her heart rate and breathing. In addition, some babies may experience seizures, called febrile convulsion, in response to fever. Although these responses usually are harmless, they can seem very frightening to a parent. Giving your baby Tylenol can help ease the discomfort fever causes, reduce body temperature and help prevent febrile convulsion.
Tylenol
Tylenol is a brand name for a fever medication that contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen blocks the mechanism that causes fever and helps lowers your child's body temperature. Acetaminophen is the only fever-reducing medication that you can give to infants under 6 months of age. Tylenol does not treat the factors that causes fever such as infection; it only helps bring your baby's body temperature down and eases discomfort. Administer acetaminophen according to your baby's body weight. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you give 40 mg to babies weighing 6 to 11 lbs., 80 mg to babies weighing 12 to 17 lbs., and 120 mg to babies weighing 18 to 23 lbs. However, never give an infant younger than 3 months fever-reducing medication.
Fever Reduction
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you do not treat fever unless it is making your baby uncomfortable or if your baby has a history of febrile convulsion. Even high temperatures are not dangerous and, according to MayoClinic.com, you should not give fever medication to treat fevers under 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Always follow the directions of your doctor when treating your baby's fever.
Other Fever Medications
Ibuprofen is another fever-reducing medication. However, never give ibuprofen to a baby under 6 months of age, or if your baby is dehydrated and/or vomiting. Aspirin is a fever-reducing medication that you should never give to children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, aspirin may cause or be associated with Reye's syndrome.
Considerations
Normal body temperature differs with age, activity and time of day. Generally, a rectal temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and oral temperature of 99 degrees F or lower are considered normal. However, if your baby is less than 3 months, a fever of 100.4 degrees F or more is considered serious; you should immediately call your doctor. Acetaminophen and other fever medications are toxic if given in too high doses.
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
