Fever in an infant can be worrisome. Parents may be unsure whether to treat their baby's fever or let it subside on its own Treatment for infant fever is dependent on several factors including your child's temperament and exact age. Check with your doctor if you are concerned about a temperature and whether fever-reducing medications are appropriate.
Considerations
Fever is typically a sign of a medical condition such as infection although it can also occur due to overdressing or following common childhood immunizations. Fever is not necessarily bad for your baby because it can help fight illness and may be advisable to let it run its course, explains KidsHealth.org, a website published by the Nemours Foundation.
Treatment
Fever reducing medicine may be unwarranted for a low-grade fever, defined as up to 100.2 F, in children age 3 months and older. Medicine is advisable if your child's temperature is above 100.2 F and if she is achy and cranky, advises FamiyDoctor.org, a website published by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Babies younger than 2 months should not be given any medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Acetaminophen can reduce fever and diminish discomfort. Give only the dosage as prescribed on the label. Children over 6 months of age can take ibuprofen to lower fever. Ask your doctor about the proper dosage for your child.
Precautions
Mild fevers that climb only slightly higher than the normal 98.6 F can be a sign of a serious infection in infants and young children. Consult with your doctor if your infant is over 3 months old has a fever higher than 102.2 F. Seek immediate medical attention if you child is under 3 months of age and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F or above, cautions FamilyDoctor.org.
Rectal thermometers are the most accurate and advised for use in infants under 3 months of age. Oral thermometers are fine for older babies unless your doctor has objections. A rectal temperature reading is typically 1 degree Fahrenheit higher than an oral reading.
Outlook
Behavior can be a better gauge than a thermometer to tell how your child is feeling. In infants younger than 3 months it may be hard to tell how they are feeling while in older babies it's often easier to tell by their actions. As always, ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about treating your child's fever.
