An 8-month-old baby with a fever of 103.3 is rarely cause for alarm. Making sure you are taking your baby's temperature properly and that you don't take it at certain times can ensure the temperature reading is accurate. Even when your baby's fever is high, remember that fever is a natural function of the body and is useful in fighting off infection. It's never harmful to contact a physician for reassurance when your baby has a high fever, but most times the fever will break with time and as your baby's body heals.
Normal Temperatures
A baby's temperature is taken either orally or rectally with rectal temperatures being the most accurate. Taking your baby's temperature after he has taken a bath, is bundled tightly or after he drinks or eats cold or hot foods or liquids may cause the temperature reading to register inaccurately. A baby's normal temperature is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit when taken on an oral thermometer or 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit when a rectal thermometer is used. A fever is defined as a temperature above these averages.
Fever Function
Fever is a natural sign that your baby's body is working to fight any germs that are causing infection. The baby's immune system releases chemicals in response to an illness; the chemicals releasing is what cause the baby's body temperature to rise. Most fevers are not serious and go away with time, especially in an 8-month-old baby. Fevers in babies under 6 weeks old are considered medical emergencies.
Treating Fever
MayoClinic.com recommends contacting your physician any time your 8-month-old baby has a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit while Dr. William Sears advises that a high fever in 8-month-old is anything over 103.6 F and is only serious when associated with other symptoms. Contact your physician immediately if your baby has a fever of 103.3 F and other symptoms including a skin rash, vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion, swelling or listlessness. To lower a fever, administer acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but speak to your physician first for advice on the correct dosage for your eight-month-old. Offer fluids often to your baby to keep her hydrated while she has a fever.
Tips
If taking your baby's temperature orally, use a digital thermometer instead of a mercury thermometer to avoid exposing your baby to mercury poisoning. Clean the thermometer in warm soapy water before taking your baby's temperature. Wait 20 minutes or more after your baby eats or drinks hot or cold foods or liquids before taking his temperature. Do not bundle him tightly before taking his temperature or take his temperature right after you remove him from the bathtub.
