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Handling an Infant Fever Effectively
(and Other Medical Tips for Moms)
Poor baby! Here's what you need to
know to fight that wicked infant fever. What's Normal?
The normal temperature of a baby (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics) is between 97 and 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (F) or 36 to 38 degrees Celsius (C).
The actual temperature isn't the only indicator of a fever in yoru infnat. Your baby's age is a large factor in whether or not a fever exits.
Newborns 0 to 3 Months
Infants 3 to 6 Months
Infants at this age are gaining strength, but still need to be closely watched. If your baby develops a fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or higher, it's time for a doctor call.
Babies Older Than 6 Months
Children over 6 months do not generally need to be seen by a doctor until their infant fever is over 103 F (39.4 C). But that doesn't mean you can't fight it at home.
The Universal "Call the Doctor" Code
No matter what age your baby is or what the thermometer says, there are a few instances when your baby will need to be seen. First, if the infant fever
rises above 107.6 F (or 42 C), get your baby to the hospital. There is a strong illness fighting inside that your infant will need help to defeat.
Second, if you've sucked out her stuffy nose
and she's still struggling to breathe, call your doctor.
Third, small purple-red dots or blotches on his skin that don't turn white when you press on them may be a sign of a bacterial infection. Pick up the phone and ring your pediatrician.
Once you've made the call, your doctor (or his nurse) is going to ask you one or all of the following questions:
- Is she acting normal?
- Is he eating well?
- Does she seem more tired than usual?
- Is he noticably pale or flushed?
- Is she irritable?
- Are there any other changes in his behavior or appearance that seem abnormal to you?
Be sure to also mention to the doctor if your baby has a cough, is struggling with an ear infection, vomitting, or has diarrhea.
Most fevers are caused by respiratory infections (like the common baby cold). These are usually viruses that are resistant to antibiotics.
It's a waiting and watching game in those circumstances.
However, occasionally you may find your baby has fever because of something else. Is he shivering? That may be a sign that a bacterial infection has settled in.
If that's the case, your doctor's arsenel of antibiotics may be just what your baby needs.
What You Don't Know About the Infant Fever
I'm going to go out on a limb here, but I'm going to guess that you probably don't realize that fighting an infant fever isn't always the best plan.
Whaaaah?
That's not a typo. An infant fever is your friend. You don't want it to go away. Yet.
A fever is a sign that the body is fighting some kind of illness (that's probably not news to you).
But an infant fever is also a defense mechanism. A hotter body isn't as much fun for
naughty bacteria and viral bugs. They thrive at the normal body temperatures. 98.6 degrees is prime real estate for a coco-cabana, with your baby's healthy cells as the margaritas.
But raise thermostat a few degrees and suddenly the frat party turns sour.
Enter the White Knights (a.k.a. white blood cells). After a gory battle I can't detail here (it's a family friendly site), the losers are massacred and your baby's smiling again.
Sounds great, right? Except for the fact that nothing's ever that easy.
You, my friend, have got a tightrope to walk. On the one side, the fever is helping your body fight the battle, and reducing the fever
too much can prolong the battle.
On the other side, an infant fever can leave your baby uncomfortable, keeping him from eating or sleeping...which prolongs the illness that way.
It's up to you (and your doctor) to figure out how to walk down the center. Balancing the fever with comfortability. Once you've decided that it's time to do some good 'ole fashioned
fever fighting, here are five baby fever fighting tricks to use at home.
The Truth About Terrifying Febrile Seizures
If I were Fancy Nancy, I would point out that "Febrile" is just a fancy way of saying "fever". (I have three girls, humor me...)
In a Febrile Seizure, a child usually between the ages of 6 months and 5 years will suddenly start twitching or jerking. His eyes may roll, he may drool or vomit, legs and arms stiff. Yes, it is
absolutely terrifying to watch.
Despite medical lore, medical science has proven that these seizures do not damage the brain and they cannot be stopped by trying to control fevers. They, like most seizures,
are hit and miss. They don't send out an "I'm coming" message, and usually leave without much of a "reason for visit" note.
As you are gaining mastery over the infant fever, take care to really think about what is going on inside your baby's body. That fever is a trigger, a giant billboard, that says
"Make more white bloods and send them here!" If you lower the fever too much, the signs won't be as obvious.
Of course, that doesn't mean that a fever doesn't have to be watched. Keep a good thermometer at the ready and keep him comfortable.
Extra cuddling, extra feedings, and extra kisses. Those are my secret weapons.
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The Dreaded Ear Infection Personally, there are few things I hate more than ear infections. First, they're sneaky. You have to know how to spot them. Once you've spotted them,
there's the issue of pain relief. |
The Common ColdIt turns your beautiful baby into yellow crusties of nasties no one wants to touch. First...avoid it. Then...conquer it. |
The Constipation CulpritSo much of our lives as moms revolve around poop. From the color signs (yes, nasty but necessary), to
frequency...and then there's curing the inevitiable constipation. (Unless it's dyschezia, of course...) |
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Surviving the Teething StageShe's suddenly transformed from angelic cherub to screaming-monster-of-death. Welcome to the wide world of teething.
Here's your survival guide. |
Top 5 Most-Loved ThermometersIf I had a dime for every baby thermometer I've purchased... Let me
give you the low-down on the most popular thermometers out there, helping you discover which is right for you. |
Infant Fever Fighter TipsYou don't have to just cross your
fingers and hope for the best.
Fight back, with or without meds. |
Return to the Home Page from Infant Fever and Baby Health Advice
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