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Q:

My baby has a fever - when should I be worried and seek medical attention?

Hi everyone,

I am a first-time mom and I am a little worried about my 6-month-old baby. He has a fever and I am not sure what I should do. This is the first time he has had a fever and I am not sure when I should be worried and seek medical attention. He seems a little fussy and isn't eating as much as he usually does. He is also not sleeping as well as he normally does. I have given him some medicine to bring the fever down but it doesn't seem to be helping much.

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

All Replies

raynor.jeramie

Hi everyone,

As a father of two, I understand how stressful it can be when your baby has a fever. It's important to know when to be concerned and seek medical attention. If your baby is under three months old, has difficulty breathing, is inconsolable or lethargic, or if the fever persists for several days, seek medical attention immediately.

If your baby is over three months old, you can help bring down their fever by keeping them hydrated and comfortable. Dress your baby in light, breathable clothing and use a fan to help keep them cool. You can also try a lukewarm bath or cooling towels to help reduce their body temperature.

Be sure to monitor your baby's temperature regularly, especially if they are taking medication. Infant's Tylenol can be given in appropriate dosages, however, it's important to consult your pediatrician to ensure the right dosage.

Finally, try to keep track of any other symptoms that might indicate an underlying issue. If you notice anything unusual or are just concerned, don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. Trust your instincts as a parent and advocate for your baby.

Wishing your little one a speedy recovery.

sadye14

Hello everyone,

As a mother of two, I know how concerning it can be when your baby has a fever. My recommendation is to first take your baby's temperature using a reliable thermometer. Armpit or forehead thermometers are not as accurate as a rectal one. If your baby's temperature reads above 100.4°F (38°C), it's important to take action.

To bring down your baby's fever, focus on keeping your baby hydrated. Try to breastfeed more often or offer formula if your baby is on formula feeding. For older babies you can give water or diluted juice. You can also make use of over-the-counter fever reducers like Infant Tylenol or Ibuprofen, but make sure you consult with your pediatrician first so that you're giving the appropriate dosage.

If your baby's fever persists for more than 24 hours, it's best to contact your pediatrician. Also try to watch out for other symptoms that could indicate a serious infection such as lethargy, difficulty breathing, fussiness, irritability, decreased appetite or dehydration. If such symptoms persist, don't hesitate to reach out to a pediatrician immediately.

Ultimately, it’s important to take care of yourself too while taking care of your baby. Don't hesitate to ask for help or a loved one to assist you during this time. Remember, as a parent, you know your baby the best, so trust your instincts and stay vigilant.

wolff.gerhard

Hi there,

As a mom of three, I completely understand your concerns about your baby's fever. While most fevers are not a cause for alarm, they can sometimes indicate an underlying problem. You should carefully monitor your baby's fever and symptoms and contact a pediatrician if you notice anything unusual.

To lower your baby's fever, you can try a simple home remedy. Dress your baby in thin clothing and keep the room cool. You can give a sponge bath with lukewarm water, or apply a cool compress to your baby's forehead or armpits. Make sure your baby drinks plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

If your baby's fever lasts longer than three days, or if it's accompanied by other symptoms like a rash, vomiting or diarrhea, seek medical attention immediately. Babies under three months old with a fever are at a higher risk of serious infections, so they should be evaluated right away.

Remember that you know your baby best. If you feel that something is wrong, or if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider. In the meantime, comfort and snuggle your baby, and trust your instincts.

Take care of yourself and your little one during this time.

kshields

Hello everyone,

As a parent of three, I know how worrisome it can be when your baby has a fever. But, there are some steps that you can take to help your baby feel more comfortable.

First, always monitor your baby's temperature using a reliable thermometer. Make sure it is accurate and that you are following the instructions. A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby under 3 months old requires immediate medical attention. In older babies, follow your pediatrician’s guidance.

Second, try to keep your baby hydrated, since fever can cause dehydration. This is especially important for babies who are breastfed. Offer them the breast more frequently or give extra formula. You can also give small sips of plain water or an oral rehydration solution.

Third, dress your baby in lightweight clothing to help regulate their body temperature, and avoid swaddling. Use a fan or air conditioner if needed, but don't let the baby get too cold either. You can also apply a cool, damp washcloth to your baby's forehead or on the back of their neck.

Lastly, if you're worried or if your baby isn't improving, don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician. They can provide guidance on medications like Infant Tylenol or Advil, or refer you for more medical attention.

Remember, a fever in a baby is usually not serious, but it's best to be cautious and attentive to your child's symptoms. Take care of yourself and your little one.

klein.milo

Hey,

I know it can be worrisome when your baby has a fever. From my experience, it is important to keep a watchful eye on your baby and monitor them closely. You can give your baby medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce the fever if it is causing discomfort. Check the dosage before you give the medicine, and always follow instructions carefully.

In addition, you can offer plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you are breastfeeding, please keep offering it as often as possible, and if you bottle-feed, consider offering water or an oral rehydration solution. Remember to keep your baby's clothing loose and lightweight to regulate body temperature.

If your baby is experiencing any additional symptoms, such as rash, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or extreme fussiness, you should seek medical attention immediately. Always trust your instincts. Lastly, it doesn't hurt to check in with your pediatrician over the phone or seek medical attention if you have any doubts.

Take care of yourself and the little one.

elda.dietrich

Hello,

Fevers in babies are quite common, and they usually don't require immediate medical attention. As a mom of two, I would suggest that you take your baby's temperature frequently with a thermometer. You can use a rectal, ear or forehead thermometer for this. Additionally, check your baby's overall behavior and symptoms such as coughing, runny nose or a rash.

Taking care of the baby during a fever is a priority, and parents can use gentle home remedies to provide the child some relief. You can make sure the room temperature is not too warm or too cold, then sponge your baby down with warm water to bring down the fever naturally. You can also use a fan to cool your baby if needed.

Ensure your baby is hydrated and breastfeeding often or given extra fluids if they are not breastfeeding. It's important to check your baby's diaper for wetness, as dehydration can quickly worsen the condition. You can also offer a pacifier or something cold to chew on.

To summarize, keeping an eye on the fever and checking for symptoms would be crucial. If you notice any alarming changes, such as the baby breathing too fast, or showing a severe cough, rash, or fussiness, then seek medical attention immediately. Make sure you and your baby stay relaxed and take care.

wintheiser.felton

Hi there,

As a parent of two, I completely understand your concern. When my children have had fevers, I always keep a close eye on them and monitor their symptoms. If your baby's temperature is above 100.4°F (38°C) and doesn't come down with medicine, you should call your doctor or seek medical attention. Additionally, you should be concerned if your baby is lethargic, difficult to wake up, or if they have trouble breathing. These are signs that you should seek immediate medical attention. It's also important to monitor your baby's hydration levels, since fever can cause dehydration. Make sure they are getting enough fluids and if they are not, you should contact a doctor.

Remember that you know your baby best. If you feel like something isn't right, it's always better to be safe than sorry and seek medical attention. Hope your baby feels better soon!

hettinger.kyra

Hi there,

I completely understand your concerns about your baby's fever. As a parent of three, I have been through this with my children a few times. While a fever is usually nothing to worry about, especially if it is mild and your baby is still drinking and eating normally, there are some signs to watch out for.

If your baby is less than three months old and has a fever, you should contact your pediatrician immediately, since babies at this age are at higher risk for infections. Additionally, if your child has a fever for more than 72 hours, or if they are unable to keep fluids down, it is important to consult a doctor.

You can give your baby a cool sponge bath to help bring down the fever, as well as dress them in light clothing to regulate their temperature. If you are breastfeeding, continue to do so, as your baby will need the extra fluids. If your baby is vomiting, you can offer small, frequent sips of electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte.

Remember to trust your instincts - if you feel like something is wrong or your baby's condition seems to be worsening, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.

Wishing you and your baby a speedy recovery.

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