Fever in babies: How to diagnose,treat and prevent

 Fever in babies: How to diagnose,treat and prevent

Fever in babies is one of the main problems faced by mothers. It usually occurs at least once throughout childhood and could indicate that something is wrong with your child's body. 

A simple sign of a change in the immune system or a reflection of an infection, fever always deserves attention. It is essential to observe the child's behavior and accurately measure his temperature. Attentive mothers will be able to act more precisely, avoiding pain and discomfort and ensuring that the baby will always be safe. 

If your baby has a fever, it's time to stay calm and check out the step by step to find out if it's just a passing reaction or a symptom that deserves more care. 

What temperature can be considered a fever in a baby?

Most mothers wonder whether or not 37 is a fever for a baby. The answer is: it all depends.

As we will see, the ideal body temperature depends on the age of the child. The diagnosis of fever in a one-year-old baby will not be the same as in a six-month-old baby, for example. Check it out below:

 

Babies aged two months or less : above 37.5°C is considered a fever. Below 35.5º we have hypothermia, when the baby's temperature drops dramatically.

 

Babies up to one year : above 37º there is a fever. Below 35º there is a case of hypothermia. 

It is important to remember that fever in babies is characterized by constant high temperature. That is, the child remains with the body at a temperature above normal within an interval of at least 6 hours. 

It is possible that there is a small variation in the baby's temperature, which makes a more accurate diagnosis difficult. When in doubt about knowing when it is a case of fever in a baby, always keep in mind the reference numbers below:

From 36º to 37.5º – normal body temperature for the baby.

From 37.6° to 39.5° – fever.

From 39.6° to 41° – high fever.

Above 41º – hyperthermia 

In all cases of fever, close observation of the baby's behavior is necessary. If the temperature remains high throughout the day, consultation with a specialist doctor is recommended. If you have a high fever hyperthermoria, see a doctor 

immediately. 

What is the best way to measure the baby's temperature?

Babies usually have certain temperature variations throughout the day, after all, they spend a good part of their time wrapped in clothes and blankets that preserve heat. The mother's own body heat can end up raising the child's temperature, without this actually being a case of fever. 

To be sure that your baby has a fever, it is necessary to remove all the clothes and carry out a detailed analysis. Do this in a closed environment, without sudden changes in temperature. Proceed calmly and very slowly, so that the baby does not get too agitated.

With a thermometer measure the temperature in the armpit region for one minute. The ideal is a digital thermometer, capable of measuring even small variations in temperature from one part of the body to another. Some models also measure through the ear. 

Repeat the action every 15 minutes, always noting the number of each session. If the temperature stays above the recommended marks, it is a sign that your baby has a fever and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. 

In cases of sporadic fever, measure the temperature at least 4 times a day. If the picture is repeated for more than two days, it is recommended to consult a doctor. 

How to reduce fever quickly?

In cases of fever, as we have already pointed out, it is essential that your child be examined by a specialist doctor. But in certain emergency situations you will have to ask yourself what to do to lower the baby's fever. See top tips:

 

Remove excess clothes from the baby : clothes help preserve heat, so in case of fever, the baby should be dressed in light clothes, preferably cotton. But attention: only do this indoors, without cold winds or sudden changes in temperature. 

Take care of the room temperature : keep your baby away from areas that are too hot or too cold. Preferably environments with natural ventilation, without access to very sudden air currents. 

Take a warm bath : contrary to popular belief, cold showers are not ideal. In addition to the risk of thermal shock, the child's body will understand the change in temperature as a signal to produce more heat, further aggravating the fever. Prepare a warm water bath about 2 degrees below the baby's temperature. 

Make compresses : the same rule applies to compresses. They should be lukewarm and applied in regions such as the groin, arms, neck and abdomen. Always choose natural cotton fabrics to avoid possible allergies and irritation. 

Give plenty of liquid : it can be water or even breast milk. In febrile conditions, high body temperature causes the child to lose a lot of fluid, which can cause dehydration. Keep your baby hydrated until you can take him to the doctor.

What are the main causes of fever in babies?

Fever is always a symptom, not a disease. It announces that something is wrong with the child's organism and works as a defensive response for the body to recover. 

Most times it's just immune system responses still in formation in the baby. These are called occasional fevers, which pass in a few hours and do not cause any more serious problems. 

Even so, it is interesting to observe whether the child has a fever for a long time and whether it is associated with other symptoms, such as cough, difficulty breathing, discomfort or even spasms or seizures. 

Fever can be caused by several problems, but the main ones are:

infections 

In this case it is crucial that the baby receives care as soon as possible. In the case of babies younger than 3 months, infections can be very dangerous and demand increased attention. 

Infections can be bacterial or viral, such as the flu. In both cases, the medication must be prescribed by the doctor after a detailed assessment of the child's condition. 

The most common infections are ear, throat, urinary and those caused by digestive problems. 

post vaccination

It is very common for some babies to have a fever shortly after vaccination. This happens because of a natural reaction of the immune system. Fevers of this type are usually transient and do not cause any other more serious discomfort. 

But it is important to point out that if the child presents the symptom for a long period of time, medical evaluation is essential.

What can I do to prevent a fever in my baby?

As we have seen so far, fever is a natural reaction of the body and is not always a sign of serious illness. Even so, all attention must be given to the baby so that the condition does not get worse. 

The best ways to prevent fever in young children are as follows:

Keep vaccines up to date

Vaccinations are the best way to protect your child. All available vaccines have been extensively tested and are proven to be safe and effective. Although there is a risk of some fever occurring shortly after vaccination, it is always transient and part of the body's response. 

take care of food 

In the case of babies still breastfeeding, it is important to ensure that the child can count on breast milk. It has the necessary nutrients for your baby to grow healthy. It is important to remember that the quality of breast milk is directly related to the mother's health. A balanced diet will ensure an even richer milk. 

In the case of babies who already consume special foods, always look for quality products of natural origin. The same care must be given to hydration. 

Attention with hygiene

In addition to bathing, the baby needs extra attention regarding exposure to germs and bacteria. It is necessary to ensure a ventilated environment, with an ideal temperature, clean and free of mites - which can cause allergies and infections. The care should also extend to the utensils used by the child. Diapers, clothes and bottles must be thoroughly sanitized. 

Keep queries up to date 

Visits to the pediatrician should be regular and the child should have a more careful follow-up in the first months of life. It's also important to learn to interpret the signs your baby gives when something is wrong. A more acute cry or restlessness can be a sign that something is not right. Always have the contacts of the doctors at hand and, in case of doubts, always seek the opinion of a specialist.

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