How to tell if the baby has a fever?

Every parent does everything possible to ensure that their baby remains healthy and fit. But

often, because of various reasons, the babies suffer from fever, and the biggest nightmares of

the parents seem to come true. Sometimes when the babies are some weeks old, it becomes

tough for the new parents to know what the baby is suffering through. The Hawaii

Pediatrics suggests that fever in babies is not always scary, and it might happen for several

reasons.

Reasons that can cause infant fevers

A fever is not an illness; instead, it is considered a symptom of some other illness. A fever

indicates that a body is fighting some illness with the working of the immune system. For

adults, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and many other serious infections might cause

fever. But for infants, these causes are not expected. In most instances, Kahala Pediatrics says

that infants get fever only when they pick up a cold or some other viral infection. Sometimes

the reaction to vaccination or getting overheated by wearing too many warm clothes can also

affect a baby with a fever.

Signs that indicate that a baby has a fever

Rise in temperature: If you are sacred that your baby has a fever, check his or her

temperature with a thermometer. The Island Pediatrics say that if your baby is below

three months and has a body temperature of 38-degree centigrade or is having a weak

immune system, make sure to consult a pediatrician as quickly as possible. Other

children consult a doctor only when the temperature is above 38 degrees and have

some other symptoms like vomiting, rash, breathing problem, body ache, stiff neck, and

other similar problems.

The forehead's temperature might not be the same as the temperature of other parts of the

body, so make sure that you read the temperature from some other part of the body rather

than from the forehead only.

Shivering: If a baby feels shivery outside, it can indicate that he has a fever. But

shivering doesn't mean it has necessarily been caused because of fever. So, to ensure

read the body temperature of your baby. If he has an average body temperature, dress

him up with comfortable, warm clothes and sleep peacefully in a well-aired room.

Appear hot and flushed: Sometimes, your child's forehead, back, or stomach may feel

hot, and that is an indication of fever. Read the accurate temperature with the help of a

thermometer and if the temperature is high, feed him warm liquids like milk, juice, or

whatever they usually drink and consult a doctor if required.

Irritation: As a mother, you will have the best instincts regarding your baby's health. If

you ever notice your child crying more than he does or if his cries sound different, it

could be related to fever. Even if your baby seems sluggish, this could be caused

because of fever. So, as a mother, no matter whether your baby shows any symptom of

fever or does not, try to monitor your baby's body temperature with a thermometer

regularly.

Loss of appetite: If you ever notice that your baby is not wanting to drink as much as he

usually does or not eating enough food if he is old enough to consume solid food, it

might be a reason for concern. If your baby does not want to have what he usually does,

try to feed him more often in smaller amounts and check his temperature at least thrice

a day.

In the end

You will most of the time notice that your baby's fever will pass within a few days without any

complications. When your baby has a fever, you might be anxious, but also note that rising

temperature indicates the body is fighting illness by itself, and the immune system is working

the way it is supposed to work. But if your baby seems unwell and you are very concerned

about it, then you should better consult reputed clinics like Keanuenue Pediatrics for seeking

their advice and treatments.