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How To Manage A Babies Temperatures
What is a Temperature?
A temperature is your immune systems response to fighting off infection within the body. It is the body's very own natural defense against bacteria and viruses that cannot live at a higher temperature.
What is the Normal body Temperature?
The normal body temperature is classed as being 98.6 Fahrenheit or 37 Centigrade. Your temperature may vary between 97.5 F to 98.8 F (36.4 C – 37.1 C). Your body temperature can fluctuate by as much as 1 F or 0.6 C throughout the day depending on physical activities preformed.
When is a Temperature too high?
Newborns up to 3 months of age: Any rise in temperature above 100.4 degrees F (38 C) or if your infant’s temperature drops below 97 degrees F (36.11 C) call a doctor immediately. Infants under 3 months of age have not yet fully developed their immune system and are more susceptible to illness making it harder to fight off infection. Infants can dehydrate very quickly. If they get too dehydrated their condition can turn life threatening in the fact that it can cause their organs to shut down. Babies will be extra irritable, drowsy and hot to the touch.
Babies over three months of age: A high fever of 102 degrees F (38.88 C) and above or a drop in temperature lower than 97 degrees F (36.11 C) requires medical attention. A lowered fever could be a sign of an emergency condition even more so if accompanied by drowsiness or little to no response.
NOTE: A Temperature is more likely to spike in the evenings to a dangerously high level. If your baby is running a high temperature throughout the day you need to call your doctor.
Danger signs
Call an ambulance if your baby has a fever along with any of the following symptoms:
- Abnormal drowsiness.
- Flat, dark red or purple spots that do not fade on pressure.
- A seizure that has lasted for longer than 5 minutes.
- Refused feeds for more than 3 hours (babies under 3 months) or more than 6 hours (3 months and over).
- You suspect your child is dehydrated.
- A change in consciousness occurs.
- Shallow, rapid, or difficult breathing.
- Your child is younger than 2 months of age.
- Continuous vomiting and or diarrhea.
- If your infant is high needs or on medical prescription.
- If you have serious concerns.
Always trust your parental instincts and don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion. You know your child better than anyone.
How to Help Lower Fever?
- Babies under 3 months of age – Call your doctor and follow their guidance on how best to bring down a fever for a child of this age.
- Do give children’s paracetamol and ibuprofen in correct doses alternately every 4 – 6 hours.
- Do not give anyone under the age of 12 Asprin as it can cause Reye’s syndrome.
- Ensure your baby is getting plenty of fluids.
- Don’t over dress your baby or pile on too many blankets.
- A luke warm bath (Not Cold as this can raise the core temperature and cause a chill).
- A luke warm sponge bath.
- A damp cool cloth patted on the forehead.
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