See a doctor if your baby’s temperature is higher or lower than the following normal ranges. You only need to check your baby’s temperature when you think he/she is ill.
Causes Of Fever In Children
• Bacterial Infections
• Viral Infections
• Certain Medications
• Heat Illness
Symptoms Of Fever In Children
• Irritability and fussiness
• Lethargy
• Being too quiet
• Feel warm or hot to touch
• Not feeding normally
• Prolonged and inconsolable crying
• Breathing rapidly
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
For children, less than 3 months (90 days) old, take an armpit temperature. It’s a safe and easy method that is adequate for screening. This is how to take armpit temperatures:
• Make sure your baby’s armpit is dry.
• Put the tip of the thermometer in your baby’s armpit, directly against her skin (skin should completely surround the tip of the thermometer).
• Close your baby’s armpit by holding her elbow against her chest.
• Follow the directions on your thermometer to determine how long you should hold the thermometer in place before reading it.
Your child has a fever if his temperature is:
• Higher than 37.8 degrees C measured orally or in the ear.
• Higher than 37.5 degrees C measured under the arm.
Handling Fever in Babies
• Increase your child’s intake of water and other fluids. It is very important to keep his/her body well hydrated. If he/she refuses to have too many fluids at one time, give them at frequent intervals.
• Let your child get proper rest and sleep. This will allow his/her body rejuvenate and recover completely.
• As long as the temperature is at or below 38.5 degrees C, do not give antipyretic medication to your child, unless he/she is 3 months or younger.
• Sponge your child with a wet compress as many times as you can. When it is not possible, keep a wet compress on his/her forehead, temples and feet, using lukewarm water. Please do not use rubbing alcohol.
• Do not put too many clothes on your child. Dress him/her lightly and make sure that the clothes are not too tight.
• See the doctor if your child is 3 months or younger and has a temperature of 38.5 degrees C or higher.
