Are you a first-time mom to a newborn with a fever for the first time? Or does your baby often have a fever and leaves stressed every time? In either of the cases, this blog post will help you understand all about fever in newborns and babies.

Fever is uncomfortable for the babies, and parents are restless too. Often the parents are clueless about the cause of fevers in newborns and babies.

But there are some symptoms you can check, such as how much temperature is considered a high fever in babies and how you can bring their body temperature down.

This article has detailed insight about all these things to make you and your child comfortable.

What is fever?

Fever is a temporary rise in the body’s natural temperature. First, let’s make it clear that fever is not an illness. Instead, it’s a symptom of some underlying sickness.

When a baby has a fever, it means the body is trying to fight infection. This fight leads to the stimulation of white blood cells (WBC) that fights the infection.

A slight increase in body temperature is considered normal and is not a cause of worry. This fever will go away without any treatment. But a high body temperature is considered a fever and needs immediate attention.

What is the average body temperature of newborns, and when is the fever?

The average body temperature is different for different individuals, whether kids or babies. Interestingly, human body temperature is highest between late afternoon and early evening. And the temperature is the lowest between midnight and early morning.

Another fascinating fact is that a newborn’s average body temperature is slightly higher than an adult’s! Also, the temperature depends upon their age, activities they are involved in, and time.

Thus, the average body temperature for newborns and babies varies and can change depending upon a particular time of the day. Most babies have a fever between 37°C (98.6°F) and 39°C (102). But generally, a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and higher is considered a fever.

Cause of fever in newborns and babies

Have you wondered what causes fever in these cute little angels? As mentioned above, fever isn’t an illness but the body’s indication of an underlying illness or infection. That’s why treatment of fever includes treating the root cause of it.

Here are a few reasons why your child might be having a fever:

• Common cold
• Throat infection
• Ear infection
• Intestinal infection
• Croup
• Influenza
• Sepsis
• RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus)
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• UTI (urinary tract infections)

Other factors of fever in newborns and babies:

Vaccinations

Your baby can have a fever after they receive their routine vaccination.

Teething

Teething is the most painful phase your little ones have to go through. It starts when the baby is around six months and contributes to a spike in temperature.

Heatstroke

Though heatstroke is a rare cause of fever, immediately call 911 or take your loved one to emergency care if your baby has a heat stroke.

Heatstroke is a critical condition in which your baby’s temperature rises when left in a heated atmosphere for a longer duration.

For example, leaving your baby in an overheated car may cause heat stroke, exposure to a hot environment like the beach, and an overdressed child in hot and humid weather.

Symptoms of fever in newborns

Don’t overlook the matter if you feel a spike in your child’s body temperature. It’s time for immediate action. But if you cannot identify if the baby has a fever or not, there are specific symptoms to look at, and you’ll know if there’s a right body temperature.

If your child is uncomfortable, there’s a change in their behavior, they seem a bit cranky, or they are not as active as they usually are, it’s time for to look for the following symptoms:

Abnormal behavior or unusual activities

• They are fussy
• They are more sleepy
• Appears flushed
• Feeling more thirsty
• More warm than usual
• They are sweating profusely

Along with these symptoms, look out for other issues like

• Sore throat
• Pain in ears
• Rashes
• Stomach ache

How to measure your baby’s temperature

If you suspect your child has a fever, the most obvious step is to note their temperature using an electronic digital thermometer. Ensure you are with your child while taking oral and rectal readings. And keep separate thermometers for oral and rectal readings.

However, the perfect location to gauge your child’s temperature depends entirely on age. You can follow these guidelines to choose a perfect method of measuring your child’s temperature as they age.

For 0 to 3 months old:

Rectal reading works best and is accurate reading for this age group. Alternatively, you can use an artery thermometer with an infrared scanner to pass over your baby’s forehead.

3 to 6 months old:

You can take a rectal reading or under-the-arm reading. Though under the arm reading isn’t that accurate, take a rectal reading. You can also try a temporal artery thermometer.

Six months and above:

Six months and above is a perfect age to use a digital ear thermometer. For taking an oral reading of your child, you’ll have to wait until they turn 4. Keep patience, mamma!

How to comfort your baby during fever

If your baby has a fever and is feeling chills, the regular practice would be to cover them with blankets and extra clothes. However, it’s not recommended by the doctors as it can make the fever terrible. Don’t overdress your child and let the heat escape.

Practice these simple ways to bring down your child’s fever:

Increase their fluid intake

Please provide them with plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration. For babies under six months old, breastfeeding is the best option. Older babies can also drink oral rehydration solution (ORS) water.

Provide medicine

Don’t be careless in providing medication as recommended by the doctor.

Please encourage them to take a rest

Please encourage them to rest, engage with them, and do fun activities they can enjoy while resting.

Use lightweight clothes

Do you overweight your child with lots of clothes? Dress them in lightweight cloth so the body’s heat and temperature drop.

Cool your surroundings

Ensure a cool and comfortable room for your babies. You can set up a fan to circulate cool air across the room.

Caution! If your baby has developed a fever due to contagious diseases like chickenpox or flu, it would be wise to keep your babies at a safe distance from older people, other children, or anyone who doesn’t have a robust immune system.

When to call a healthcare provider?

Being a professional, your baby’s health care provider has more specific advice for your little one. Therefore teach them on time to avoid any casualty. Here are a few guidelines to follow before calling a doctor. Call the doctor if:

For Infants-

The temperature rises to 100.4 F and higher

For three to six months old-

The temperature is 101 F or higher

For children older than six months-

The temperature is 103 F and higher

Let your doctor know the exact reading of the thermometer and the method you used to take the baby’s temperature (mentally, forehead, in the ear, or under the arm).

Contact the child health care provider immediately if the baby’s fever lasts for more than a day, i.e., 24 hours. Or if your newborn or older babies exhibit a combination of any of these symptoms along with fever:

• Stiff neck
• Sluggishness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Fussiness
• Nonstop crying
• Bluetongue, lips, or nails
• Limpness
• Drooling
• Trouble breathing
• Seizure

Final thoughts

Fever in newborns and babies can be a sign of a severe infection. If your baby has a fever, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best way to ensure a healthy outcome for your child.

In most cases, however, home treatment like proper rest and hydration can cure the fever; however, if you sense something serious, it’s better to rush to the doctor.

If your newborn has a fever of 100.4F or more, it would be wise to contact the healthcare advisor promptly.

Whenever you feel any cause of concern, feel free to reach out to the health care provider immediately. With proper care, medication and rest, your young one will feel better soon.

Happy parenting!

Other related articles:

The Do’s and Don’ts in Fever

How to reduce fever naturally in children