Fever
A fever can leave both you and your baby unsettled and you may be worried if your baby’s temperature is rising. A fever is part of your baby’s defence mechanisms and is the body’s way of defending itself against infection. If your child is under six months old and develops a fever higher than 38 degrees C or more it is best to visit a doctor as this could be a warning sign that something may be wrong.
How can I detect that my baby has a fever?
Your baby’s body may feel hotter than usual and your baby may express some of the following symptoms such as:
- Feeling tired and sleepy
- Lack of appetite
- Crying regularly
- Unsettled and restless
You can monitor your baby’s fever by using a fever monitor which can be purchased from most pharmacies. Normal body temperature is within the range of 36 degrees C to 37 degrees C for babies.
What can I do to bring down my baby’s fever?
You can try to bring down your baby’s fever by doing the following things:
- Giving your baby regular feeds will help to keep your baby hydrated and keep his or her energy levels consistent
- Make sure your baby rests well and has a good sleep
- Make sure your baby eats well in order to keep up her energy
- You might choose to give your baby Calpol or Infant Paracetamol which will help to bring the fever down.
If your baby’s fever rises and they start experiencing fits or is overheated you should seek assistance from the hospital immediately and call the ambulance as it could be dangerous.
Baby Health Concerns:
Mother, Baby and Beyond
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Mother, Baby and Beyond
- Baby calendar
- Newborn Baby’s Check-ups and Tests
- Newborn Babies’ Appearance
- Bonding with Your Baby
- A Guide to Sleeping for Mother and Baby
- Coping with a Crying Baby
- Sibling Bonding
- The Father’s Role
- Postnatal Health
- Baby Predicaments
- Sex after Childbirth
- Weaning and Moving onto Solid Foods
- Travelling with a Newborn Baby
- Losing Baby Weight
- Baby Health Concerns
- Breastfeeding
- Caring for your child
- Looking after Twins
- Baby vaccinations
- Caring for your newborn
- Mother and Baby Myths
- Mother and baby development FAQ
Related Guides
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Guide to Getting Pregnant
- Guide to Pregnancy
- Guide to Giving Birth
- Guide to Pregnancy Tests
- Mother, Baby & Beyond Guide
- Guide to Pain Relief in Labour
- Guide to pregnancy scans
- Pregnancy calendar guide
- Baby calendar guide
- Child development calendar guide
- Guide to miscarriage
- Guide to breastfeeding
- Guide to sleeping for mother & baby
- Guide to birth defects
- Guide to Post Natal depression