Discover how to manage your child’s fever at home when they are unwell and develop high temperatures.

Understanding Fever

• Fever is the body’s natural response to fighting infections.
• Always seek medical assistance for infants under three months old with a fever.
• You can check the temperature using a thermometer or by touch.
• Ease your child’s discomfort by adjusting their clothing layers.
• Follow medication instructions carefully and give the correct dosage as needed.

Types of Thermometers

Normal vs. Mild vs. High Fever

The normal body temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius, with mild fevers slightly higher and high fevers significantly elevated.

Digital Thermometers

Different types of thermometers provide quick and accurate readings for all ages.

Choose the appropriate thermometer based on your child’s age and needs.

Alternative Temperature Check

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can gauge your child’s temperature by feeling their neck.

Teething and Fever

Teething itself does not cause fevers; a fever in teething babies may indicate an underlying illness.

Importance of Regular Temperature Monitoring

It is important to regularly monitor your child’s temperature, especially when they are sick or teething. This can help you keep track of any changes and seek medical attention if necessary.

When to Seek Medical Help

If your child’s fever is accompanied by specific symptoms, contact a doctor for further evaluation.

• Watch out for unusual sleepiness or irritability.
• Be alert to any changes in responsiveness or breathing difficulties.
• Monitor drinking and wet nappies for any variations.
• Look out for a non-blanching rash or light aversion.

Comfort Measures for Fever

To make your child more comfortable, provide rest, cuddles, fluids, and adjust their clothing layers gradually.

Medication Use

Assess the necessity of medication based on symptoms before giving any to your child.

• Always follow dosage instructions carefully.
• Ensure that the medicine is appropriate for your child’s age and condition.
• Exercise caution when using paracetamol and ibuprofen, especially with dehydrated children.

Teething and Fever Relationship

While teething itself doesn’t cause fevers, it often coincides with common illness periods in babies.

Teething-Related Temperature

Teething may lead to a slight increase in temperature but doesn’t typically result in high fevers.

Teething Symptoms

Teething is a common milestone for babies, usually starting around 6 months of age. Some common symptoms of teething include drooling, irritability, swollen gums, and the desire to chew on things. It’s important to provide your baby with teething toys or clean, cool objects to chew on to help alleviate their discomfort.

There has been ongoing debate among parents and healthcare professionals about the connection between teething and fever. Some believe that teething can cause a low-grade fever in babies, while others argue that any fever during teething is likely due to an unrelated illness. It’s important to consult with your child’s healthcare provider if they develop a fever while teething to rule out any other potential causes.

Teething Spurs Fevers?

Low-grade fevers in children may be associated with gum inflammation during teething.

Monitor fevers with a thermometer and consult a doctor if they persist.

In addition to the body’s natural inflammatory response during teething, it is important for parents to be aware of other symptoms that may indicate an actual illness rather than just teething discomfort. These symptoms can include persistent high fever, excessive drooling, diarrhea, and rash.

It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider if your child’s fever is above 100.4°F (38°C) or if they are exhibiting other concerning symptoms. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure the health and well-being of teething babies.

While teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, understanding the potential effects on the immune system and overall health can help in managing symptoms effectively and providing necessary care.

Other Symptoms of Teething

In addition to fevers, watch for irritability, drooling, gum sensitivity, sleep disturbances, and loss of appetite as common teething symptoms in children.

Some other symptoms that may indicate teething include:

• Red and swollen gums
• Chewing on fingers or toys
• Ear pulling
• Cheek rubbing
• Increased crying or fussiness

It’s important to note that while many symptoms can be attributed to teething, if your child is experiencing persistent high fever, diarrhea, or other severe symptoms, it’s best to consult with a pediatrician to rule out other possible causes.

Treating Teething Fever

To alleviate discomfort and fever in your child, consider using cold compresses, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, ensuring increased fluids, and promoting adequate rest. It is also recommended to gently massage your child’s gums with a clean finger or cool teething ring to provide relief. Additionally, offering chilled foods such as yogurt or applesauce can help soothe sore gums. Remember to consult with your child’s pediatrician before giving any medication and to monitor their temperature closely.

When to See a Doctor

If your child’s fever persists above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, lasts more than a few days, or is unresponsive to over-the-counter medications, seek medical attention.

Other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or breathing difficulties also warrant prompt medical assessment.

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A fever in babies, typically indicated by a body temperature of 38°C or higher, can be a sign of an underlying illness. It is essential to monitor your baby’s temperature closely and seek medical attention if necessary. Remember, early detection and prompt treatment are key in managing fevers in infants.

What symptoms are related to a fever in babies?

Common signs of fever in babies include feeling hot to the touch, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, feeding habits, and potential skin reactions or seizures.

In addition to these common symptoms, parents should also look out for other signs of illness in babies with a fever, such as lethargy, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration. It is important to monitor the baby’s temperature closely and seek medical attention if the fever persists or if the baby shows signs of severe distress.

What causes a fever?

Fever in babies is a response to infections caused by viruses, bacteria, UTIs, ear infections, or vaccinations, not teething.

How to take your baby’s temperature

Accurate thermometer use is crucial to monitor your baby’s temperature effectively. It is important to choose reliable thermometer types, such as digital thermometers, while avoiding less accurate options like mercury-based thermometers.

When taking your baby’s temperature, make sure to follow these steps for an accurate reading:

• Place the thermometer under your baby’s armpit or in their rectum for the most accurate results.
• Hold the thermometer in place for the recommended amount of time, typically around 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Remember to clean the thermometer before and after each use to prevent any contamination.

If your baby’s temperature is above 100.4°F (38°C), consult a doctor for further guidance on how to care for your little one.

How is the cause of a fever diagnosed?

If your baby has a fever of 38°C or higher and is under 3 months old, or displays signs of breathing difficulties, reduced urine output, drowsiness, stiffness, vomiting, or persistent pain, seek medical help immediately.

When should I see my doctor?

Babies under 3 months with a fever or signs of severe illness require immediate hospital care. Contact healthcare services promptly if unsure.

Other ways to help reduce fever in babies:

• Keep your baby’s room at a comfortable temperature
• Use a cool washcloth to gently wipe your baby’s forehead, arms, and legs
• Avoid overdressing your baby
• Monitor your baby’s temperature regularly
• If your baby’s fever is high or persistent, contact your healthcare provider for further guidance

Remember, fever is often the body’s way of fighting off infection, so it’s important to provide comfort and monitor your baby’s symptoms closely. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your baby’s fever or overall health.

Resources and support

Consult your doctor or child health nurse for guidance on managing fever in babies, with resources available in multiple languages.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Speak with a maternal child health nurse at Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby by calling 1800 882 436 for assistance, available daily from 7am to midnight (AET).

Source s :

Last reviewed: December 2024

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• Learn about common childhood illnesses and how to prevent them.

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Need more information?

Explore fever-related information, treatment options, and when to seek medical attention on the MyDoctor website for an in-depth understanding.

Fever factsheet from the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network

Find out how fevers help the body combat infections on the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network website.

Fever information on Better Health Channel

Discover how a mild fever can boost the immune system on the Better Health Channel website.

Risks of covering prams from Red Nose Australia

Prevent overheating and suffocation by ensuring proper ventilation in prams for your baby’s safety. Read sun safety tips on the Red Nose website.

Fever insights from Rahma Health

Explore details about fevers above 38°C on the Rahma Health website.

Infographic on managing fever in children

Learn about caring for a child with a fever, when to seek medical help, and home remedies on the Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website.

Choosing appropriate baby clothes from Raising Children Network

Dress your baby in layers for optimal comfort during sleep. For more guidance, visit raisingchildren.net.au.

Serious childhood illnesses: 0-3 years from Raising Children Network

Identify severe illness symptoms in babies and toddlers on the raisingchildren.net.au website for additional information.

Types of thermometers

Find out about different thermometer options for monitoring your baby’s temperature on the Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website.

Bedding recommendations from Red Nose Australia

Learn about safe bedding practices regardless of the season on the Red Nose website.

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Related pages

• Learn to recognize well-being in babies through a video.
• Get information on managing colds, flu, and vomiting in babies.
• Identify signs of illness in children for timely intervention.

Search our site for

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