If Your Baby Is Sick

Fever

A temperature of 98.6°F is considered normal, but body temperature typically varies during the day. It’s usually lowest in the morning and highest in the afternoon. Normal temperatures also differ from person to person. Small children frequently have a higher normal temperature than adults. Fever may be a sign that your child’s body is fighting an infection such as a cold, ear infection, or bronchitis. You should contact your pediatrician immediately if:

• Fever is greater than 100.4°F in an infant younger than 3 months old
• Fever is greater than 101°F in an infant 3 to 6 months old
• Fever is greater than 102°F in an infant older than 6 months

Taking Baby's Temperature

Feeling your child’s forehead to see if it’s warm can only help determine if you need to take a temperature. To determine the severity of a fever, you can take your child’s temperature at one of four spots on the body:

• Rectum (rectal): a digital rectal thermometer is dipped in petroleum jelly and inserted half an inch into the rectum for approximately 1 minute or until it beeps. It produces accurate results and is the recommended method for babies less than 3 years of age
• Mouth (oral): a digital oral thermometer is placed under the tongue for approximately 1 minute or until it beeps. This method is also accurate but is suggested for children at least 4 to 5 years of age
• Armpit (axillary): a digital oral thermometer is placed in the armpit for approximately 1 minute or until it beeps. Although this method can be easier than oral or rectal methods, it’s less reliable and not recommended in infants younger than 3 months
• Ear (tympanic): a special digital ear thermometer is placed in the ear for just a few seconds. Using a digital ear thermometer is quick and easy, but wax buildup or incorrect positioning can affect its accuracy. Most pediatricians do not recommend using an ear thermometer on children

Remember: never use a thermometer designed for one part of the body to take a temperature in another.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using only a digital thermometer for your baby. Mercury thermometers should be removed from your home to avoid accidental exposure to this toxin.

When to Call Your Pediatrician

In addition to taking your child’s temperature, pay close attention to other symptoms. Call your pediatrician if your child has any of the following symptoms:

• Stiff neck
• Persistent vomiting
• Dry mouth, sunken fontanel, or fewer wet diapers
• Irritability that cannot be comforted
• Skin rash other than diaper rash
• Fever lasting more than a few days
• Fever that goes away for more than 24 hours, then returns

• Fever above 100.4°F in an infant younger than 3 months old
• Fever above 101°F in an infant 3 to 6 months old
• Fever above 102°F in an infant older than 6 months

When in doubt, call your pediatrician.

Seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911 or another emergency number if your child:

• Appears lethargic or unresponsive or refuses to eat
• Has a seizure
• Has difficulty breathing

Subtler symptoms may also be signs of illness— for example, baby isn’t interested in being held, is more irritable or tired than usual, cries more weakly than usual, doesn’t smile when a favorite toy is offered, or just doesn’t seem to behave as usual. The best thing to do if you notice these signs is to call your pediatrician.

Treating Fever

After checking with your pediatrician there are some steps you can take at home to lower fever.

Medication: Over-the-counter medications such as Infants’ TYLENOL^® and Infants’ MOTRIN^® are effective for lowering temperature and relieving pain when used as directed. Remember to talk to your doctor about the proper dose for your baby.

Fluids: Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. This will help prevent dehydration and cool the body. Younger babies should be offered water or a feeding. Older children can have diluted fruit juice in addition to water. Avoid soda and liquids with caffeine.

Warmth: Sometimes children with fever also get the chills. Use a blanket for warmth, and hold your baby for extra warmth and comfort. Remember not to put your baby in the crib with a blanket.

Cool off: Keep your child at rest in loose, light cotton clothing, and give a lukewarm (slightly warmer than room temperature) sponge bath to help lower body temperature.