Fever in babies is one of the most common ailments that parents have to deal with. Parents should not be in panic right away the moment the temperature of their baby rise above 36° Celsius. However, parents should not be in a rush to bring down the temperature especially when the temperature is about 38°C. This range of temperature means that the baby’s body is trying to fight off the infection by neutralizing the virus that is causing it. Parent should understand that the infection reaches its peak at from two to three days. If there is no interference, the baby’s body will be able to recover from the infection. But if parents immediately do something to prevent the temperature from rising, the illness may last longer.
Fever in babies that reaches 37.5°C and is brought down immediately, the infection may lasts longer than expected. However, parents should be keep on monitoring their baby’s temperature because if it shoots up to more than 38°C, then it is time for them to do something to bring it down. It does not mean though that they should take lower fever temperatures for granted as some babies are not able to tolerate even slight fever. They may lose consciousness even at 37°c only.
Fever in babies should not be treated with aspirin as this may cause some bleeding. Some research indicates that aspirin may damage the brain as well as the liver of children. Doctors do not also advise the use of analgium in lowering the temperature because it can be toxic to the body of the baby. Parents may ask their baby’s doctor if they can give him or her paracetamol instead. However, they should use the safest that they can find especially those that do not include dyes or even smells. This precaution is for the prevention of allergies in babies suffering from fever.
Parents can make use of natural means of lowering the fever in babies. Mothers most especially may use a damp soft cloth or sponge to wipe the entire body of their babies. They can make use of some vinegar and water solution for this purpose. Mothers will have to make sure that their babies have sufficient liquid intake. They should also refrain from wrapping their babies with very thick and warm blankets. This would only cause the fever in babies to go up to very high temperature. Parents may need to feed their babies by force at first but later on, they may feed him or her when the baby likes.
Parents have to be very observant when they deal with fever in babies. There are some signs that they should take note of such as cramps, rashes or bruised eyes. They also have to observe if the baby does not respond well to them and if he or she feels drowsy. Parents have to be alarmed if the baby vomits continuously or is suffering from diarrhea. They will have to bring the baby to the doctor. Fever in babies should not be taken lightly by parents but they should not also panic but instead they should learn more about handling it whenever it happens.
