It’s important to know what to do and how to check your baby’s temperature if you suspect they are suffering from a fever. Here is some information you should know.
How can I tell my baby has a temperature?
You can test your baby’s temperature by placing your hand over their forehead, and if it feels hot or warmer than usual they probably are suffering with a high temperature.
Your baby can also display some of the following signs if he or she is suffering from a high temperature; flushed cheeks, feeling clammy or sweaty, skin that is hot to the touch.
How can I take my baby’s temperature?
You can test your baby’s temperature with a thermometer. Rectal and ear thermometers tend to be most accurate. You can also test their temperature with a digital thermometer by placing it under your baby’s armpit and lowering their arm. Strip type thermometers are not as reliable as they only tell the temperature of the baby’s external body temperaturfe from the skin, and not their internal body temperature.
What is the normal temperature for a baby?
The normal temperature that a baby should have is between 36 and 37 degrees celsius. A temperature above this is considered high.
How can I treat my baby’s temperature?
Give your baby lots to drink, bottles and breastfeeding also, and keep them hydrated and offer foods to keep their energy up. Try to keep your baby cool but not cold at the same time, a light sheet or blanket in bed. Infant paracetamol or ibuprofen can also be taken if a child is over 3 months, however consult your GP for guidance.
How can I tell if the fever is serious?
If your baby has a temperature and is also drowsy or sleepy, refusing drinks (including breastfeeding and bottle feeds) for more than eight hours, or has had less than half of what she usually drinks in 24 hours, dry lips, darker urine, has an unexplained rash or a soft spot in baby’s head you should consult your GP as these can be signs of a fever developing into something more serious.
How can I tell between heat rash and meningitis?
A heat rash appears as small red bumps and blisters that can be itchy, but however it usually disappears quite quickly. Meningitis comes in the form of a blue/purple pin prick like spots and will not disappear under a glass. Use the glass test by applying pressure and rolling a clear glass over a suspected rash, if it does not disappear when the glass is rolled over it, it could be meningitis.
Febrile seizures- what are they?
Febrile seizures are fits that sometimes occur in young children and babies, usually between the ages of 0 months and five years, when they are suffering from a high temperature. Despite being frightening to any parent to watch, they are rarely harmful. They usually last between five and fifteen minutes. Call 112 or bring your child to A&E if they are having a febrile seizure for the first time and if it is going on for longer than five minutes. If your baby has suffered with a febrile seizure before and has been diagnosed, call your GP. When a child is having a seizure remove anything that could be in their mouth (a dummy or food) and lay them flat on the ground, loosen tight clothing and do not restrain them in any way.
maternity & infant
Originally posted 2015-07-21 16:09:56.