INFANT FEVER

Is your baby acting unusually fussy, seems limp and less playful, and not eating or sleeping how they usually would? It could be time to check your child's temperature - they might be developing a fever.

The first time my daughter had a fever, I was frightened for her and completely clueless as to what to do. I was also experience a full-blown fever myself when my daughter woke up feeling very warm after a long [obviously] sleepless night. Due to the fact that she is currently under the three month mark, I made the decision as I was mid-air jumping out of bed that she needed to go straight to the hospital. In the paediatric office I paid close attention to all the questions they were asking me and I pieced together in my mind all the signs of fever she was showing and how I could have missed them. Between her attitude and apatite I should have figured something was wrong. Even though I had a feeling that something wasn't right, I decided I was just worrying too much. My first and foremost piece of advice: If something inside is telling you that there is something wrong, go to a doctor. Always better to be safe than sorry.

A baby having a fever can be a cause for concern, and a baby under 3 months should always be taken straight to emergency or to a doctor. It is not always easy to tell if your baby has a fever or is developing one, but there are clues you can look for and steps you can take to help ensure your baby is as comfortable as possible and ways to make sure the fever doesn't get worse.

What is a fever? A temperature of 36 - 38 celcius is considered normal but anything above that would be a good indication of a fever. The body will raise it's temperature in an attempt to fight an infection. This is the body's defence mechanism. There are different reasons as to why the body would have an infection, such as a viral infection or bacterial. Viral infections need some TLC and perhaps tylenol, while a bacterial infection needs those things along with antibiotics. Most people can not differentiate between a viral or bacteria infection, so it is best to take a trip to the doctors so they can properly diagnose what is going on.

Clues. Some things to always be mindful of are changes in apatite (eating much less), very fussy when eating, and seeming increasingly irritable. You may also notice a decline in your baby's playing, and they might look very flushed. They might be tugging or rubbing their ear, have a cough, or feel limp and heavier than normal.

Try listening to your baby's cry and watching how they behave, most parents will be able to pick up on the small clues if they are closely paying attention. If you have any concerns, take the child's temperature. For children under 6 months it is best not to use an in-ear thermometer as it can damage their delicate ear drums. Instead, use a rectal thermometer or under the arm. For children who are 6 months or older, any type will do.

*Side note: Always make sure you promptly discard a thermometer if it breaks or cracks.

Children's tylenol will usually help bring down a high fever, but it is best not to administer the tylenol yourself without the advice of a physician before the baby is 3 months of age. Keeping the body cool is important, so do not cover the baby in blankets and many layers. One layer cotton onesie is enough to keep the child cool without them being cold. In the hospital, nurses will usually have the baby in just their diaper. A cool wet cloth can be applied to the child's forehead or face to help bring their skin's temperature down. If you have a cool mist humidifier, turning that on will add moisture to the air. The increase of moisture will help sooth a cough and nasal passages, as well as loosen mucus in the lungs. You can get these same benefits by running a hot shower and sitting in there as you inhale the air.

Keep in mind, a baby who is around 6 months of age and older could possibly get a fever because of growing a tooth!

As previously stated, if you think something is wrong and you can go to the doctor, please go. I am not a doctor by any means but these are pieces of advice that other parents swear by and nurses have given me advice on.