A slight increase in your newborn’s temperature can be worrying especially for first-time parents. Infants have developing immune systems which are prone to catch infections easily, a slight temperature change can be a signal of something serious. While fevers are common and most of the time are harmless on its own, knowing what is considered high fever in infants can help you decide whether to reach out to your doctor already.
As new parents adapt to their new life of caring for a newborn, they seek for tools to be used to make caregiving for newborns convenient and easier. For example, many fathers find that using a newborn carrier for dad provides comfort and bonding while keeping hands free to handle other tasks. With these kinds of helpful tools, it helps you gain more confidence in caring for your child and understanding what is considered high fever in infants helps you manage health concerns with clarity and calm. In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about fevers, temperature checks and when you should be calling your pediatrician.
Defining Fever in Infants
So, you may wonder what is a fever? it’s our body’s normal reaction to either an illness or an infection, it’s the warning button of our body that tells us something is wrong. In babies, this is a rectal temperature of approximately 38°C or more. Fevers that are mild can be seen as the body’s initial defense mechanism to combat germs, it should be noted that when a fever surpass a certain temperature this requires more care and attention because it might have other problems behind it, especially in babies that are just under the age of 3 months.
How to Accurately Take an Infant’s Temperature
Knowing how to accurately check the temperature of your child is essential, because different ways of checking can have different results. If you’re going to check your infant’s temperature, doctors recommend going for:
- Rectal thermometers – this is the most accurate way of checking temperature for babies under 3 months old.
- Temporal artery thermometers – while forehead scans can be useful, they are often less precise.
- Axillary thermometers – underarm readings are also easily done but are less accurate.
- Ear thermometers – advisable for older babies as newborn’s ear canals may be too small.
It’s always advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instruction. If your baby seems really unwell, you can always confirm with a rectal reading.
The Specific Temperature That Signals a High Fever
You might still be wondering, what is considered high fever in infants?
- For newborns around 0 – 3 months – any fever that reaches 38°C or higher is considered serious and needs medical attention immediately
- For infants at 3 – 6 months – the temperature of 38.9°C or higher
- Older infants at 6 – 12 months – A fever of 39.4°C or higher
But in very young babies, even a low-grade fever can be a serious concern and a sign of infection.
Beyond the Number: Other Signs to Watch For
The number on thermometers matters, but your baby’s overall behavior and symptoms should also be taken into consideration. You should call your doctor once you noticed:
- Any breathing difficulty
- Refusing to drink or feed
- Continuous vomiting or diarrhea
- A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed down
- Extreme irritability or unusual drowsiness.
- Seizures or unusual jerking movements
There are times when these symptoms can be more telling about the underlying issue than of the fever itself.
When to Call the Doctor Immediately
Seek urgent medical attention if you see these symptoms:
- A baby under 3 months old has a fever of 38°C or higher.
- There is difficulty in waking, lethargy or stiff neck accompanied by the fever
- Signs of dehydration like few wet diapers, dry mouth and no tears when crying
- If fever is not going away for more than 3 days especially in babies over 6 months
If you feel that something isn’t right, trust your instincts and call your doctor immediately, it’s always best to be sure and safe than sorry.
Debunking Common Fever Myths
There are many myths and misconceptions about fevers particularly in infants that many parents still hold to date, therefore let’s debunk these myths together:
- Myth 1: Fevers always have to be treated instantly.
- Fact: A fever itself isn’t dangerous at all. It’s the body’s defense mechanism. Treatment should focus on the underlying cause and keeping the baby comfortable.
- Myth 2: High fevers can cause brain damage.
- Fact: Brain damage from fever is extremely rare and only occurs at dangerously high temperatures (above 107°F/41.6°C).
- Myth 3: Teething causes high fever.
- Fact: Teething may cause a mild temperature rise but not a true fever. A high fever likely indicates another issue.
Treating a Fever at Home (Under a Doctor’s Guidance)
If you’ve already called your pediatrician and confirmed that it is safe to manage this at home, we’ll provide some tips and ways that you could do to keep your infant comfortable:
- Offer plenty of fluids – breastmilk or formula even small sips at a time can help prevent dehydration.
- Dress lightly – avoid overdressing them. Keep your child in breathable clothes.
- Use lukewarm baths or cool compresses – these helps bring the temperature down naturally.
- Medication – if advised by doctor, you can give Tylenol for babies over 2 months but make sure that this is approved by your pediatrician.
Never give your children aspirin, because this causes a serious condition called Reye’s Syndrome.
The Role of a Fever: A Natural Defense Mechanism
Seeing your child ill or not really feeling themselves can be frustrating and scary especially for new parents, but one should remember that fever isn’t the enemy here. Fever is a sign that your baby’s immune system is doing its job. By raising the temperature of the body this makes it harder for bacteria and viruses to survive. But understanding what is considered a high fever in infants allows you to distinguish between a harmless immune response and a potential emergency situation.
Final Thoughts
So, what is considered high fever in infants? For infants under 3 months, anything above 38°C is quite serious, whereas for older infants, slightly higher temperatures are the criteria. It’s also important to know that fever accompanied by any alarming symptoms should be taken to your pediatrician at once.
As a parent, whenever your child is ill, the main concern here is watching their temperature and your baby’s behavior. With sufficient knowledge and supportive tools like a newborn carrier for dad to keep your little one close, you can respond as early as possible in a calm and efficient way to address their concerns. Fevers are frightening especially if you’re uninformed. But fevers are a natural part of your child’s early development. Helping their immune system develop further. With proper guidance from your healthcare provider and trusting your instincts, you can be at more ease and have the peace of mind that you’re providing your child the care they need.
