For first time parents, their baby’s first fever is usually a scary situation. But if you’re well prepared, it is nothing to panic about. Infants are very delicate in the first few months of their life and their immune system takes time to develop. So it is important to pay attention to any changes in your baby’s behavior. Touch your baby’s forehead and check to see if it is warm. It is not always necessary for the baby’s body to heat up if he/she has a fever.
Look out for symptoms such as:
- Running nose
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Unusual crankiness (Irritability)
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of sleep
- Rashes
If the baby seems warm, check the temperature using a thermometer. Make sure the thermometer is clean. If the thermometer shows the temperature around 101-103 degrees, he/she has a fever. Babies under the age of 3 months require immediate medical attention whereas babies older than 6 months can be observed by the parents at home for 24 hours. If the fever is still constant or rises again then make sure to contact your doctor immediately.
Tips to follow to handle your baby’s first fever:
- Never give your baby medicines without consulting the doctor first. Always ask your doctor which medicine is apt for your baby’s weight and the prevailing condition.
- Fever causes the infants to lose fluids faster. Keeping your baby hydrated throughout the fever prevents the condition from worsening any further.
- Try to reduce your infant’s fever by giving him/her a sponge bath with lukewarm water.
- Do not give a sponge bath with cold water or with rubbing alcohol as it may bring down the temperature too fast and then the temperature may rise higher than before.
- Never give your baby aspirin as it may become a cause of a fatal illness known as Reye’s Syndrome.
Following these tips will help you prepare for your child’s first fever. Remember to consult your doctor in case of any confusion. Pay attention to your baby’s behavior in order to determine his/her condition and then consult the doctor to get the best care possible for your child. For more useful information about preventive postnatal care, you can check out this page.
