Should I Call The Doctor If My Baby Has A Fever
Sooner or later, your new baby will develop a fever. It would be a rare child who does not come down with some kind of illness that elevates their temperature. Babies can get fevers for a variety of reasons, and understanding the whys, can help you determine if you should call your doctor.
On a warm day, and over-dressed baby, particularly an active or squirmy one, can become flushed and hot. When their temperature is taken it is up. The first thing to do is remove some of the clothing, and place the child in a cool spot to rest or play quietly. Take their temperature again in 20-30 minutes, if there are no signs that their distress is increasing. Chances are, it will be headed back towards normal. Sometimes just a very active play session in hot weather, can make a toddler's temperature go up, and the cure is the same: remove some clothes, and cool down by taking a break.
Most fevers are the result of a child's body fighting off an infection of some sort. As white blood cells become active and mount a defense, their temperature will rise, and they may develop other symptoms, including coughing, excessive crying, restlessness, listlessness, lack of appetite, unwillingness to drink, diarrhea and vomiting. But occasionally, fever is the only symptom, and many times, it does not seem to interfere with their activities or behavior.
Generally speaking, a child with a fever, who has other symptoms of distress like vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive crying, may have an illness that requires medical attention. Take their temperature, and call your pediatrician with the results. Be prepared to give them a list of the symptoms. They may ask that you administer a fever-reducing medication such as acetaminophen, or if they are over six months of age, ibuprofen. It is best not to administer these on your own, if the child becomes ill suddenly, as the doctor may want to assess their condition without some of the symptoms being masked.
In addition to the medication, you can sponge your baby off in the tub, with lukewarm water, running it over their whole body and head. If the doctor has asked that you call them back after a specified time lapse, be sure that you take note of any changes in their condition.
A rule of thumb for calling the doctor, is for infants under three months, the temperature should be above 100F, and if they are over three months, a temperature of over 101F. Often times, the more obvious illnesses like flu, with a temperature and vomiting, are easier to diagnose than a temperature with no other symptoms.
Visit http://www.MalcolmsWeb.com and sign up for free weekly tips that will take the mystery and fear out of parenting your precious little one.
MORE RESOURCES:
Police investigating injured baby taken to McKeesport ER Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - Allegheny County police are investigating after a couple took an injured toddler to UPMC McKeesport yesterday. The parents said their son fell down the ... |
Kids' rooms that will grow with them Chicago Tribune, United States - By Judith Crown | AP Jennifer Cohen wishes she had had the sense to think about the cents she was lavishing on decorations for her baby daughter's bedroom. ... |
Wichita mom arrested for leaving baby in car Kansas City Star, MO - The mother of a toddler who went briefly missing when the family's car was stolen was arrested late Friday on charges of child endangerment and released ... |
Tom Germond I’ll keep running until it kills me Tampa Bay Newspapers, FL - By TOM GERMOND On a cool evening, as I was jogging on the sidewalk along Vonn Road, a woman and her two children were walking toward me. ... |
Injured baby in critical condition TVNZ, New Zealand - A 15-month-old toddler with serious injuries is in a critical condition in Starship Hospital in Auckland. Police are investigating the cause of the injuries ... |
Baby Jaheim was beaten, says autopsy Trinidad & Tobago Express, Trinidad and Tobago - A FRACTURED skull and blunt force trauma to his head, killed two-year-old Jaheim Roberts, an autopsy performed on the toddler revealed yesterday. ... |
Children's programs begin soon at library branches Niagara Falls Review, Canada - Register soon for affordable winter children's programs that begin Jan. 5 at all four branches of the Niagara Falls Public Library. ... |
The Parent Company Voluntarily Petitions for Reorganization ... Reuters - Through its baby business, the company is a leading online retailer of brand-name baby, toddler and maternity products sold through the BabyUniverse.com and ... The Parent Company Voluntarily Petitions for Reorganization ... |
Community to come together for tragic Baby P Wigan Today, UK - Balloons will be released in memory of the toddler, who suffered appalling abuse at the hands of his mother and two other people, which eventually led to ... |
Auburn calendar of events | Dec. 27 Auburn Reporter, WA - Story times: Library offers baby, toddler, preschool, and family story times. Call for details. Algona-Pacific Library, 225 Ellingson Road, Pacific. ... |
|
RELATED SITES Apply Online for Credit Card. Bad Credit, No Credit, No Problem.
Planning a wedding day soon? Everything you need for a beautiful and memorable wedding day
|
Language Development In Your Baby
From birth to one year your baby will go from crying to cooing to talking. Those are amazing milestones for your baby to accomplishment in such a short period of time as he develops his speech and language skills.
Potty Training Techniques That Dont Work
Your attitude and actions have a huge impact on your child's potty training success. The following potty training techniques don't work and should never be done:Punishing your child for accidentsMaking your child wear soiled diapers or underwearMaking your child sit on the potty for more than 5 to 10 minutes at a timeMaking your child "hold it" if he or she needs to goMaking your child sit on the potty when he or she is cryingTry to make potty training fun and exciting for your child.
Planning a Baby Shower
This article has information for the novice as well as the more experienced. Information is provided pertaining to when to plan the shower, who should give the shower and how to go about planning a baby shower.
How to Buy a Baby Crib Online
A baby crib is one of the most expensive things you will buy for your new baby. You can always go to your local store to shop for a crib, but you may find that your options are limited in terms of finding the perfect baby crib.
Baby Shower for Twins (Or More) Peas in a Pod
Baby shower for twins or multiples can be given when the mother-to-be is expecting twins or more. Having twins is twice as nice.
Baby Shower Favors to Spice up Your Baby Shower
Baby Shower Favors should be at every baby shower for its guests. Cute little items, items that are easily available, are perfect for your baby shower.
Baby Strollers Tips and Advice
You have just learned that you are expecting a bundle of joy and now you need to begin getting the things your baby will need. If this is your first baby all the decisions you need to make may seem overwhelming at first.
Baby Clipart for All Your Baby Shower Printing Needs
Baby clipart is the perfect accent to all of your baby shower printing needs. Whether announcements, invitations, thank you notes or stationery.
Baby Shower for Mom and the Ladies
Baby Shower for Moms who just wanna have fun! This type of baby shower is not the only type of shower given today. Traditionally, baby showers have been thrown for mommy-to-be and the guest list was strictly women.
Its Not Too Late to Vaccinate Against the Fear of Failure Flu
There's an epidemic in our culture. Have you heard of the 'fear of failure flu?'Early symptoms include sweaty palms and a knot in the stomach.
Traveling With Babies
If you start baby travel slowly and plan wisely, both you and baby will enjoy first-class comfort. Begin with baby steps and you'll find that soon you and your little one will be able to walk, ride, or fly in the fast lane.
Baby Shower Food Items
Baby shower food items are one of the most important features of the baby shower. When guests arrive at a baby shower they are expecting food that includes desserts, appetizers, and baby shower finger food.
Dressing A Toddler, Whomever She Is Today
Some things we take for granted. Like getting dressed.
Babies Suffering For Colic
About one quarter of babies will suffer from colic from around age 3 weeks - and you will suffer too! All babies cry of course, but those with colic will cry relentlessly for at least three hours several times a week, usually in the evening when your partner gets home from work. This can be a stressful time for you all, but it will go away of its own accord once baby reaches about 12 weeks.
Baby Shower for Second Baby
Having a shower for second baby used to be considered greedy and unacceptable. But now it is not only acceptable, but it is actually necessary for some families to have a baby shower for second baby.
Guide to Easy, Affordable Baby Shower Decorations
Great baby shower decorations are more about using your imagination than your pocketbook! You can create a wonderful party mood with simple, high-impact arrangements. This article details some of the best ideas for baby shower decorations.
Baby Crib Safety - Frequently Asked Questions
The crib is where your baby will spend a lot of their time and you want to be sure they are safe. Below are some of the questions (with the answers) that are asked about crib safety.
Should Baby Bedding Be Tight or Loose?
Many parents already know that it is better not to use bedding with small babies. It would be better for them to be dressed in something that will keep them warm.
Gift Giving For Baby
Since they are you friends or relatives, chances are you know their lifestyle. Do they like to travel or like taking day trips to the amusement parks or zoos? If yes, backpack diaper bag is a good idea.
Young Child Games-But When Do I Stop Playing Baby Games, You Ask?
As a baby matures and starts to show the first signs of independence the games that you play will change dramatically. The turning point comes as he progresses from crawling to walking.