Fever in Babies
I find myself at times worrying about my son needlessly. I’m sure every new mother is like this. Is his crying because of pain, or just needing some love? Every now and then he feels very warm to the touch, and I wonder if he has a fever or is getting sick. Half the time I’m at a loss to determine what is really wrong, but checking for a fever is one of those simple things to figure out. If you’re like me though, I had no idea what temp is considered a fever for a baby, and how I should take a baby’s temperature. Here are some helpful tips.
Age
What we consider a fever for a grown adult is much different for a child. It is much harder for an adult’s body temperature to fluctuate than it is for a child’s. So for infants and young children, a higher temperature is not out of the ordinary. At what temperature should you start to worry then?
- 0-8 weeks: Fever is greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- 8 weeks – 6 months: Fever is greater than 101 degrees
- 6 months – 2 years: Fever is greater than 103 degrees
Taking Baby’s Temperature
There are four ways to take a child’s temperature. Check to see what kind of thermometer you have. Always use a thermometer designed for one part of the body in the correct spot.
- Rectum: This is the most accurate and recommended method for infants. Put a little vaseline on the end and put just the very tip of the thermometer into the rectum. Wait until it beeps.
- Mouth: Suggested for older children. Accurate readings by placing the thermometer under the tongue until it beeps.
- Ear: Quick and easy for any age, though not recommended for very small infants. Used by putting a specially designed thermometer in the ear for a couple of seconds. Not as accurate as other methods, since incorrect positioning, ear wax, and movement can cause an inaccurate reading.
- Armpit: This is the least accurate, but an easy and quick method if you are dealing with a squirming infant. Using an oral thermometer, hold the tip in the armpit and press child’s arm gently but firmly against their body. Wait until it beeps.
Temperature Readings
How you take a temperature can affect the temperature reading. It might be a few degrees off with one method versus another. Here is a basic idea of the difference that can occur when using different methods.
- Rectum: 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Mouth: 99.5 degrees
- Ear: depending on the setting, 99.5 degrees to 100.5 degrees
- Arm pit: 99.0 degrees
Really the best advice when it comes to fever is to go with your instinct. If you are in doubt, don’t hesitate to call your peditrician. You’ll have peace of mind if it turns out to be nothing, and you’ll help your child get better if it’s serious.
