Your baby has a fever
What is fever
We speak of fever when the body temperature exceeds 38 ° C. This phenomenon, in most cases harmless, allows the body to fight an infection and that is why if the fever is low it is not always necessary to treat it. If, on the other hand, the fever exceeds 38.5 ° C, your baby will be sick and may even have convulsions (muscle spasms).
Generally, these crises are not serious but it is still important to see a doctor. Any symptoms accompanying fever should also be kept in mind: diarrhea, general malaise, fatigue, red spots on the skin, breathing difficulties ...
See also
Your baby is one year old
Do you have to run to the doctor?
We recommend that you go to the doctor right away if your baby is under 6 months old. If she is over 6 months old and you see she can handle a low fever well, you can take care of her yourself. In any case, if after 2 or 3 days the fever persists or if your child has seizures you will need to go to the doctor as soon as possible.
A few tips to relieve your baby
- Find out, without undressing him completely.
- Give him a drink often.
- The room temperature must be between 18 ° and 20 ° C.
- Administer drugs of one type only, respecting the doses and frequencies indicated in the package leaflet. Some pediatricians prescribe tachipirina, but other drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen can also be administered, always respecting the dosage.
To be avoided
Grandma's remedies, such as a bath at a temperature of 2 ° C below that of the body or a damp cloth on the forehead: they do not have a great effect and can even increase the child's discomfort.
