How to Assess a Baby's Fever
Fever is one of the mechanisms used by your baby's immune system to respond to infection. Sometimes fever does not require any treatment at all. In other cases, you may need to contact your doctor immediately. Here are a few steps to help you determine the severity of your child's illness.
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Instructions
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Take your baby's temperature either through the mouth, the rectum, the armpit or the ear. Be sure to keep your baby calm for a while before taking her temperature. Keep in mind that taking temperature through the rectum is recommended for most infants.
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If you take your baby's temperature through the rectum, be sure to first lubricate the sensor tip of the thermometer with Vaseline. Put the baby's stomach on your lap. Use one hand to spread your baby's buttocks. Use the other hand to put the sensor tip into the rectum. Clean the thermometer afterwards.
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If you take your baby's temperature at the armpit, first remove her shirt and make sure her underarm is dry and clean. Put the tip of the thermometer well into the armpit. Hold the arm tight. Keep the thermometer there for about one minute.
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Take the temperature through the mouth only if your baby is four months and older. Keep in mind that taking the temperature through the ear is fast but not accurate.
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Call your doctor immediately if your baby is less than two-months-old and has a rectal temperature of 100.2 F or more.
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Call your doctor immediately if your baby is two- to six-months-old and has a rectal temperature of 101 F or more. If your baby is six months and older, call your doctor if her temperature is 104 F or more.
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Call your doctor immediately if your baby has a fever and the following symptoms: crying as she is in pain, whimpering, having purple spots on the skin and troubled breathing. Make sure to mention all of the symptoms that you observe when talking to your doctor. Seek medical assistance as soon as you can if the fever lasts for more than a day and if fever medication is not effective.
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Tips & Warnings
Follow your doctor's instructions closely. Call your doctor immediately if he instructed you to do so whenever your baby's temperature is higher than a certain threshold.
