How to Evaluate a Fever in Children
Parenting is a rewarding job, but can also be challenging and scary when you don't know what to do. How do you know if your child has a fever? A fever is when the body temperature is higher than normal and used by the body to fight bacterial or viral infections. How do you take your child's temperature? When do you call the doctor?
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Things You'll Need
- Thermometer
- Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (such as Motrin)
- Water
Instructions
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Spot symptoms of a fever in a newborn. If you have a newborn, he will be fussy or less alert than normal. Your newborn will refuse to nurse or bottle feed. He may have fewer, dryer diapers than normal. Your newborn won't sleep well or will sleep too much.
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Know the symptoms of a fever in babies or toddlers. Your baby or toddler will clingy, cranky, or have less energy than usual. She will eat less than usual and be thirsty. She won't be able to fall asleep or will be very sleepy.
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Know the symptoms of a fever in older children. Older children are considered to be ages 2 and over. Your child may be irritable and very tired. He will ask for things to drink but won't be hungry. He will complain about being cold, having chills or aching all over.
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Take your child's temperature rectally. Rinse the rectal thermometer in cool water, and put petroleum jelly on the tip. With the baby on her tummy, insert the thermometer into her rectum about 1 inch. Keep one hand on her back and one hand on the thermometer until it beeps.
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Take the temperature of your child with an auxiliary thermometer. Place the thermometer tip in your child's armpit, and hold her arm next to her body until the thermometer beeps.
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Use an oral thermometer to take your child's temperature. Rinse the oral thermometer in cold water. Don't allow your child to drink anything for 20 minutes prior to taking his temperature. Place the tip of the thermometer under your child's tongue, and wait for it to beep.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't be afraid to call your doctor if you feel like something is wrong. You should go with your instincts when it comes to the safety of your child. You can give your child generic brands of Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. They are less expensive and work just as well.
Do not use Ibuprofen in children younger than 6 months or in dehydrated children.
