How to Bring Down an Infant's Temperature
Certain factors such as overdressing an infant, teething, illness and immunizations can cause a fever in an infant. If you notice your infant feels hot to the touch, this can indicate a possible fever. To accurately take your infant's temperature, take her temperature rectally. Certain techniques can help reduce your infant's fever. However, if you have an infant younger than 3 months with a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, notify your physician. Infants over 3 months who have a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, as well as a fever lasting for more than a day, will also require prompt treatment.
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Things You'll Need
- Rectal thermometer
- Baby formula
- Baby blanket
- Lukewarm water
- Baby bathtub
- Rehydration solution
- Infant acetaminophen
Instructions
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Infants Under 3 Months
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Offer your infant fluids via breastfeeding or formula (depending upon your feeding methods). While it's normal for your infant to become fussy with a fever, notify your physician if he refuses to eat for several feedings. Dehydration can become dangerous in infants.
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Remove excess clothing from your infant to bring down her body temperature. Give your infant a baby blanket if she begins to shiver.
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Give your infant a lukewarm bath, especially if he suffers from febrile seizures (convulsions) Using a washcloth soaked in lukewarm water and rubbing the cloth over your infant's skin can also provide relief. Febrile seizures can be brought on by fever.
Infants Over 3 Months
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Offer rehydration fluids to older infants with your physician's recommendation. Children younger than 1 year old can benefit from oral electrolyte solutions.
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Allow your child to rest. Too much activity will elevate body temperature.
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Provide relief for your child by administering acetaminophen. However, ask your physician for the recommended dosage for your infant according to her weight.
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Tips & Warnings
Notify your pediatrician if your child doesn't have a wet diaper within a six-hour time frame, if his soft spot sinks or if he cries without producing tears. This can be a sign of dehydration.
Never give infants under 3 months acetaminophen or any other fever-reducing medication.
Seek immediate medical attention if your infant becomes unresponsive, persistently vomits or has difficulty breathing.
Don't use cold water or alcohol to bring your infant's fever down. This can worsen her condition.
References
Resources
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