Managing Newborn Fever: Causes, Symptoms & Remedies
Learn about managing newborn fever with expert advice on causes, symptoms, and remedies. Discover tips to keep your baby comfortable and safe.
Newborn fever can be alarming for parents, but understanding its causes, symptoms, and effective treatments can help ensure your baby’s well-being. First and foremost, we need to identify if your newborn has a fever by taking the baby’s temperature.
How to Check Your Baby’s Temperature
Using a reliable thermometer is crucial for accurate readings. The Mayo Clinic recommends rectal thermometers for newborns as they provide the most precise results. A fever is defined as a rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
Symptoms of Newborn Fever
Recognizing fever symptoms early allows for timely intervention. Key signs include:
- Body Temperature Above 38°C (100.4°F).
- Irritability or Excessive Crying, discomfort, and difficulty in soothing.
- Lethargy or Unresponsiveness: Your baby shows reduced activity or unusual drowsiness.
- Poor Feeding: Your baby has a lower appetite than usual or refuses to nurse.
- Shivering or Excessive Sweating: Indications of temperature fluctuations.
What Causes Fever in Newborns?
Fever in newborns is typically a response to infections or external factors. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization (WHO), common causes include:
- Infections (Viral or Bacterial): The most common reason for fever, including flu, colds, urinary tract infections, or pneumonia (CDC, 2023).
- Overheating: Excessive clothing, blankets, or a warm environment may cause a rise in body temperature.
- Post-Vaccination Reaction: Fever after vaccinations is a natural immune response (WHO, 2022).
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake may lead to elevated body temperature.
Effective Ways to Manage Newborn Fever
Seek medical help if your newborn or baby younger than 2 months old has a temperature higher than 38°C (100.4°F). However, if your baby has a mild fever, consider these medically recommended approaches:
- Hydration: Increase breastfeeding or formula intake to prevent dehydration.
- Appropriate Clothing: Dress in lightweight, breathable fabrics.
- Comfortable Room Temperature: Maintain an ambient temperature of 20-22°C (68-72°F).
- Lukewarm Sponge Bath: Helps in reducing fever naturally (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
- Frequent Monitoring: Check temperature every 2-3 hours and observe for worsening symptoms.
Keeping Your Baby Comfortable with Molfix
Managing newborn fever involves ensuring comfort and care. Molfix wet wipes such as the antibacterial wet wipes provide convenience and good hygiene, perfect for your precious bundle of joy. Molfix also has a range of diapers, made with soft, breathable materials, that help prevent irritation, keeping your baby dry and cozy for better rest.
