Fever for 6 months old baby

When Your Newborn Has a Fever

As adults, we have a tightly controlled thermostat to help regulate our body temperature. When we’re cold, we shiver to help raise our temperature, and when we’re too hot, we sweat to help cool ourselves down. These mechanisms, on the other hand, are not completely developed in newborns. What’s more, newborns lack the insulating fat layer that older babies and children develop.

Because a newborn's temperature regulation system is immature, fever may or may not occur with infection or illness. However, fever in babies can be due to other causes that may be even more serious. Call your baby's doctor immediately if your baby younger than 2 months old has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. This requires an urgent evaluation by your doctor

In older infants and young children, a fever is any rectal temperature of 101 degrees or higher. Call the doctor if your 3-6 month old has a temperature of 101 or greater. With babies and children older than 6 months, you may need to call if the temperature is greater than 103, but more than likely, associated symptoms will prompt a call. A rectal temperature between 99 and 100 degrees is a low-grade fever, and usually does not need a doctor's care.

Fever in newborns may be due to:

InfectionFever is a normal response to infection in adults, but only about half of newborns with an infection have a fever. Some, especially premature babies, may have a lowered body temperature with infection or other signs such as a change in behavior, feeding, or color.
OverheatingWhile it’s important to keep your baby from becoming chilled, your baby can also become overheated with many layers of clothing and blankets. This can occur at home, near heaters, or near heat vents. It can also occur if your baby is over-bundled in a heated car. Never leave your baby alone in a closed car, even for a minute. The temperature can rise quickly and cause heat stroke and death.If your baby is overheated, he or she may have a hot, red, or flushed face, and may be restless. To prevent overheating, keep rooms at a normal temperature, about 72 to 75 degrees, and dress your baby the same way you feel comfortable at that temperature.

Low fluid intake or dehydrationSome babies may not take in enough fluids, which causes a rise in body temperature. This may happen around the second or third day after birth. If fluids are not replaced with increased feedings, dehydration (excessive loss of body water) can develop and cause serious complications. Intravenous (IV) fluids may be needed to treat dehydration.

In extremely rare cases, fever can signal a life-threatening disease called bacterial meningitis. If your infant has a fever greater than 101 degrees and is lethargic or you can't get him or her to wake up normally, you should take your infant to the emergency room immediately.

Taking Baby’s Temperature

For babies and toddlers up to 3 years old, taking the temperature rectally, by placing a thermometer in the baby’s anus, is best. This method is accurate and will give a quick reading of your baby's internal temperature.

Underarm temperature measurements may be used for babies ages 3 months and older. Other types of thermometers, such as ear thermometers, may not be accurate for newborns and require careful positioning to get a precise reading. Skin strips that are pressed on the skin to measure temperature are not recommended for babies. Touching your baby's skin can let you know if he or she is warm or cool, but you cannot measure body temperature simply by touch.

Oral and rectal thermometers have different shapes and one should not be substituted for the other. Do not use oral thermometers rectally as these can cause injury. Rectal thermometers have a security bulb designed specifically for safely taking rectal temperatures. To take your infant’s rectal temperature, follow these steps:

Place your baby across your lap or changing table, on his or her stomach, facing down. Place your hand nearest your baby's head on his or her lower back and separate your baby's buttocks with your thumb and forefinger.
Using your other hand, gently insert the lubricated bulb end of the thermometer one-half inch to one inch, or just past the anal sphincter muscle. Stop immediately if the thermometer meets resistance.
The thermometer should be pointed toward your baby’s navel.
Hold the thermometer with one hand on your baby's buttocks so the thermometer will move with your baby. Use the other hand to comfort your baby and prevent moving.
Never leave your baby unattended with a rectal thermometer inserted. Movement or a change in position can cause the thermometer to break.
Hold the thermometer for at least 1 minute or until an electronic thermometer beeps or signals.
Remove the thermometer.
Wipe the bulb.
Read the thermometer immediately and write down the temperature, date, and time of day.
Disinfect the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or an antiseptic solution.

If your baby's temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher, make sure he or she is not crying or dressed too warmly. Retake your baby's temperature again in about 30 minutes. If the temperature is still high, call your baby's doctor immediately.

How to Treat a Fever

If your baby’s temperature doesn’t warrant a call to the doctor, there are steps you can take at home to help lower the fever:

Bathe your baby in lukewarm water. Never use cold water or alcohol to bathe your baby because it may cause shivering and actually increase body temperature.
Dress your baby in light, comfortable clothing.
Make sure your baby is getting enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
NEVER give your baby aspirin to treat a fever. Aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially serious illness that affects the nervous system and can be debilitating or even fatal in children.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are the two medications for children that help fight fever. Acetaminophen can be given to infants over 3 months without calling the doctor but children less than 6 months old should not be given ibuprofen. Read the instructions on the package or ask your doctor to be sure you give appropriate doses. Do not give more than the recommended dose of either medication. If your child is vomiting or dehydrated be sure to consult your pediatrician.

Fever (0-12 Months)

Is this your child's symptom?

An abnormal high body temperature
Fever is the only symptom. Your child has a true fever if:
Rectal (bottom), Ear or Forehead temperature: 100.4° F (38.0° C) or higher
Under the arm (armpit) temperature: 99° F (37. 2° C) or higher
Caution: Ear temperatures are not accurate before 6 months of age
Caution: Forehead temperatures must be digital. Forehead strips are not accurate.

Causes of Fever

Overview. Almost all fevers are caused by a new infection. Viruses cause 10 times more infections than bacteria. The number of germs that cause an infection are in the hundreds. Only a few common ones will be listed.
Viral Infections. Colds, flu and other viral infections are the most common cause. Fever may be the only symptom for the first 24 hours. The start of viral symptoms (runny nose, cough, loose stools) is often delayed. Roseola is the most extreme example. Fever may be the only symptom for 3 to 5 days. Then a rash appears.
Bacterial Infections. A bladder infection is the most common cause of silent fever in girls.
Vaccine Fever. Fever with most vaccines begins within 12 hours. It lasts 2 to 3 days. This is normal and harmless. It means the vaccine is working.
Newborn Fever (Serious). Fever that occurs during the first 3 months of life can be serious. All of these babies need to be seen as soon as possible. The fever may be due to sepsis (a bloodstream infection). Bacterial infections in this age group can get worse quickly. They need rapid treatment.
Meningitis (Very Serious). A bacterial infection of the membrane that covers the spinal cord and brain. The main symptoms are a stiff neck, headache and confusion. Younger children are lethargic or so irritable that they can't be consoled. If not treated early, can suffer brain damage.
Overheated. The fever is usually low grade. Can occur during heat waves or from being overdressed. The temp becomes normal in a few hours after moving to a cooler place. Fever goes away quickly with rest and drinking extra fluids.
Not Due to Teething. Research shows that "getting teeth" does not cause fevers.

Fever and Crying

Fever on its own shouldn't cause much crying.
Frequent crying in a child with fever is caused by pain until proven otherwise.
Hidden causes can be ear infections, kidney infections, sore throats and meningitis.

Normal Temperature Range

Rectal. A reading of 98.6° F (37° C) is just the average rectal temp. A normal low can be 96.8° F (36° C) in the morning. It can change to a high of 100.3° F (37.9° C) late in the day. This is a normal range.

When to Call for Fever (0-12 Months)

Call 911 Now

Not moving
Can't wake up
Severe trouble breathing (struggling for each breath; can barely speak or cry)
Purple or blood-colored spots or dots on skin
You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

Trouble breathing, but not severe
Great trouble swallowing fluids or spit
Fever in baby less than 12 weeks old. Caution: Do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
Fever over 104° F (40° C)
Shaking chills (shivering) lasting more than 30 minutes
Nonstop crying or cries when touched or moved
Won't move an arm or leg normally
Dehydration suspected. No urine in over 8 hours, dark urine, very dry mouth and no tears.
Weak immune system. Examples are sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids.
Your child looks or acts very sick
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

Age 3-6 months old with fever
Age 6-12 months old with fever that lasts more than 24 hours. There are no other symptoms (such as cough or diarrhea).
Fever lasts more than 3 days
Fever returns after gone for more than 24 hours
You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Fever with no other symptoms and your child acts mildly ill

Seattle Children's Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Bellevue
Everett
Federal Way
Seattle

Care Advice for Fever

What You Should Know About Fever:
- Having a fever means your child has a new infection.
- It's most likely caused by a virus.
- You may not know the cause of the fever until other symptoms develop. This may take 24 hours.
- For infants more than 3 months old, most fevers are good for sick children. They help the body fight infection.
- Use the ranges below to help put your child's level of fever into perspective:
- 100° - 102° F (37.8° - 39° C) Low grade fever: helpful, good range. Don't treat.
- 102° - 104° F (39 - 40° C) Average fever: helpful. Treat if causes discomfort.
- Over 104° F (40° C) High fever: causes discomfort, but harmless. Always treat.
- Over 106° F (41.1° C) Very high fever: important to bring it down. Rare to go this high.
- Over 108° F (42.3° C) Dangerous fever: fever itself can be harmful.
Treatment for All Fevers - Extra Fluids:
- Fluids alone can lower the fever. Reason: being well hydrated helps the body give off heat through the skin.
- For shivering (or the chills), give your child a blanket. Make them comfortable.
- Offer your child extra water or other fluids by mouth. Cold fluids are better. Until 6 months old, only give extra formula or breastmilk.
- For all children, dress in 1 layer of light weight clothing, unless shivering. Reason: also helps heat loss from the skin.
- For shivering (or the chills), give your child a blanket. Make them comfortable.
- Caution: if a baby under 1 year has a fever, never overdress or bundle up. Reason: Babies can get over-heated more easily than older children.
Fever Medicine:
- Caution: Do not give a baby under 3 months any fever medicine. Most of these babies will need to be seen.
- For fevers 100°-102° F (37.8° - 39°C), fever meds are not needed. Reason: fevers in this range help the body fight the infection. Fevers turn on the body's imune system. Fevers don't cause any discomfort.
Give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil) if over 6 months old.
Goal of treatment: keep the fever at a helpful level. Most often, the fever meds lower the fever by 2° to 3° F (1 - 1. 5° C). They do not bring it down to normal. It takes 1 or 2 hours to see the effect.
Do not use aspirin. Reason: Risk of Reye syndrome, a rare but serious brain disease.
Do not use both acetaminophen and ibuprofen together. Reason: Not needed and a risk of giving too much.
Pain: fever does not cause pain. If your child also has pain, it's from the infection. It may be a sore throat or muscle pain. Treat the pain, if it's more than mild.
Return to Child Care:
- Your child can return to child care after the fever is gone. Your child should feel well enough to join in normal activities.
What to Expect:
- Most fevers with viral illnesses range between 101° and 104° F (38.4° and 40° C).
- They may last for 2 or 3 days.
- They are not harmful.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Your child looks or acts very sick
- Any serious symptoms occur such as trouble breathing
- Fever goes above 104° F (40° C)
- Any fever occurs if less than 12 weeks old
- Fever without other symptoms lasts more than 24 hours
- Fever lasts more than 3 days (72 hours)
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 10/29/2022

Last Revised: 09/18/2022

If a child has a fever, what should I do?

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Kurilova Alina Petrovna Pediatrician

14.05.2019

Before you start taking antipyretics, you need to answer a few questions:

what is the age of the child?
How does a child tolerate an increase in a particular temperature?
Have there been any family or child history of febrile seizures?
Are there any other symptoms of the disease besides fever?

An increase in temperature or fever is a protective and adaptive reaction of the body in response to the effects of pathogenic stimuli, which results in a restructuring of thermoregulation processes, leading to an increase in body temperature, which stimulates the body's natural resistance.

An increase in temperature affects the child's body both positively and negatively.

The positive effect of is that when the temperature rises in the child's body, the immune system is activated, phagocytosis increases, the production of antibodies increases and the level of interferon increases, which helps to stop the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms and overcome the infection.

Negative influence high temperature in a child is manifested in the occurrence of convulsions (febrile), increased stress on the baby's cardiopulmonary system (heart rate and respiratory rate become more frequent). Therefore, fever is dangerous for children with malformations of the heart and bronchopulmonary system, heart rhythm disturbance. Also, when the temperature rises, the work of the brain, liver, stomach, kidneys and other internal organs suffers, which is dangerous for children with chronic pathologies of internal organs, symptoms of dehydration, developmental disorders and diseases of the nervous system.

Fever varies:

with the flow:
- acute (fever up to 2 weeks),
- subacute (up to 6 weeks),
- chronic (over 6 weeks).
by the degree of increase of the indicator:
- subfebrile (increase to +38.0 degrees)
- febrile (from +38.0 to +39.0 degrees),
- pyretic (from + 39.0 to + 41.0 degrees),
- hyperpyretic (over +41.0 degrees).
according to the type of temperature curve:
- constant (temperature fluctuations during the day are not higher than 1 degree).
- laxative (daily fluctuations up to 2 degrees),
- atypical (fluctuations are chaotic, different and irregular),
- debilitating (a combination of laxative and atypical fever with fluctuations during the day more than 2-3 degrees),
- intermittent (a combination of short periods of temperature increase and decrease to normal numbers),
- return (alternation of periods of temperature increase with periods of temperature normalization from 2 to 7 days).

On the recommendation of the WHO (World Health Organization), antipyretics are prescribed for children according to age:

from the moment of birth to 2 months at a temperature of +38.0 degrees,
children from 3 months to 24 months at a temperature of +38.5 degrees,
children from 1 to 5 years old at a temperature of +39.0 degrees,
children over 5 years old with indicators of + 39.5- + 40.0 degrees.

On the other hand, the approach to each child should be individual.

If a child

restless or feeling weak,
cannot tolerate muscle pain, headache,
have nausea,
no appetite,

then you must first apply physical methods to improve the well-being of the child :

put to bed - so the body will save strength to fight the infection, calm the child;
drink fractionally with water or sweetened warm herbal tea with chamomile, linden, cranberry juice;
provide access to fresh air;
to feed in the presence of appetite in small portions of warm food (for example, soup, liquid porridge on the water, a light breakfast).

Also, according to the clinical variant of the course of fever, apply additional cooling measures.

With "red" or "pink" fever

the child's body feels hot to the touch,
skin red or pink, moist,
the child himself does not complain about his well-being, he is active, his appetite does not disappear.

In this case, child needs

undress,
wipe with a towel soaked in water at room temperature,
apply a cool compress to the forehead,
drink water at room temperature
and be sure to call a doctor.

With "white or pale" fever

the child's limbs and body are cold to the touch,
lips and nail beds become bluish,
pale and dry skin,
there is a violation of well-being: the child is lethargic, delirium is possible.

In this case child needs

warm by rubbing the limbs with hands or using warm water (no other means!),
put on socks,
cover with a blanket
and drink warm tea or water.

The use of antipyretics for such symptoms is ineffective - you need to urgently call a doctor!

An exception is children at risk, who have their temperature reduced above 37.1 degrees. These are children,

with diseases of the nervous system,
experiencing convulsions due to fever,
suffering from chronic diseases of the circulatory system, respiratory organs or with hereditary metabolic diseases and other risks (overheating, symptoms of dehydration, etc.).

Febrile convulsions are diagnosed more often in children under 6 years of age with temperatures above +38 degrees, as well as in children with pathology of the nervous system at any temperature. For such children, it is recommended to lower the temperature to febrile levels (not higher than +38.0) or to those values recommended by a neuropathologist.

Usually, against the background of an increase in temperature, the child's heart rate and respiratory rate increase: the respiratory rate increases by 4 respiratory movements for every degree above +37. 0 degrees, and the pulse rate - by 20 beats per minute for every degree. However, against the background of diseases of the cardiovascular system and respiratory organs, such as malformations or cardiac arrhythmias, inadequate increases or slowdowns in heart rate and respiration are possible. Such children, on the recommendation of a cardiologist and pulmonologist, are prescribed antipyretic drugs to febrile numbers (ie, not higher than +38.0 degrees).

Children with hereditary metabolic diseases (diseases of the thyroid gland, kidneys, liver, disorders in the immune system, and others) and children with imperfect compensatory mechanisms of thermoregulation during fever (these are some children from birth to 2 months) are also prescribed antipyretic drugs on the recommendation of related specialists means to febrile digits.

Overheating - increase in body temperature due to additional exposure to heat

prolonged sun exposure,
use of excess clothing,
excessive wrapping of children).

The danger of overheating is associated with the risk of heat stroke. It manifests itself

not only in elevated temperature,
but also in impaired consciousness, convulsions,
disorders of the heart and breathing.

First aid is to call the ambulance "112".

Until the doctor arrives

undress the child,
move to a cool place or shade,
supply fresh air or fan (not cool air!),
apply a cold compress to the forehead,
Wipe the body with cool water or cover with a sheet dampened with cool water.

Antipyretic therapy for children should be prescribed strictly individually, taking into account clinical and anamnestic data.

It is important to know that taking antipyretic drugs does not shorten the duration of the febrile period. At the end of the drug, the temperature rises again.

Antipyretics have a lot of side effects:

allergic reactions,
bleeding,
damage to the stomach (vomiting, regurgitation),
Reye's syndrome (against the background of rash, vomiting, psychomotor agitation occurs).

In addition, the decrease in body temperature should not be critical, it is not necessary to achieve normal performance. It is enough to lower the temperature by 1.0 or 1.5 degrees, which will improve the child's well-being and avoid collapse.

The collapse develops with a critical (rapid and sharp) decrease in temperature for a short time (from 40-41 degrees to 37-36.0 degrees) by 2.5 - 3.0 degrees or more.

The result is

acute cardiovascular insufficiency, accompanied by vasospasm and circulatory disorders.

Child feels

cold or chilly,
severe weakness,
headache,
thirsty,
he has pale skin up to a bluish tint,
sticky sweat,
cold extremities,
insomnia,
shortness of breath up to shallow breathing,
palpitations,
lowering blood pressure,
convulsions,
loss of consciousness.

First aid before the arrival of the doctor:

put the child in such a way that the head is not raised, and the legs are on the pillow (30-40 cm above the head).
Warm up by covering the child with heating pads,
shelter,
rub limbs with hands,
drink warm sweetened herbal tea, water,
change underwear and bed linen.

It is also important to know that antipyretics should not be used in courses, as this makes it difficult to diagnose a child's disease. An increase in temperature is often the only manifestation of a violation of the child's health. Therefore, a doctor's examination and additional examinations are necessary.

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Temperature in a child: what to do

frightens young parents, and in a state of panic people tend to accept rash decisions, the consequences of which can harm health child. Our article will help you understand in what situations you can get by with a pediatrician in a clinic, and in which you really need take emergency measures, and what you can do yourself before consulting with doctor to help the baby.

How to measure temperature?

When fever is suspected, it is important to take the temperature correctly in the first place.

The traditional axillary measurement is not considered the most reliable, but is safer for newborns than an anus or ear measurement. For babies under two years old, it is recommended to measure the temperature rectally, and if this is not possible, then in the mouth, inguinal fold or armpit. To measure the temperature in infants in the mouth, electronic thermometers or special pacifier thermometers are used.

Ear temperature accuracy is generally good for adults and older children, but not good for toddlers under two years of age. Standard ear thermometers tend to be too big for their small ears and therefore may not be accurate.

Breast temperature: normal

With different methods of measuring temperature, the norm will be different:

in the armpit - from 34.7°C to 37.3°C;
rectal - 36.6°C to 38°C;
in the ear - 35.8°C to 38°C;
mouth - 35.5°C to 37.5°C

At overheating, in a room that is too hot, in the sun, in an excessively warm clothes, the temperature of the baby may even be slightly (by 0.1–0.3 degrees) above, and this difference will not be considered a deviation from the norm. Such cases, it is enough to undress the child or move him to a cool room for the temperature to return to normal.

When you need to urgently call an ambulance:

If a child under 3 months of age has a fever above 38°C
If fever is accompanied by severe vomiting, convulsions, fainting, loss of balance and other neurological symptoms.
If you observe these symptoms without fever, you still need to call an ambulance.
If the child has had a previous febrile seizure.
If the baby has difficulty breathing, blue skin and/or barking cough. Again, in this situation, you need to call an ambulance and in the absence of temperature.
If the baby has diagnosed diseases of the nervous or cardiovascular system.

When to call the district "ambulance":

If a child aged 3 to 6 months the temperature rose above 38.5°C.
If a child aged 6 months or more up to 1 year the temperature rose above 39.5°C.
If the temperature is above 38.5°C in a child under one year old, it lasts longer than three days.
If fever is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, rash, diarrhea, constant crying, sudden drowsiness.
If the child fails to drink water, the child's eyes or fontanelle become sunken and other signs of dehydration are observed.
If a child's feet and hands become cold at high temperature, a "marble" pattern appears on the skin.

In other cases, it is usually enough to make an appointment and go with the child to the pediatrician over the next few days, but you should not completely refuse to consult a doctor.

Is it possible to cope with the temperature in the baby on their own?

It is extremely undesirable to engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment, especially when it comes to small children. If the body temperature is above 38°C in a child, it is imperative to consult a pediatrician. The doctor will diagnose the baby, and, if necessary, prescribe medication.

But there are a few things you can do to help lower your temperature and make your baby feel better while you wait for your pediatrician or emergency room visit.

Drink a lot

Place your baby on the breast as often as possible and let him suckle as much as he wants. Give your baby plenty of water between feedings. If you have already introduced complementary foods, and the child refuses to breastfeed or drink water, offer him other drinks according to age - baby milk, compotes, baby juices or sour milk drinks. It is very important that the child drinks enough.

Room temperature reduction

Ideally, the temperature in the room where the baby sleeps should be no more than 20-23°C. You should ventilate the room more often to provide the baby with access to fresh air.

Warm water rubdown

Try wiping your baby with a cloth soaked in water at room temperature. After wiping, you can not wrap the child, because. the opposite effect may develop.

Hand and foot warmer

If your baby's hands and feet get cold with a high temperature, try to warm them up to improve blood circulation: first rub until reddened, and then put on warm woolen socks and mittens. If it is not possible to warm the limbs, call an ambulance.