Temperature too hot for baby

Keeping Your Baby Safe and Cool in Summer – Children's Health

Summertime brings warm weather and lots of sunshine. But parents of infants, in particular, should keep a few essential heat and sun safety tips in mind while enjoying the season.

"Outside time is so important for babies' growth and development. So we want to make sure we are giving babies the opportunity to go outside, but of course, keeping them safe while doing so," says Sushmita Yallapragada, M.D., Neonatologist and Associate Medical Director of the Level IV NICU at Children's Health℠ and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern.

Dr. Yallapragada, also a mother of two young children, answers common questions about how to keep newborns and infants safe during the hot summer months.

What outside temperature is too hot for a baby?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests parents avoid taking babies outside for long periods of time if the heat index is greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged outdoor exposure on extremely hot days can cause babies to overheat quickly.

"Babies are not as effective at cooling their bodies as adults because they do not sweat normally," explains Dr. Yallapragada. "In addition, babies are not able to tell you if they are overheating and not feeling well. Take breaks every 15-30 minutes or sooner based on your child's response to the heat."

Before making outdoor plans with your baby during summer, check the local heat index. When you do enjoy outside time, you can take simple precautions to keep your baby safe.

How can I keep my baby cool in summer?

If the heat index is above 75- or 80-degrees Fahrenheit, take these five steps to keep your baby cool while spending time outside.

1. Seek shade.

Park your baby's stroller or blanket under a tree or in another shady spot to avoid direct sun exposure.

2. Dress baby coolly.

During hot days, dress your baby in a single layer of lightly colored, moisture-absorbent but breathable material, such as a lightweight cotton onesie or romper. Opt for fabrics like cotton and linen and avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.

"Infants should be dressed appropriately for the environment, with no more than one additional layer than an adult would wear comfortably at that temperature – for daytime or sleeping," Dr. Yallapragada says.

3. Drink liquids.

Offer breastmilk or formula to keep infants hydrated. It's generally recommended to wait until babies are at least 6 months of age to offer water. Older babies and toddlers should drink water while playing outdoors to help stay cool and hydrated.

4. Schedule extra rest time.

Time in the heat can cause infants to feel extra tired. "Planning time for babies to rest or nap following outside playtime can be helpful," says Dr. Yallapragada.

5. Avoid the hottest parts of the day.

Plan to take your baby out in the early morning or late evening hours so you can spend the hottest parts of the day inside. When outside, consider using a portable stroller fan to help baby stay cool.

How can I protect my baby's skin from the sun?

It's important to be mindful about how much sun exposure your baby is getting – especially since infant skin can sunburn easily.

Summer skin care for babies under 6 months

Sunscreen should not be applied to babies under 6 months of age. "Sunscreens can cause skin irritation in a young baby's developing skin," Dr. Yallapragada explains.

Instead, take steps to keep newborns and young infants out of direct sunlight:

Seek trees or other sources of shade.
Dress babies in a wide-brimmed sun hat and sunglasses to block the sun from their face and eyes.
Use a stroller shade or umbrella to block the sun from babies' arms and legs.
Apply a car window shade to block direct sunlight from reaching your baby during car rides.

Summer skin care for babies 6 months and older

Babies 6-12 months of age should use a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free sunscreen since these varieties are less likely to sting babies' eyes or potentially irritate their skin.

Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that offer both UVA and UVB protection with a minimum SPF of 30. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours – or sooner, if your baby has been swimming or sweating.

What should I do if my baby gets a heat rash?

Heat rash, a skin irritation that looks like red pimples or blisters, can occur if babies' skin gets overly sweaty. You may notice a heat rash breakout on your baby's neck, chest, groin, armpits or elbow creases. "It can happen at any age, but it's quite common in young babies and children," says Dr. Yallapragada.

If your baby gets heat rash, bring them inside to cooler, air-conditioned air. Give them a bath or use a washcloth to wipe away the sweat. Replace their sweaty clothes with a cool, dry outfit. There is no need to apply any powders or skin ointments to heat rash; it should clear up on its own once the baby's skin cools down.

What's the ideal temperature for a baby's room in summer?

According to the AAP, the ideal temperature for a baby's room is between 68 and 72 degrees. Keeping a baby's room cool is especially important when they sleep, as overheating can put an infant at risk for SIDS.

If you set your thermostat higher during the summer months or your air conditioning has a tough time cooling your home, keep window blinds or curtains shut to block direct sunlight. You can also use fans to circulate air.

If you lose access to air conditioning at home – either through a power outage or mechanical issue – consider spending the day at a library, shopping mall or community "cooling center" where COVID-19 safety protocols are in place and indoor temperatures remain comfortable.

How can I tell if my baby is too hot?

You can tell that your baby is getting too hot by watching for the following signs:

Extreme fatigue or drowsiness
Disinterest in feeding/drinking
Flushed face
Sweatiness (may be more apparent in older children)

If your baby shows signs of overheating, take them indoors into a cool space. Apply cool washcloths or offer a cool bath. Replace sweaty clothes with a clean, cool outfit. Offer milk or formula to help them rehydrate.

If your baby still seems overly hot after these steps, call your pediatrician – particularly if you notice it's been several hours since your baby had a wet diaper and/or your baby is vomiting, having muscle spasms or breathing quickly. These could be signs of dehydration or heat illness, and you may need to get your baby in to see a doctor right away.

What other steps should I take to keep my baby safe this summer?

As temperatures rise, it's important to never leave a baby alone in a hot car, even for a moment. Temperatures inside a closed car can rise to dangerous levels quickly, so always take steps to ensure you don't leave a child alone in the back seat. See five tips to prevent hot car tragedies.

Similarly, maintain careful adult supervision whenever your babies and older kids are around a pool this summer. Follow these essential pool safety tips to avoid the risk of injury or drowning.

More summer safety tips

Children's Health is here to help keep your family healthy and safe this summer. See more summer safety tips.

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heat stroke, hydration, infant, rash, safety, skin, summer, sun safety, toddler, water safety

Is Your Baby Overheating? Signs Your Baby Is Too Hot – Happiest Baby

By Dr. Harvey Karp, MD, FAAP

Why Babies Overheat Easily
Normal Infant Temperature
Signs of Overheating
Ideal Room Temperature
How to Prevent Overheating During Sleep
How to Prevent Overheating in the Winter
How to Prevent Overheating in The Summer
How to Cool Down an Overheated Baby
Overheating & Heat Rash
Overheating vs. Fever
Final Thoughts on Overheating

You never want your little one to be too hot! If your baby’s overheating, they're likely uncomfortable, their sleep may suffer, and they may get heat rash. But there’s an even more serious concern: Overheating can raise the risk of infant sleep death, also called SIDS.

Studies have shown that thick clothing, too many layers, and high room temperatures increase the risk of SIDS. While it may seem counterintuitive, infants are at higher risk of SIDS during the winter months. That’s because parents worry their baby may get cold and they try to prevent that by overdressing them or cranking up the heat.

Why Babies Overheat Easily

Infants are not great at regulating their core temperature. For one, their body temperature rises much faster than yours. Plus, babies and children sweat less, which greatly reduces their ability to cool down. And it’s not just that babies are more prone to overheating, they’re more likely to be affected by a heat-related illness, too. For instance, because babies’ sweat glands aren’t yet fully developed, they’re more likely to get heat rash or prickly heat.

Normal Infant Temperature

A normal temperature in babies is around 97.5 degrees Fahrenheit (36.4 degrees Celsius). Overheating and fevers in babies are around 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or above. Keep in mind that normal baby body temperatures can vary in your baby throughout the day.

Luckily, there’s an easy way to tell if your baby is too hot. Touch their ears and neck. If their ears are red and hot—and their neck is sweaty—your baby is too warm. Dress them more lightly or cool the room.

Is your baby overheating? How to check...

Below you’ll find a few signs and symptoms of a baby overheating:

Warm to the touch
Red skin
Rapid heartbeat
Fever without sweating
Lethargic or unresponsive
Vomiting
Dizzy or confused

Ideal Baby Room Temperature

No matter the season, keep the room your baby is in between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22. 2 degrees Celsius). While you can measure the room temperature with a thermometer, in general, the temperature should not be too cool or too warm for an adult.

How to Prevent Overheating During Sleep

In addition to setting the thermostat to the ideal sleeping temperature, avoid over-bundling your little bundle for naps or at bedtime with extra layers of clothing or hats. Here are some pointers on dressing your little one for sleep:

DON’T use a hat for sleep. Hats are especially problematic because covering their head reduces your baby’s ability to use their head as a little radiator, giving off extra heat. Also, in the middle of the night, a hat might accidentally slip over your little one’s face and cause breathing difficulties.
DO wrap Baby in a breathable swaddle. In hot weather, let your baby sleep in a short-sleeve bodysuit and a lightweight, breathable swaddle that has a TOG rating less than or equal to 1. 0 TOG, which stands for thermal overall grade. My organic cotton Sleepea 5-Second Swaddle, SNOO Sack, and muslin swaddle blanket all fit the bill. In cooler weather, opt for a long-sleeve cotton bodysuit or cotton footie pajamas and a cotton swaddle. For extra chilly sleeps, use a lightly insulated swaddle with a TOG between 2.0 and 3.5, like my breathable cotton Comforter Sleepea or SNOO Comforter Sack. (Avoid synthetic fabrics, like fleece, that can cause your baby to overheat.) For babies who are rolling, swap the swaddle for a lightweight sleep sack.
DO wrap Baby in a lightweight swaddle. In hot weather, it’s fine to let your baby sleep in just a short-sleeve bodysuit and light muslin swaddle. (My Sleepea 5-Second Swaddle is made from organic cotton and features breathable mesh at shoulders and legs to keep babies cool and comfy.) In cooler weather, opt for a long-sleeve bodysuit or footie pajamas and a swaddle. (For babies who are rolling, swap the swaddle for a lightweight sleep sack. )
DON’T use loose blankets. Never use loose blankets, which are an overheating risk and a suffocation risk. (A safe crib is a crib free of toys, blankets, and all objects except a pacifier.)
DON’T use electric blankets (or heating pads) with your baby. These overheat infants and expose them to electromagnetic radiation.
DO place Baby’s bassinet away from the heater. Keep your little one a good distance away from heating vents, radiators, portable heaters, and fireplaces to avoid overheating.
DO consider a breathable mattress. The patented mesh weave of my DreamBreeZzz 2-in-1 Crib Mattress allows air to flow freely through every layer to keep little bodies cool and comfy all night long.

How to Prevent Overheating in the Winter

Bundling babies for cold-weather adventures—plus cranking the indoor heat—can easily increase their risk of overheating. Not only are babies terrible at regulating their body temperature, they lack enough body fat to keep themselves insulated and snug. Plus, newborns have yet to develop the shiver reflex, which works to increase body heat in the cold. Here are common-sense steps to avoid your baby overheating in the winter:

DO dress Baby in layers. Dress your little one in one more layer than you’re wearing. If your bub gets too warm, simply peel off a layer. For outdoors, start with a long-sleeve cotton bodysuit, then add soft pants, socks, and a sweater. If you’ve got a jacket on, your baby should have a jacket or snowsuit on, too—plus a blanket. Finally, don’t forget a hat, mittens, and warm booties to keep their head, hands, and feet warm
DON’T dress your baby in a sweater when using a baby carrier. If you’re wearing a baby carrier, your baby likely doesn’t need a sweater or sweatshirt under their jacket. That’s because your body heat will provide just enough extra warmth to keep your little one toasty, without overheating. (Make sure your little one’s face isn’t pressed against your chest or clothing!)
DO use a blanket instead of a coat in the car. Bulky coats and snowsuits should not be worn in the car seat. They leave too much space under the harness, endangering your baby in the event of a car accident. Instead, secure your little one into their car seat jacket-free, then place a blanket on the lower part of their body. Once the car warms up, remove the blanket.

How to Prevent Overheating in The Summer

It’s no surprise that high outdoor temperatures put babies and children at an elevated risk for becoming overheated. Here are some easy to-dos to keep your little one from overheating in the summer:

DON’T go out during peak heat. The day is always at its hottest between around 10am and 2pm. Try to avoid extended outside time during those hours when the temperature is high. And spend time in the shade otherwise!
DO seek air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning at home and you’re experiencing extreme heat, find a nearby building that has AC, like the library or shopping mall. And if you do have AC, never put your baby to sleep next to the unit or they’ll get too cold.
DON’T cover the stroller. Draping your baby’s stroller with a muslin blanket may shield your bub from the sun, but it traps heat, increasing the temperature of the stroller…and your baby. Instead, use a large canopy or mesh sun shield specially designed for strollers that provide shade and adequate airflow.
DO keep hydrated. Babies get all their hydration needs from either breastmilk or formula, so on steamy days, offer more of the same. But you should not give your baby water in the first 6 months of life. From 6 to 12 months, however, 4 to 8 ounces a day is okay. (Learn more tips on keeping Baby cool in a heat wave.)

How to Cool Down an Overheated Baby

If you believe your baby is overheating, then here are some steps that you can try to cool down your little one:

Offer your baby fluids. If younger than 6 months, offer breastmilk or formula only. If between 6 months and 1 year, offer 4 to 8 ounces of water a day.
Take your baby to a cooler room. Know that lower floors—and shaded rooms—will be cooler.
Dress your baby in light clothing. Cotton and breathable loose-fitting fabrics are ideal.
Sponge your baby in lukewarm/cooler water. Don’t use cold water or ice in the bath.
Apply a cold compress. Hold it to your baby’s forehead or limbs to help cool them down.

If symptoms do not improve, contact your pediatrician.

Baby Overheating & Heat Rash

Babies develop heat rash (aka prickly heat) when their salty sweat gets trapped and irritates the skin. It most commonly appears on your baby’s neck, armpits, chest, back, elbows, or thighs. The rash presents as little red dots (irritated hair follicles) and splotchy skin and can be accompanied by fever, chills, and bumps. In most cases, heat rash generally fades on its own within two to three days. But if you think your child has a heat rash, give your doctor a call anyway. They may recommend you sprinkle on a dusting of cornstarch powder—never talcum—to absorb excess sweat and prevent irritation. Applying a cool compress to the heat rash and giving your bub cool baths can help, too.

Newborn Overheating vs. Fever

It’s natural to think that your overheated baby may have a fever. To be sure, take your baby’s temperature and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concern. (For the most accurate temperature reading in babies and toddlers up to 3 years old, use a rectal thermometer.) Additionally, the symptoms below indicate that your baby may have a fever:

Difficulty sleeping
Lack of eating
No interest in playtime
Lethargic or not as active as usual

Any baby under 3 months with a rectal temperature of 100. 4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, must be checked by a doctor. And any child with a fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit needs to be evaluated. So, if you see those numbers, don’t hesitate to give your pediatrician a call! (Learn all about how to take your baby's temperature—and the right thermometer to use.)

Baby Overheating: Final Thoughts

The thing to keep in mind is that babies cannot regulate their body temperature well, so you always want to avoid extremes in temperature, whether that’s hot or cold. If you’re ever not sure if your baby is too hot, do the “ear check” to be safe!

About Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block. His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.

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Have questions about a Happiest Baby product? Our consultants would be happy to help! Connect with us at [email protected].

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.

what to do with a temperature of 39-40 without symptoms in an infant

A high temperature in a child under three years old is a reason for panic in young parents. Most frightening and confusing when the thermometer rises to high numbers, and there are no other symptoms of the disease. Let's look at the possible causes of a sudden fever and decide what to do when your baby only has a fever and nothing else.

Heat is a defense mechanism. If a child, even without symptoms, has a sharp rise in temperature, this may mean that his immune system is fighting some kind of infection. High temperature (38-39degrees or more) starts the process of producing interferon - a special protein that activates the body's defense system. Also, the body can react with fever to pain, overexcitation, stress.

Sometimes a child does not complain about anything, but for some time (from a week to a month) he lives with a temperature of 37. 5 or slightly lower. It is called subfebrile. Sometimes it speaks of hidden problems.

Infants and children under 3 years of age are a special case. The thermoregulation of their body is still poorly established, sometimes failures occur in it. That low temperature, then its short increase to 37.5 degrees are considered normal options. If the baby is not naughty, eats well, sleeps, nothing needs to be done. It is possible that the situation will soon resolve itself.

If the baby has a high temperature without symptoms of any disease, follow the tactics of waiting:

Observe: usually by the end of the first day after the temperature rises, the symptoms of the disease will definitely appear.
Do not proactively treat the disease: do not give the baby antibiotics or other strong medicines.
Do not bring down the fever by wiping the child with vinegar, alcohol or vodka - this can cause toxic poisoning.
A cold bath is also contraindicated - such an action can lead to vasospasm, not to mention the aggravation of the disease. It is better to lower the baby into water with a temperature index of 36.6 - this is enough to reduce hyperthermia.
Do not rub your baby with badger or other "very useful" fat: you will disrupt the thermoregulation system, which will lead to overheating of the whole organism.

Respiratory viruses. ARVI, or a cold, is considered the most common cause of a sharp asymptomatic fever. However, by the end of the first day, the symptoms will manifest themselves: the throat will turn red, transparent discharge will flow from the nose, and the head will start to hurt. It is clear that when, for example, a child is 6 months old, he is unlikely to be able to tell what worries him. However, lethargy, whims will speak for themselves.
Enteroviruses. In the people this group of viruses is called "intestinal flu". Such infections are second in ability to cause sudden fever. A day later, a runny nose, cough, as well as gastric upset, vomiting will appear.
Overtemperature. The temperature can jump if the child has been in the sun for a long time or in a stuffy, hot room, ran, jumped, was dressed excessively warmly. Some mothers make the mistake of wrapping their babies tightly and then leaving the stroller in the sun "to keep the baby warm".
Teething. A four-month-old baby, a 9-month-old child, a one-year-old baby, and a three-year-old toddler can face such a problem: after all, teeth erupt in the first three years of life. The gums swell, redden, saliva flows profusely, a runny nose is possible, the appearance of loose stools.
Reaction to vaccination. At any age, an increase in temperature after vaccination is possible. This reaction usually resolves within a few days.
Allergy. Children of the first year of life begin to try various foods and drinks that can cause an allergic reaction. Unseasonal fruits and berries are especially dangerous in this regard (strawberries in April and May, watermelons in June). As a rule, a rash and itching are observed after a couple of hours after the onset of fever.

These are just the most common causes of fever in infants. However, there are much more serious diseases, the symptom of which is a high temperature: urinary tract infection, SARS, herpes viruses and even tuberculosis.

It is necessary to give the baby an antipyretic only when the temperature rises to conditionally critical numbers. In a baby, in a one-year-old child and a baby up to 2 years old, this is a mark of 38.5 degrees, for a child of two or three years old - 39.

However, in some cases it is necessary to bring down the temperature. First of all, this is the evening time: if after 3-4 hours you put the baby to bed. It is also necessary to take antipyretics if he does not tolerate heat well: he is pale, lethargic, lies motionless, wants to sleep all the time, shaking from the cold.

What to do when the temperature is high?

Examine the child carefully. If a vascular pattern is noticeable on his body, while the baby’s arms and legs are cold, it is necessary to give him a no-shpu. Icy limbs are a sign of vascular spasm, if it is not eliminated, the temperature will not decrease. The dosage of no-shpy for children 1-3 years old is a quarter, no more. The legs are warmed with a heating pad, covered.
After the limbs begin to warm up, the child is given paracetamol, panadol, nurofen, or ibuprofen. It is convenient for children at the age of several months to give syrup or use rectal suppositories. Many pediatricians advise starting with paracetamol - this medicine helps only with the most mild diseases. So it will be easier for the doctor to assess the condition of the baby: if paracetamol helped immediately, there is nothing serious.
If after 40 min. the thermometer has not dropped below, the child should be undressed and wiped with cool water every five minutes. Measure the temperature after an hour of such procedures: if it has not decreased or continues to rise, give another antipyretic (was paracetamol - now nurofen, or vice versa).
If after 40 min. after taking the second antipyretic fever does not subside - call a doctor.

Remember! In no case should children be given aspirin: it can provoke severe damage to the brain and liver, up to the development of acute liver failure. Also, without the supervision of a specialist, it is impossible to give a lytic mixture or its components: papaverine, analgin, diphenhydramine. These drugs cause severe intoxication: hospitalization is often required to maintain vital functions.

Any increase in temperature in a child of the first years of life requires a consultation with a pediatrician. It is permissible to wait a day or three, if the baby's health is not disturbed and the temperature is not too high.

Even if you think that the cause of the fever was "innocent" circumstances, such as teething or allergies, the condition of the child should still be assessed by a specialist. Stomatitis, sore throat or thrush can be disguised as cutting teeth, and fever with allergies can cause anaphylactic shock.

Subfebrile condition is not so harmless, especially if it lasts for a month. The list of diseases that it accompanies is quite significant: anemia, diabetes mellitus, brain diseases, helminthic invasion, etc.

In difficult cases, in order to establish the true cause of fever, it is necessary to undergo a thorough examination. The pediatrician can refer the mother and baby for a consultation with narrow specialists: an ENT specialist, an immunologist, an otolaryngologist. Do not refuse diagnostics, it will help to choose adequate treatment.

Check your baby carefully before visiting the doctor. Assess the condition of the skin: are there any rashes, spots, redness, swelling? Examine the tongue: is it coated? Examine the throat, check nasal breathing. Remember what happened the day before and could lead to a fever. Let your doctor know about any abnormalities you see to help him make a faster diagnosis.

Do not give your baby any medicine on the day of the check-up, so as not to blur the picture of the disease.

If four days after the doctor's visit and the start of treatment, there is no improvement, the specialist should be called again.

Remember! If the child has a temperature of 39-40 and is under two years old, call an ambulance immediately. An ambulance call is also necessary if:

the child loses consciousness;
he has convulsions;
does not stop vomiting;
he complains of severe pain in any part of the body;
it hurts for a child to raise, tilt his head forward;
you brought down the temperature, but it rose sharply again.

The main thing in the treatment and prevention of diseases is the proper care of the baby. It is necessary to create conditions that will help maintain health, and in case of illness, in particular, a sudden rise in temperature, quickly cope with it:

The air in the children's room should be clean and fresh. To do this, in any weather, ventilate the room, in the morning and in the evening for 15 minutes.
The room should not be hot. Optimal - 20-22 degrees. When the baby has a fever, the room temperature can be lowered to 18 degrees.
Air humidity is very important - it allows the mucous membranes (the vanguard of immunity) to remain hydrated and work effectively. The humidity level should be 50-70%. Use humidifiers, do wet cleaning, arrange water containers around the room, hang wet laundry.
You can instill a weak saline solution into the nasal passages to prevent drying out of the mucous membranes.
The baby should drink enough. You need to drink clean water, herbal tea, dried fruit compote; Breast milk is the best drink for a baby. The norm of the liquid you drink is 40 ml per 1 kg of weight.
It is important that the child always walks in the fresh air. If his state of health is not changed, activity is not reduced, you can go out for a walk even at 38.5.
It is not necessary to wrap up the child. Even those with a temperature should be dressed as usual, and in case of a strong fever, completely undressed. It is necessary to dress the baby in clothes made of natural breathable fabrics. During a fever, the baby must stop using disposable diapers.
Do not try at all costs to feed a child when he has a fever. Food for a one-year-old and an older baby should be light, quickly digested: salads, cereals, vegetable purees, steamed cutlets.
Good sleep, quality rest is very important. At the same time, you should not force children to observe bed rest during the heat: the body itself will tell you what kind of motor mode it needs now.

If your child has a sudden fever, do not panic. Acting according to the algorithm described in the article, you will quickly cope with a fever in a baby.

What should I do if my child has a fever?

One of the most controversial issues for moms and dads is temperature. Shoot down or not. Is it good or bad? Our pediatrician, homeopath and very attentive experienced doctor Svetlana Anatolyevna Korzhova (Health Territories-October Field) wrote an article that every mother should read:

"Each parent wants the best for their child, takes care of him, regrets, tries to teach him the right behavior, attitude towards the world around him. But why, when a child gets sick and his temperature rises, parents do a disservice to the child by applying antipyretic, antiviral, thereby harming health? Of course, they want to help save the child from the “torments” that accompany an increase in body temperature, not knowing that they prevent the immune system from doing its job. By “treating” the child, parents actually treat their anxiety and concerns

Fever is an increase in body temperature due to the introduction of viruses or bacteria, through the spontaneous production of pyrogens. An increase in body temperature is a trigger mechanism, the body releases leukocytes, interferons, immunoglobulins, which, moving to the focus of inflammation, destroy and cleanse the body of an infectious agent and toxins.

This is the body's natural defense against disease, an increase in temperature indicates that the healing system has turned on and is working, this should not be feared, this should be rejoiced. People whose bodies cannot raise their body temperature when they have a cold are in poor health, have chronic diseases, or are in the process of developing a chronic disease. By giving antipyretics, we stop the immune response and prolong the disease for a long time, which subsequently leads to the prescription of antibiotics and other chemical, harmful substances.
There is a claim that high body temperature can lead to irreversible damage to the brain and internal organs. Yes, this can happen when the temperature rises above 41 degrees, but the body's defenses will not allow the temperature to rise above this figure, since this mechanism does not work for killing, but for protection. Studies have shown that the temperature increase in children did not exceed 40.5 degrees. The reason for the temperature rise above the threshold figure of 41.0 is poisoning with toxic substances or medicines, heat stroke, fever with cancer, immunodeficiency, sepsis. Such cases are observed only in the hospital.
Many parents are afraid of high fever in their children because of the occurrence of seizures, mistakenly believing that seizures occur at too high a temperature. In fact, convulsions occur with a sharp rise in temperature, and only in certain constitutional types of a person. It is rare, affecting only 4% of children mostly under the age of five. There is no evidence that they leave serious consequences and that the convulsions will recur. Children after febrile seizures usually always have an EEG ( electroencephalogram), where epileptic brain activity is not detected.
The application of antipyretics and rubdowns is almost always carried out too late, because. with a rapid increase in temperature, the transition of the convulsive threshold quickly occurs. Convulsions in a child are an unbearable sight, but they do not last long (1-2 minutes). If this happens, then you need to turn the child on his side, make sure that he does not choke on saliva, place a folded towel between his teeth so that he does not bite his tongue and call your doctor or ambulance.
The peculiarity of body temperature changes is in children under one year old, because they do not have a mature thermoregulatory center. Body temperature varies with ambient temperature. If the temperature in the room where the child is located is above 25 degrees or the child is very warmly dressed, the body temperature rise can be up to 37.5. In this case, you need to undress the child and measure the temperature after 5-10 minutes. Also, an increase in temperature to subfebrile numbers (37.5) can occur during teething and this is accompanied by salivation and anxiety. With caution, you need to treat the increase in temperature in children during the first months of life, because. they have a feature of immunity (incomplete phagocytosis), you should immediately consult a doctor.

In a strong child, the febrile condition disappears without any special consequences, but if he has chronic diseases, then acute fever can activate them, and then additional examination and treatment will be required.