How To Detect Fever In Newborns?

A body temperature of more than 38°C in a newborn is formally known as fever. Your baby’s body makes a fever to fight off germs without causing any harm to their health. Fever can make your baby feel hot and look flushed. It can also cause headaches, shivering, and sweating. Some children might also lose their appetite when they are suffering from a fever, while others get sleepy or restless. Different bodies have different reactions to the ways to tackle fever.

If you find your newborn’s body is feeling hot or they are crying, cranky, and restless for no reason known, then you can get hospital thermometers and use them on their rectum to find their rectal temperature. If that is above 38°C, then you should consult a pediatrician immediately.

What Can Cause Fever?

Fever commonly occurs among children, but if it has occurred in your newborn, that can be a sign of getting infections. Most fever occurs due to different types of viruses, and some are because of bacterial infections. Prolonged fever, which is there for more than a week or recurring fever can be a sign of underlying chronic problems. Thus, if you notice anything like this, you should consult a caregiver immediately.

Detecting Temperature

You can use either digital thermometers or hospital thermometers to detect the rectal temperature of your baby. Make sure to use the thermometer correctly as the wrong usage can poke a hole in the rectum. It might also lead to infection while passing stool. Read the directions given by the manufacturer carefully and use the thermometer accordingly. If you are not comfortable with taking the rectal temperature, you might ask your child’s caregiver about what can be the best option.

Causes Of Fever

It is essential to prevent your baby from getting chilled. But if you put too many layers of clothes and blankets, that might overheat the baby. And if they overheat, they might acquire symptoms like restlessness, a hot body, and a flushed and red face. To avoid this, make sure you are not overheating the baby.

• Keep the baby away from any direct source of heat, like heaters, direct sunlight, etc.
• Maintain a pleasant temperature inside your home.
• Ensure to dress your baby comfortably.
• Cars get heated easily, so dress your baby accordingly when you take them for a ride.

Newborns might not always take the right amount of breast milk or formula. This can lead to a rise in their body temperature. If you think that your baby is not taking enough breast milk or formula, you should consult their doctor immediately.

Make sure to check your child’s body temperature. If you notice that they have a fever, call their healthcare provider right away.