How to Treat a Fever in an Infant

An infant's first fever is enough to cause any parent to worry. If allowed to climb to dangerous temperatures, fevers themselves can cause seizures and other health problems. Before attempting to treat a fever at home, verify that home treatment is safe. Infants with extremely high or persistent fevers may need emergency medical attention. For moderate fevers, however, focus on cooling your infant down and keeping him or her hydrated and rested.

Take the baby's temperature. A normal temperature is between 97 and 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (36 to 38 degrees Celsius). If your baby's temperature is above this range and he or she is acting differently or appears to be uncomfortable, there are various ways to break the fever.

1. Bathe or sponge your child with lukewarm water. Never use cold water, ice baths, or rubbing alcohol. A fever must be brought down gradually, and these methods will reduce body temperature too rapidly and may cause additional health problems. Moreover, rubbing alcohol comes with the additional risk of alcohol poisoning, which may occur if the alcohol is absorbed through the skin. 

2.Change your baby's clothing. Make sure your baby is dressed in lightweight fabrics, and keep layers to a minimum. Extra layers will likely trap the excess body heat produced by your baby's fever, causing your baby to stay too warm and encouraging the fever to continue rising. If your baby starts to shiver, however, you may need to add an extra layer to prevent him or her from catching a chill.

3. Remove any clothing once it becomes soaked with sweat. A little dampness may not cause much damage, but a thoroughly drenched garment may cause your baby to catch a chill, which will only complicate your child's illness.

4.Cover your infant with a lightweight blanket if he or she gets cold. Shivering is a tell-tale sign that your child needs additional coverage to stay warm. Blankets make a good choice because they are easier to remove and adjust than clothing. Never use heavy-weight blankets, however, since these will only cause your infant's body temperature to increase.

5.Decrease your baby's level of activity. It is a good sign if your child is still interested in playing, but too much physical activity will only cause the body's internal temperature to continue climbing. Keep your baby indoors and relatively sedate.

6.Give your infant extra fluids. Preventing dehydration is an important part of fighting a fever. Infants under six months of age should only receive breast milk or formula, but you may consider supplementing this with small amounts of water, natural fruit juice, or gelatin and popsicles made with natural fruit juice to babies over six months.

With Medication

1. Consider giving your baby acetaminophen if the fever does not respond to non-medicinal treatments. Concentrations vary, so check the dosage instructions on the box to determine the recommended amount.

2.Consult your doctor before giving your infant medication. This step is especially important if you have never given your baby acetaminophen before. While most infants can take acetaminophen safely, you should check with your doctor before starting your baby on any new medications.

3. Take your baby's temperature using a rectal thermometer, if possible. Rectal and oral thermometers will provide the most accurate readings. You may also take your baby's temperature via the armpit, but you must add a degree to the thermometer's reading to determine your child's actual temperature.

Warnings

• Call your doctor immediately if your 0- to 3-month-old baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher.
• Call your doctor if your 3- to 6-month-old infant has a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) or if the fever lasts for more than one day. You must also call the doctor if your baby displays worrisome changes in behavior, such as listlessness, loss of appetite, or dehydration.
• Call your doctor if your 6-month- to 1-year-old has a fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius) or higher. Also consult your doctor if the fever lasts for more than 24 hours, or if you notice signs of listlessness,x loss of appetite, or dehydration.

Things You'll Need

• Thermometer
• Lightweight blanket
• Lightweight clothing
• Baby acetaminophen