If the sight of an adorable infant in a stroller makes you long for family life, you could be suffering from “baby fever.” Researchers studying judgment and decision-making have discovered that the hormone oxytocin triggers this desire.
Normal newborn temperatures typically range between 96-102 degrees. If your infant appears to have fever symptoms, consult with healthcare provider regarding age group specific guidelines.
Viruses
Newborn babies experiencing fever should visit a physician as soon as they exhibit any symptoms, especially if they are younger than 3 months. Fevers in newborns can be caused by viruses as well as bacteria such as ear infections or strep throat that require immediate medical attention if left untreated, which could potentially lead to more serious consequences in later years.
Fevers are an indication that the immune system is working hard to fight infection, though infant fevers do not pose any significant threats or danger. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) should be used sparingly until an appropriate dosage and instructions have been determined by a pediatrician; for newborns lukewarm baths may help bring their temperature down; it is best if left in diaper and dressed warmly to minimize cold temperatures being more uncomfortable for their sensitive systems than heat temperatures.
Women often report experiencing “baby fever” during their 20s or 30s, often as a result of social expectations, career aspirations goals, relationship milestones, or biological clock ticking down to get married or feel biological clock ticking back down again. Some experts argue that baby fever may actually be caused by hormonal responses associated with wanting to start a family while others contend it’s just part of society pushing us into reproduction.
Heatstroke
Babies’ bodies do not release heat as efficiently as adults do, leading them to quickly overheat and develop fevers if overheated for any extended period of time. Lukewarm sponge baths may help temporarily bring their fever down; dressing your infant in lightweight clothing and sleeping with just one light blanket also may do the trick. For optimal results consult your pediatrician regarding appropriate dosage of paracetamol or ibuprofen;
Babies exposed to overheated environments or lacking fluid intake are vulnerable to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition characterized by sudden high fever that can lead to brain and spinal cord infections in infants. Heatstroke should always be taken seriously and immediately taken to an emergency department if symptoms such as lethargic behavior or refusing to drink water or milk occur; any sign that heatstroke might have occurred must be checked on regularly by parents and taken as quickly as possible if suspected.
Babies may develop fever due to being exposed to infectious people or their immune systems responding to an infection, with severity rather than temperature being the best indicator of whether medical attention should be sought. Newborns experiencing seizures or severe vomiting and diarrhea should seek immediate care in an ER; otherwise it could signal meningitis, an illness with potentially life-threatening complications.
Dehydration
Human bodies are composed of water and require plenty of fluids in order to function, especially babies and young children. If they lose too much fluid through fever, diarrhea, vomiting or sweating they may quickly become dehydrated due to limited reserves. Dehydration in babies and small children is especially serious since their bodies don’t have as much fluid to spare in the first place. Signs of dehydration in these age groups include dry lips and skin that appears doughy or wrinkled as well as rapid breathing or weak but fast pulse. Extreme cases may include rapid breathing or rapid breathing or rapid pulse; fontanels (soft spots on top of head) may look sunken in while eyes become very dark due to lack of fluid intake during illness or diarrhea or sweating sessions.
To combat mild dehydration in babies or small children, make sure they drink often (especially breast milk or formula), add water to food or drinks they’re given, or purchase oral rehydration solutions from pharmacies (designed specifically to provide them with enough sugars and salts for optimal hydration).
Try applying a cool sponge or wash cloth to their forehead to help cool them down, baths may also help, although be careful that the water temperature remains fairly warm to avoid shock, and if they’re very uncomfortable you could give a small dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen (be sure to check HealthDirect’s safety tips first), while in severe cases visit either their GP or emergency department for medical assistance.
Other Causes
Baby fever may seem like a make-believe condition, but it can actually be brought on by real illnesses. Babies typically get fever due to viruses but it could also be related to bacterial infections that need to be treated with antibiotics. Other possible sources include metabolic disorders or autoimmune conditions or medications they’re taking that cause their temperature to spike.
As it often is easy to tell whether or not your baby has a fever, recognizing symptoms such as feeling hot and sweaty could indicate this is likely the case. Feeling their foreheads can give a good indication as to whether their body temperature has spiked – though for accurate diagnosis it’s always wiser to use a thermometer for verification purposes.
Signs of fever include fussiness or irritability, reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping (for children older than two weeks). Children may spit up more frequently or appear sick than normal – both could just be symptoms caused by viruses.
To soothe a baby with fever, keep them cool by dressing in light clothing like cotton swaddles or pajamas made of cotton material. Avoid bathing them in water that’s either too warm or too cold; bathe instead using lukewarm water and dry them carefully afterward – using a fan can also be helpful. If the fever persists for more than 48 hours, visit your pediatrician immediately; pain relievers such as Infant TYLENOL products contain acetaminophen while Children TYLENOL products contain ibuprofen; consult first with their healthcare provider prior to using.
