Babies, Fever and What To Do
This post is sponsored by FeverAll, but like always all thoughts and opinions are my own
There is nothing scarier for any mom then their baby getting sick and having a fever. What do you do? Do you call the doctor? Administer medicine? The thoughts of what to do will race through any mom's mind, that's why it is best to prepare yourself for a sick baby with accurate information and the right kind of medicine.
What is a fever?
Anything from 97° to 100.4° is considered normal. In general, the AAP considers anything over
100.4 degrees F to be a possible fever. A baby under 3 months, any slight fever raises concern and I would urge you to reach out to a medical professional. After 6 months, a pediatrician would say that a fever of 103°-104° is cause for concern.
Taking a rectal temperature for best results.
Using a digital rectal thermometer will proved the most accurate reading of a baby's temperature. First, clean the end of the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soap and water; rinse in lukewarm water and dry. Apply a small amount of lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, on the end.
Place your child tummy down across your lap. Hold the child by placing your palm against his lower back. Or, place the child face up and bend his legs to the chest. Rest your free hand against the back of the thighs.
With the other hand, turn the thermometer on, and insert it ½ to 1 inch into the anal opening (not too far). Hold the thermometer in place loosely with two fingers, keeping your hand cupped around your child’s bottom. In about a minute, when you hear the beep, remove it and check the reading.
Re-clean. Be sure the thermometer is labeled so it’s not accidentally used in the mouth.
When to administer medicine?
Just because your child feels warm doesn't mean they have a fever. A baby's body temperature fluctuates from 97° to 100° so there is nothing to worry about, unless baby is three months and younger. Please consult your physician if that is the case.
Which Medicine is right for my child?
Remember to never give a child aspirin and if your child is 6 months or younger do not give them ibuprofen. I prefer to use an FDA-regulated, acetaminophen that does not have any added ineffective ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, parabens or preservatives.
My favorite is FeverAll Infants' Strength Suppositories.
FeverAll can be used for children 6-36 months old and is great for children, like mine, who refuse to take oral medicine. My oldest started to spit out his medicine around a year old, so instead of battling with a sick child to take an oral medicine, I used FeverAll. He has gotten much better about taking an oral medicine, but I still always keep FeverAll in our medicine cabinet just in case he can't keep oral medicine down or if our newest son feels sick. There is nothing worse than not being prepared when a child is sick!
Make sure you are fever ready! Head HERE to learn more about FeverAll.
You can follow FeverAll on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for even more information. You can also check out their Federal Hot Topic videos featuring pediatric nurse practitioner Megan Jolin on theirYouTube page.
Stock up on FeverAll Infant Strength Suppositories at your local Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens and Walmart
