The baby has had a high temperature for 6 days. Increased body temperature of the newborn. Measuring temperature in the armpit or groin cavity

What body temperature is considered normal for a person? It would seem that answering this question is as easy as shelling pears - 36.6.

In fact, these are very average figures, which are usually discussed in cases where the temperature of an adult is measured in the armpit. If we are talking about an infant, then both the measurement technique and the numbers themselves can be completely different.

So, how to correctly measure the temperature of a newborn baby, and in what cases should you sound the alarm?

Normal body temperature for infants

Each child has his own normal body temperature.

The thermoregulation system of the body in newborns is not yet fully formed, so the child’s temperature can rise or fall due to external factors - long crying, active games, time of day - usually the temperature in the morning is lower than in the afternoon.

Normal indicators in this case are considered to be figures from 36.3 to 37.3 o C, but when measuring, it is necessary to take into account accompanying symptoms and factors.

That is, if a baby’s temperature stays at 37 o C for several days, but he is cheerful, eats well and sleeps peacefully, then there is most likely nothing to worry about - after a few weeks, the baby’s thermoregulation system will normalize along with the temperature readings.

It is better to know your child's normal body temperature. When your child is feeling well, take and record his or her temperature upon waking in the morning and in the afternoon when the child is calm. This is your baby's average body temperature.

What affects temperature readings?

As mentioned above, the thermoregulation system in babies is very imperfect, so their temperature can easily rise or fall depending on some factors:

• The room is too hot or too cold;
• Number of clothes;
• Prolonged crying (t o increases);
• Large meals (t o increases);
• Taking antihistamines;
• A recent infectious, inflammatory or cold disease (in this case, residual effects may be observed, that is, a rise in temperature or, conversely, a drop due to the general weakness of the child);
• Time of day (the lowest temperature readings in children are observed early in the morning, and the highest in the afternoon, from 16 to 18).

How to measure a baby's temperature

Today, there are several types of thermometers that allow you to measure your baby’s temperature in several ways at once: in the armpit, in the mouth, rectally, or even in the ear. Of course, each of these thermometers has its own disadvantages and advantages.

Which thermometer should you choose?

• Mercury thermometer

The most conservative and at the same time the most accurate way to measure temperature (the error is approximately 0.1 degrees). If we talk about the disadvantages, then they primarily include a long measurement time - at least 5-7 minutes. This may be too long for a restless little one. In addition, such thermometers are completely unsafe, and therefore require great caution from the mother.

• Digital Thermometer

A modern and very convenient tool that allows you to quickly (measurement time - no more than 3 minutes) measure your baby's temperature in any way. The main disadvantage is the high error, which can reach 1 o C.

• Infrared thermometer

Such a thermometer is able to determine the temperature in just a few seconds, without creating any inconvenience for the baby, but it costs much more than its analogues.

After choosing a thermometer, you should decide on how to measure temperature: in the armpit, inguinal fold, mouth, rectum or ear.

Measurement methods

• In the armpit (groin fold)

The child needs to be placed on his back, his arm raised and his armpit freed from clothing. Place the tip of the thermometer under the armpit, then lower the baby’s arm, making sure that the thermometer is in close contact with the body. If the measurement is carried out with an electronic thermometer, you should wait for the sound signal, if with mercury, wait 7 minutes. In a similar way, you can measure your baby’s temperature in the groin fold.

• In the rectum (rectal method)

Place the baby on his back or side, bend his legs at the knees and fix them in this position. Apply baby cream or Vaseline to the tip of the thermometer, then carefully insert the tip into the anus about 2 cm. After finishing the measurement, carefully remove the thermometer.

• In the mouth or ear (oral route)

In these cases, you can only use thermometers specially designed for these purposes (in no case mercury!) - electronic in the form of a pacifier or infrared ear.

Video - technique for measuring temperature in a baby:

How to determine an increase in temperature without a thermometer

There are times when you don’t have a thermometer at hand, but you need to determine your baby’s temperature urgently. To do this, doctors recommend using the following methods:

• The “grandmother’s” method is to put your hand or lips to your forehead. The simplest, but at the same time rather approximate method, since it is simply impossible to determine the numbers with an accuracy of at least 0.5 o C in this case.
• The temperature can be determined not only by the forehead, but also by the inguinal folds, hollows under the knees and elbow pits.
• In addition to hot skin, look for other signs of fever: flushed cheeks, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing and hot air as you exhale, and intense sweating.
• Cold tips of the fingers and toes with hot and dry skin, as a rule, indicate not only a high temperature, but also that it will rise further.
• Respiration and pulse rates are also indicators of temperature - normally, a child’s heart rate up to six months is 120-140 beats per minute, and the respiratory rate is about 30 breaths/min. At elevated temperatures, these indicators also increase.
• A baby who has a high fever does not behave as usual - he refuses to eat, may be too sleepy and lethargic, or, conversely, restless and capricious.

When should you start lowering your temperature?

It is very difficult to answer this question unambiguously, since everything depends on the individual characteristics of each baby. Some children experience severe weakness, headaches and muscle pain already at 37.5 o C, while others feel quite normal even at a temperature of 39 o C.

If the baby does not show strong signs of anxiety, then it is recommended to bring down the temperature when it rises above 38.5 o C. It should be remembered that with viral and bacterial infections the temperature usually rises very quickly, so it must be constantly monitored.

Temperatures in the range of 41-41.5 o C are considered life-threatening.

A high temperature is also dangerous because the child may experience febrile convulsions. They are characterized by holding your breath, severe tension in the body muscles, erratic twitching, bluish skin, etc. If the baby has a history of such a phenomenon, the temperature should be lowered to 38 o C.

Another very dangerous condition is the so-called “white” fever. It is quite simple to distinguish it from “pink” - if the baby’s skin is red, hot and wet, then the fever is “pink”, and if it is pale and dry, with cold extremities, then it is “white”. The “white” condition is much more dangerous. In this case, the baby urgently needs the help of a doctor.

What to pay attention to:

• How did the temperature rise start? if the temperature rises gradually and the child feels worse and worse, this should cause more concern than a sudden increase in temperature in an apparently healthy child;
• How the child feels is much more important than how high the temperature rises: a situation when a child has a temperature of 38 o C, and he lies “flat”, is more dangerous than when a child has a temperature of 40 o C, and he plays as if nothing had happened;
• The younger the child, the more concerned you should be: A high temperature in a three-month-old baby is much more dangerous than in a three-year-old baby.

Any increase in temperature in infants under 3 months should be reported to the doctor.

How to bring down a newborn's temperature

Methods for lowering the temperature in infants are divided into household and medicinal methods, and if the baby feels normal, there is no need to rush to take medications.

• Remove excess clothing and diaper, cover with a light blanket;
• Ventilate the room, ensuring a constant flow of fresh air, but avoiding drafts;
• Give your child water as often as possible;
• Wipe the skin with damp towels at room temperature (except in cases of “white” fever).

What not to do!

• Do not wipe your baby with vinegar, alcohol or vodka, as they are quickly absorbed into the skin and can cause serious poisoning;
• Do not apply cold objects to the child's body or wrap him in cold wet cloth - this can lead to vasospasm;
• Don't wrap your baby in multiple thick blankets, put too many clothes on him, or place heaters nearby.

Medications that can be given to babies are children's paracetamol and ibuprofen (suspension or rectal suppositories). The dose is calculated depending on the age and weight of the baby, and it is important not to exceed both the single and daily dose of the drug.

Paracetamol

• Suspension - for children from 6 months. up to a year, it is recommended to give 5-7.5 ml of syrup no more than 4 hours a day with breaks of at least 4 hours.
• Candles - for children from 3 months. up to one year - one suppository (0.08 g) no more than 4 hours a day with breaks of at least 4 hours.

Ibuprofen

• Suspension - for children from 6 months. up to one year - 2.5 ml 3 times a day, maximum daily dose - 7.5 ml.
• Candles - for children from 3 to 9 months. - 1 suppository (60 mg) every 6-8 hours, no more than 180 g/day, for children over 9 months. - 1 suppository (60 mg) every 6 hours, not more than 240 mg/day.

The dosage for children under 3 months should be determined exclusively by a doctor.

In what cases should you call an ambulance?

• At temperatures above 40.5 o C;
• The child's age is under 3 months;
• If a high fever is accompanied by a rash, severe vomiting or diarrhea;
• For febrile convulsions and “white” fever;
• If your temperature rises after being in the sun for a long time;
• If the child does not respond to external stimuli;
• If antipyretic drugs do not have an effect.

What to do before the doctor arrives?

Before the doctor arrives, parents should continue to take measures to reduce the temperature: undress the child and remove his diaper, covering him with a thin blanket (the child should not freeze!), provide a flow of fresh air, and give him a sip of water.

If a child begins to have febrile convulsions, the baby should be placed on a hard surface, his head should be turned to one side and breathing should be closely monitored - if it is interrupted, you should wait until the end of the attack and begin artificial respiration.

What should you tell your doctor?

In order for the emergency doctor to be able to correctly assess the situation, he needs to report how long ago the baby had a fever, what he did, ate and drank the day before, as well as the measures that were taken to reduce the temperature.

In addition, the doctor should find out about any allergic reactions, central nervous system disorders, or serious illnesses that you have in your medical history.

Remember that any little thing in this case can become fundamental, and sometimes even save the child’s life.

Video: helping a child with fever

Temperature is one of the vital signs of our body, which depends on many physiological factors. The thermoregulation system, the center of which is located in the hypothalamus, ensures the maintenance of optimal temperature and regulates the balance between loss and production of heat in the body.

At birth, the thermoregulation system is still imperfect, so the body of children under 3 months of age does not have the ability to constantly maintain temperature and reacts to any fluctuation in the temperature of the environment. It is for this reason that maternity hospital doctors recommend properly caring for the child and preventing overheating or hypothermia.

In some children, on days 3-5 from birth, temperatures up to 39 degrees can be observed. This only means that their body is adapting to life in a new environment, outside the womb. Closer to 3 months of age, the formation of circadian rhythms begins, and at night the thermometer reading will stop at 37 degrees. The maximum rate can be observed in the evening.

When measuring the temperature of a newborn, you need to know that the temperature will differ in different parts of the body. Therefore, every mother should take into account that in the armpit the indicator will be 0.3-0.6 degrees lower than in the rectum.

The normal body temperature of a newborn baby is considered to be up to 37.5 degrees. But in some cases, you can also find individual fluctuations in body temperature from 35*C to 38.3*C. To measure it, use a mercury or electronic thermometer.

Symptoms of fever in newborns

The first symptoms of fever in a newborn baby:

Rapid breathing and pulse,
anxiety,
lethargy,
pale skin or redness.
sparkling eyes,
sweating,
chills.

Rapid breathing and pulse are considered the most important indicators of a rise in body temperature. In a healthy child, the pulse decreases no more than 130 times per minute during sleep, and in wakefulness - up to 160 beats per minute. When a baby cries, the heart rate can increase to 200 beats per minute.

The breathing rate of a newborn baby is up to 60 breaths per minute, while that of a one-year-old baby is up to 30 breaths. You also need to know that some children normally tolerate a slight increase in body temperature, without any deviations from the norm.

Fever, which is not a sign of disease, can reach up to 38.3*C in children. The reason for this could be:

Overheating of the newborn, excessive wrapping or violation of the drinking regime,
constipation,
prolonged crying
teething,
constitutional feature.

Whichever of these causes the fever must be eliminated.

1. If the child was heavily bundled up or was in direct sunlight for a long time, then most likely he is overheated. In this case, the child must be taken to a cool room, take off his clothes and give him something to drink.

3. Prolonged crying can cause fever, but parents must establish the true reason for this behavior. If you suspect colic, you should immediately call a doctor.

But it is best to prevent such situations and provide normal living conditions for the child. Naturally, the process of teething cannot be reversed, and all children without exception go through this. Buy your baby special teething toys that will make her feel better. You should not lower the temperature if it does not rise above 38.5*C

At the same time, you need to know that a thermometer reading of 38*C may also indicate the development of the disease. Most often this is:

Rubella,
chickenpox,
ARVI,
ear-nose-throat diseases.

An increase in body temperature is sometimes observed in a newborn and after vaccination.

Speaking about diseases, it can be noted that the severity of the disease cannot be judged by the thermometer reading - this is just the body’s reaction.

What should parents do if they have a fever in their children?

When the parents of a newborn child notice that his body temperature has risen, the first thing they do is call the pediatrician. This is correct, and each of them should know how to react to the current situation before he arrives.

You already know what body temperature is considered normal. Therefore, no action should be taken if the thermometer reading does not exceed 38*C. A higher temperature in children, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, must be brought down using one of the non-drug methods, which will be described in the article below. Measure your body temperature and write it down on a separate piece of paper each time, which you will need to show to your doctor. Also, do not forget to write down the frequency of the measurement procedure.

When the doctor arrives, you should tell him your assumptions about the reason for the increase in temperature, tell him what methods you gave to your baby to reduce the temperature.

You need to call an ambulance in the following cases:

When children under 3 months of age have a fever,
when the thermometer in the armpit shows above 38*C,
when the baby's neck is not flexible and you cannot tilt his head to the chest.
if the baby is prone to seizures.
if the temperature is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea.
the baby refuses food for more than 6 hours,
the color of urine is changed,
a rash appeared on the body,
when a child has chronic diseases.

How to reduce fever in children?

First of all, the child should be in a well-ventilated area with normal humidity levels. The air temperature in the room should not exceed 22 degrees. Remember also that electric heaters dry out the air, so it is recommended to carry out wet cleaning frequently.
There is no need to worry if a baby with a fever eats little and without appetite - this is considered normal. The main thing is to make sure that he saturates his body with fluid. Therefore, you need to feed him often, albeit in small portions.

To reduce the thermometer readings, you can wipe the newborn’s body with a diaper soaked in warm water.. As a result of the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin, body temperature will slowly decrease.

Drinking plenty of fluids is an essential means of reducing fever. You won’t be able to convince your baby to drink more, but you can often offer him his favorite drinks. If your baby is exclusively breastfed, then put him to the breast more often.

Never wipe your newborn's body with alcohol or vinegar - these are old grandmother's recipes that can only worsen the situation.

Medication methods for reducing fever in a newborn baby

The safest medications for newborns are those made on the basis of paracetamol - Panadol, Efferalgan, Tylenol, etc.

It is strictly forbidden to mix drugs into infant formula.. And the main thing that parents should remember, especially when it comes to a newborn child under 3 months of age, is that the name of the drug, as well as the norms of use, should be prescribed only by a doctor after examining the baby.

So the little one is sick, but he can’t say anything. He just whines and doesn't eat well. And he sleeps the same way. Moreover, all hot. What to do? We will talk about this in the article.

Don't panic!

The baby is sick - that's already clear. Lethargic, capricious, flushed... Some mothers measure the temperature literally at the slightest hint that the baby is unwell. Others will simply press their lips to his forehead - and this is how they determine the temperature. It turns out very approximately, of course.

But I wonder what body temperature is considered normal for infants? This is usually called the numbers from 36.3 to 37.3. If in a boy or girl it is 37 and does not change for a long time, but there are no obvious indicators of the disease (the baby sleeps well, eats just fine), then there is no need to panic. Several months will pass, and the child’s thermoregulation will begin to “work” correctly. The temperature will return to normal.

The smallest

You brought your miracle from the maternity hospital. They put him to bed. And he suddenly began to hiccup, his arms and legs turned blue. What is this? Just cold. In newborns, the regulation of body temperature has not yet been established at all, so heat loss prevails over its production. This is why it is not at all difficult for babies to become overheated or overcooled.

The body temperature of infants (1 month old) should be 37 or 37.5 degrees. And in just a few days she can start jumping from 36 to 37. Don’t be alarmed. The habitual, “traditional” 36.6 will appear in the child only by the end of the first year of life.

Thermoregulation in infants is still imperfect, so it instantly reacts to all changes in the air. Both in the apartment and on the street. This is why the body temperature of a baby (2 months) is not constant even before reaching three months of age. Either the child quickly overheated - and she jumped, or cooled down - and fell.

And there are several reasons for this (besides colds). The baby cried for a long time and became hot. Or maybe his mother wrapped him up too warmly - again the thermometer shows above normal. Or a baby who is less than one month old has started to experience colic, plus gases have accumulated in the tummy. Here you have the temperature again.

While the small organism has not yet adapted to life outside the mother’s tummy, it cannot cope with thermal stress.

One more moment. If the baby is constantly swaddled, wrapped up, and not allowed to breathe at least a little in lightweight clothes, then the mechanisms of his heat exchange will not start. He, as they used to say, does not harden, becomes unstable even to the slightest colds. A baby needs the most ordinary care: do not dress him too warmly or too lightly. The golden mean is important here too.

Don't part with your thermometer

Until the baby is six months old, the temperature must be measured every day. This is certainly ideal. But it’s unlikely that anyone will follow our advice - to run to the crib with a thermometer every morning. But you shouldn’t pay attention to anything either.

Young parents must understand one thing: your new family member’s immunity has not yet strengthened. The thermal mechanism has not yet been fully formed. This is why a baby (up to six months old) overheats so easily and quickly. And always - with active play or strong crying. And the slightest breeze blows, a draft blows through - he is already hypothermic.

But if you notice that in a baby, for example, it has dropped to 35, then the reason for this may be the antipyretic drugs that you gave the baby the day before during illness. And their effect simply lasts for some time after recovery. After all, the body of children is not the same as that of adults.

Rare case

This symptom is not common. And although the baby does not necessarily indicate that he is very ill, parents are still obliged to pay attention to this.

You also need to know that this can be seen in premature babies. Or in children in the first two months of life, who can quickly become hypothermic when the air gets colder.

Also, temperature tends to change over a 24-hour cycle. There is a slight decline at night, around 2-4 hours, when everyone is sound asleep.

In a situation where a child has been ill for a long time and seriously, the general weakness of his body also causes a drop in temperature. Let's add here anemia with vitamin deficiency. They also affect the thermoregulation of babies.

It's different for everyone

There is no clear answer to the question of what is the normal body temperature for an infant. It cannot be the same for all children, because each is individual. The indicators “float” from 36 to 38 degrees.

They also depend on where the temperature is taken. These data are also influenced by other factors characteristic of both the development and physiology of a particular child.

If you want to know what your child’s usual temperature is, you will have to measure it for several days in a row - in the morning, at lunchtime, and in the evening.

What does it depend on?

As we have already found out, normal body temperature in infants is usually from 36 to 37 degrees. But scientists, meanwhile, have established: even each organ has its own! So, the liver has the highest. In other organs it is slightly lower. But the skin in the armpits is usually the hottest: (36-36.8 degrees).

On the neck - always lower than the normal body temperature of a baby. Only 34 degrees. This must also be remembered, since parents sometimes take into account what was measured here, in the fold of the skin.

Very few degrees are shown by the feet and hands of babies (24-28). In the mouth - a little higher compared to the rectum.

The temperature also fluctuates throughout the day. In children, the lowest occurs in the early morning (4-5 hours). And the highest is at 16-17. She also jumps after eating, especially if there were meat dishes on the plate.

A well-fed, very excitable toddler, always on the move, is always a few tenths of a degree hotter than an apathetic child who does not like noisy games.

In healthy children (the first years of life), energy is in full swing. If they are not sleeping, they do not sit still for a minute: they crawl, spin, and run. And they accumulate a lot of heat. And they have a problem with heat transfer. So they sweat a lot.

When to measure

Knowing what the infant’s personal body temperature is, parents can not overuse its measurement so often. This is despite the fact that the baby has no hints of illness. But if you see that the baby has calmed down, is not eating well, is pale, has cold hands, and is shivering, then this is a signal that the temperature needs to be measured urgently.

Some mothers use the old, folk method to apply their lips to the baby’s forehead. Of course, the method is proven, but very subjective. And when the baby has chills, it doesn’t mean anything at all. What we need here is an effective tool.

Most often, a situation where the normal body temperature of a baby is disturbed is the first sign of a cold or some kind of inflammatory disease. This means that a pediatrician needs to be called to your home immediately.

All kinds of thermometers are needed

To find out whether infants have normal body temperature or not, parents most often use a traditional thermometer (mercury). Its main advantage is accuracy. But the error is small - only 0.1 degrees.

There are also disadvantages. First of all, time. You need to hold it in your armpit for 7 minutes and 5 minutes. - in a child's butt, which is a lot for a little fidget. He won't be able to stand still for such a long time.

This thermometer is also unsafe. It is filled with mercury and requires very careful handling. So it’s a bit difficult to use for a little person.

The electronic device is very convenient. In this case, you can measure the temperature in the mouth, armpit (but here the most inaccurate data) and rectally. Everything will take three minutes. In addition, there is a signal indicating the end of the measurement.

Such thermometers also come in the form of a dummy. Suitable only for babies who are still keen on the pacifier.

The downside is that it is slightly more erroneous compared to mercury. Up to one degree. And the battery in it needs to be changed.

The newest infrared is a good invention. It can be either contactless or ear-based. The first one instantly shows how many degrees the sick person has, you just need to bring it to the baby. But it cannot boast of high accuracy. However, it is convenient if the child moves.

And with the help of the ear, you can quickly and easily see what the body temperature of infants is. It only takes five seconds while the baby is sleeping. There is only one drawback - the thermometer is expensive.

There is also a disposable thermometer. It is presented in the form of stripes. They need to be applied to the child’s skin or taken under the tongue. Time is only a minute. However, their accuracy is low. But they are extremely necessary on a trip.

How to do it

If the baby has already learned to sit a little, then take him on your lap. Place the thermometer under your arm. Hold the baby's hand. Knowing what the baby’s body temperature should be, compare it with the one on the thermometer.

If you have a baby, then you can only put a thermometer on him when he is lying on his back. Lift its handle and then press the thermometer firmly against your body. You can watch in seven minutes.

Many people also measure the baby’s temperature rectally. Just remember to lubricate the tip of the thermometer with Vaseline or baby cream. Insert it extremely carefully, and no further than two centimeters. Remove slowly. Be sure to disinfect afterwards.

It’s also a good idea to measure in a child’s ear. Carefully insert the thermometer (ear), while slightly pulling the earlobe back and the drop upward. Place the probe into the channel. Then remove it quietly.

Only peace!

Remember that you can measure the temperature of a tiny baby when he is calm. If before this the baby was actively moving, you swaddled him or he cried, then wait a little. Let him calm down. And then - please carry out all the manipulations.

Do not forget that in the evening the temperature always rises a little for any person. Therefore, if you know what the baby’s normal body temperature is, and in the morning it was exactly that, but you still suspect that the baby is sick, then be sure to measure it both during the day and just before bed.

There is no need to show your child that you are very worried. Children, including the smallest ones, always sense their mother’s mood and adopt it. They will begin to be more capricious and feel even more discomfort.

Rest assured that everything will work out. The baby will recover if he is sick, and everything will be fine with you.

All parents are equally worried about their children, especially if they are at a very young age, with a fragile body and a predisposition to various colds and infections. But if the treatment of common seasonal diseases is known to everyone, then how to behave if baby's temperature is 38 without symptoms appeared completely unexpectedly and without reason?

To begin with, it should be emphasized that elevated body temperature is characteristic of all babies, without exception, in the first year of life and is considered a completely normal phenomenon, since the body’s thermoregulation has not yet “settled down” like in an adult. Therefore, already in the maternity hospital, a thermometer may show inflated numbers, which do not mean anything bad.

Also In a similar way, a newborn’s body can react to overheating. Monitor the child and if you notice that the temperature rises after significant exposure to the sun or after a long stay in a stuffy room, then you should “remove” the child from such unfavorable conditions. If, after eliminating these causes, the baby’s condition returns to normal, then adults should have no reason to worry.

At a slightly older age, the body temperature of infants can rise to 38 degrees if appearance of the first milk teeth. At first glance, no other symptoms are observed, but attentive parents at this time may notice an unprecedented increase in moodiness your child and minor at first red gums , which will begin to intensify every day, and their swelling .

The presence of fever alone may indicate recently vaccinated. This is an absolutely normal reaction, in which the mercury on the thermometer does not exceed 38, since during this period immunity is developed, and the body learns to resist diseases and infections.

If a child's temperature is constantly changing, from low to high, and there are no other manifestations of the disease, such as cough, runny nose or nausea, it is quite possible that this is the first sign allergic reaction to a food product(the nutrients of which can also be transferred through mother's milk) or to medications. In this case, you should review the diet of the mother and child, completely eliminate new foods, or consult a doctor about changing medications.

If a child from the first months of life is characterized by increased excitability, that is, he reacts very timidly to bright light, the operation of a vacuum cleaner, blender, music or barking dogs, then a temperature of 38 in an infant without symptoms may appear against the background stress, anxiety and even due to a change of residence. At an older age, the temperature may rise before important competitions, the first trip to school, or before a test.

And, of course, the fever torments the baby after it enters his body. harmful viruses or bacteria.

In this case, after a few days other symptoms will appear in the form of a prolonged cough, problems with bowel movements or a stuffy nose.

To go to the doctor or not to go?

If a small child’s temperature does not cross the line of 38 degrees, and there are no more signs of illness, then there is no need to rush headlong to the attending doctor. Indeed, in such a situation, even the most experienced specialist will not be able to make a correct diagnosis, and there is a risk of catching a real disease by bringing the child to the clinic.

When the temperature can be brought down at home with the help of cold compresses, for example, and after that it does not get higher, then the parents are doing everything right. But if adults are still very nervous, then it’s better consult with your doctor or nurse by phone so as not to expose the child to unnecessary stress.

And only after that take active action on the advice of a medical professional.

A baby's temperature is 38 without symptoms: the basic principle of action

When the baby has a fever, be sure to drink warm water

In any situation, when a small child is sick, parents must remain completely calm and follow simple recommendations, which primarily include:

• at a temperature of 38 it is necessary Wipe the baby with cool (not icy or cold) water ;
• apply cold in the form of gauze compresses or cold plastic bottles on large vessels ;
• give slightly warmed water and there is no need to add ice to it;
• support the air temperature in the apartment is not higher than 20 degrees .

You should also carefully monitor the general condition of the child, And when his clothes get wet from excessive sweat, immediately change them for fresh ones and gently wipe the baby’s body with a towel.

Undoubtedly, he needs good and frequent meals at this time, but if the little patient is mischievous and does not want to eat, then there is no need to force him. In any case, after a few hours he will get hungry and reach for his mother’s breast.

Parents are often interested in what jaundice is in newborns, what are its causes and consequences. To find out all the information on this issue, follow this link.

Remember that When the thermometer reaches 37.5, there is no need to lower the temperature . Also It is never recommended to check a child’s fever “by touch” , because there may be a case of “white” fever, when the skin remains at its usual temperature.

An exception to this treatment regimen may be children with neurological disorders, of which parents must be notified in advance at the hospital.

In this case, you cannot do without medical intervention.

Fever in a baby: when to call the hospital

When an increase in temperature in an infant is accompanied by other symptoms, it should be shown to a doctor immediately

You should not refuse to go to the doctor if you have an elevated asymptomatic temperature if a few days before, the baby refused to eat or regurgitated food more often than usual . In this case, the doctor should examine the throat, as pharyngitis may develop.

Also, medical consultation is necessary if fever does not subside for more than three days , because this may indicate inflammatory processes in the body or the presence of a urinary infection.

In the presented cases, the pediatrician, after the first examination, gives a referral for tests, on the basis of which he draws conclusions.

Unfortunately, there are situations when, with just a fever, it is necessary to call an ambulance immediately. This must be done when The child's body temperature becomes higher after taking antipyretic medications .

You should also call an ambulance if the child has noticed a sudden appearance of lethargy, it has become difficult for him to breathe, and the skin gradually acquires a pale tint .

Almost all parents are afraid of seizures, but in fact they occur not due to high temperature, but due to its sharp increase. They do not in any way affect the functionality of the brain, and doctors promise a favorable outcome in 97% of cases.

In such situations The main thing is that adults should be prepared for infants’ temperature to rise to 38 degrees, remain completely calm, have the ability to think sensibly and have free access to essential medications. In case of their absence, you can resort, as a last resort, to traditional medicine, with which all parents are familiar to one degree or another. Only in this case, do not rush to give the child something internally, but limit yourself to methods for external use.

Find out now about the most useful drug Plantex for newborns (instructions for use). For colic, constipation, bloating, regurgitation and to normalize digestion.

A small child requires special attention, since he himself will not be able to talk about his well-being. Parents must learn to understand the baby by observing changes in his behavior, mood, gastrointestinal tract and other aspects. One of the important ones is the baby’s body temperature. How can you tell if your toddler has a fever and what to do next?

When can you observe a temperature in the absence of illness?

The thermometer readings in a newborn range from 36 degrees to 37.5. It changes for various reasons, but by the year it stabilizes. What affects the thermometer readings:

• How the measurement was carried out - in the mouth, armpit, or rectum. The baby's armpit temperature will be slightly lower than when measured on the mucous membranes.
• What kind of thermometer was used to measure it? The most accurate thermometer is a mercury thermometer. It is safe when handled carefully. Electronic thermometers allow errors and can even distort the data completely.
• What did the baby do before the measurement - was he immediately after bathing or sleeping under a warm blanket, perhaps you were out for a walk in the heat, and so on.

Important! Often, very active crying can cause higher readings on the thermometer. But this phenomenon is not permanent. After the child has calmed down, you should wait a few minutes before taking the measurement.

When the period of teething begins, the child’s temperature can become a frequent visitor. When tooth growth begins, the child’s body releases substances that soften the gums. This provokes an inflammatory process and weakens local immunity. This is why fever occurs.

Another situation when an increase in body temperature is justified is a vaccination. Doctors recommend that after vaccination, without waiting for possible reactions, the child should be given antiallergic drugs and antipyretics. But not all vaccinations are capable of giving a newborn a fever, so you should ask the pediatrician referring you for vaccination about this. After vaccination, the fever can reach 39 degrees and last for about three days.

Overheating is dangerous for babies, since thermoregulation is still weak. It is especially harmful to be in the hot sun, in a closed car or in a room where there is no ventilation. If it's a very hot summer, make sure your child has plenty of water. Temperatures up to 38 degrees can cause dehydration.

Allergic reactions are often accompanied by fever. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish it from infections, because the symptoms are very similar: stuffy nose, redness of the throat mucosa, maybe a cough, and so on. When the allergen is eliminated, the fever will disappear on its own.

In response to the stress experienced by the baby, his body can give a temperature of up to 38. Stress can be a long trip, just a long cry, an excess of new impressions, especially if there are nervous diseases.

Infection and thermometer readings

When you notice that your baby is warmer than usual, may sweat a lot, is thirsty all the time, and has rapid breathing, the baby is most likely sick. If bacteria or viruses enter the baby’s body, then in addition to elevated temperature, there will be other symptoms:

• Red throat;
• Discharge from the nose;
• Nasal congestion;
• Red throat;
• The baby may cough;
• Pulse faster than usual;
• There may be chills.

Nausea in newborns can be a sign of infections such as influenza. Gagging or vomiting, as well as diarrhea accompanied by fever, are signs of a respiratory or intestinal infection. If you are faced with a viral infection, the fever increases very quickly. In this case, it must be monitored constantly. These and other symptoms indicate the possible onset of the disease. In this case, you should definitely call a doctor.

How to understand that a fever has begun without a thermometer

Sometimes the symptoms of a baby’s illness can take parents by surprise because they don’t even have a thermometer at hand. How can you tell if your baby has a fever? What to do if measurements are not available? Since the little ones will not yet say that they feel bad, you should know a set of certain signs and techniques on how to measure temperature without a thermometer. When you understand your child without words, determining body temperature will not be difficult.

1. Most often, parents touch their forehead to feel if it is hot. But the forehead often sweats, so it can have time to cool down. In addition to the forehead, you need to feel the child’s temperature on the neck under the chin.
2. Don't try to tell if you have a fever by looking at your legs and arms. They are often cold due to vasospasm.
3. After you've checked your forehead and neck, look at your cheeks. You may notice an unhealthy pink blush against the background of pale skin. It is more difficult to notice this sign on a dark-skinned child.
4. Now pay attention to the behavior of the baby. If a baby has a fever, then most likely he is lethargic, looks tired, and sleeps a lot. He may even refuse to eat or drink. Some children tolerate fever quite poorly. Then they are moody because they may have a headache or feel aches in their muscles.
5. If your baby's urine becomes bright or dark, this indicates dehydration. When a newborn's temperature rises, fluid evaporates from the body faster. Dehydration can occur within hours.
6. There is such a reaction to an increase in temperature as chills. If the little one is trembling, and the surroundings are not cold at all, then most likely the fever is rising.

From these points it is easy to understand how to determine the temperature of your child without a thermometer. Do you suspect a fever is occurring? Then consult a doctor immediately. The baby requires special attention. Call a doctor at home; under no circumstances take a sick child to the hospital. Even if you already know how to determine temperature without using thermometers, don't rely on chance when it comes to your baby.

Should I lower the temperature?

When should you start fighting the temperature? It is believed that as long as the thermometer does not exceed 38 degrees, this is absolutely safe for the baby. But this is very relative. Some newborns have a hard time even 37.5. Others feel quite comfortable with 39.

Important! It is necessary to monitor the baby’s well-being. This is the determining factor in whether to reduce it or not.

A thermometer reading of 41 or higher is considered life-threatening. You shouldn't wait for this number. In some situations, the temperature is difficult to control. Do not miss such a fever, as convulsions, bluish skin, and difficulty breathing may begin.

If the baby has previously experienced such convulsions, then you will have to bring down the temperature even if it barely reaches 38.

How to reduce the heat

The main thing to remember is: if the child feels well, then there is no need to rush to take medicine. To get started, carry out the following procedures:

1. Undress the newborn, remove the diaper, cover with a light blanket.
2. Ventilate the room, but avoid drafts.
3. Keep all heaters away from your child.
4. Give your baby water more often.
5. Wet a towel with room temperature water and dry your skin.

Remember! Do not wipe the baby with alcohol, vodka or vinegar! This can cause poisoning and an acute allergic reaction.

Do not wrap your baby in cold, wet cloth. Newborns easily develop vasospasm.