Basic Health checks
It’s a very worrying if your baby gets ill but knowing a few simple health checks can reassure you that you’ll be able to assess his wellbeing and cope in an emergency.
A fever is often the first sign that your baby is fighting an infection so you’ll need to know how to check his temperature and lower it in order to make him feel more comfortable. Your child’s normal body temperature ranges from 97 to 100.4 degrees fahrenheit – anything over this range is regarded as being a fever.
How to take your child’s temperature
It’s best to use a digital thermometer to take your child’s temperature since these are fast and more accurate. Most can be used rectally (your pediatrician may recommend this method if your baby is under three months), orally or in the armpit. Carefully follow the instructions no matter which method you use, and don’t take your child’s temperature after he’s had a bath since it will be temporarily higher.
What should I do if my baby has a fever?
Don’t panic – a raised temperature is actually a good sign, because it means your child’s immune system is working to fight off an infection. However it still needs to be treated, because a high temperature in young children can lead to convulsions.
Make your child more comfortable by taking steps to cool him down with tepid sponging, or by removing some of his clothing or bedcovers. You can also give fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (never give your child aspirin, as it has been linked with a dangerous condition called Reyes syndrome).
When should I call the pediatrician?
If your baby is under three months, call your pediatrician as a precaution, since fevers can be serious in young babies. With older children, be guided by whether the fever is making them lethargic and affecting their appetite; in both cases, call your pediatrician if fever reducers are having no effect.
Look for other symptoms too – if your child has a cold that is interfering with his feeding; signs that indicate an ear infection (he’ll tug at his ears); vomiting; or diarrhea call your pediatrician straightaway.
If he is showing signs of dehydration – sunken eyes and fontanels (soft spots) in a baby, along with lighter than normal diapers and darker urine; dizziness or drowsiness in older children – take him to the ER straightaway; likewise if he has a pinprick or blotchy purplish rash that doesn’t fade when firmly pressed with a glass, since this can indicate meningitis.
The information on this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 26/06/2008
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