my 5 month old has a fever

Melissa - posted on 02/07/2009

hi, i am a pediatric nurse. it is not recommended to give children under 6 months of age advil or motrin. stick to tylenol. your baby may not neccessarly need antibiotics, because most if the time fever is caused by viruses that just have to run their course. anytime your baby has fever, keep them in just a diaper or loose clothing, never use blankets. you can also sponge them with a luke warm cloth. if none of these things help and you can not get the fever down, you may need to call your doctor. even with these treatments, it may be neccessary to give the tylenol every 4 hours if the fever continues. it is also important that you give the appropriate dose. a little bit of tylenol will not bring the fever down a little, your baby needs the right dose for his/her weight, so you may want to check with your doctor. hope this helps!

Kate CP - posted on 02/07/2009

Quoting Carmen:

Also depends on how high the fever is---I was told by Telehealth Ontario that you should not treat a fever until it reaches 102 degrees F --as a fever is a the bodies way of fighting whatever is happening-- until then give lots of fluids, keep baby dressed lightly--if the fever persists more than 24 -48hrs and/or reaches 104 than you need to bring them to the Dr.-- apparently anything up to 102 is considered a low-grade fever--

I agree. Babies with fevers shouldn't be treated with drugs until the fever is over 102. You can try a cool (NOT COLD) bath or a cool compress, but I honestly just let it run it's course. You want to be careful about giving fever reducing meds to kids. Sometimes it's better for them to feel a little icky so they slow down and get better.

Kate

Robyn - posted on 02/07/2009

How high is the fever? I would call your pediatrician. You don't want to mask anything with the medicine especially in your little one. Many pediatricians only alternate Tylenol and Motrin in fevers over 101 but not normally in children that young.

There are alot of viruses going around and it could just be that, however your pediatrician will give you the best advice.

Carmen - posted on 02/07/2009

Also depends on how high the fever is---I was told by Telehealth Ontario that you should not treat a fever until it reaches 102 degrees F --as a fever is a the bodies way of fighting whatever is happening-- until then give lots of fluids, keep baby dressed lightly--if the fever persists more than 24 -48hrs and/or reaches 104 than you need to bring them to the Dr.-- apparently anything up to 102 is considered a low-grade fever--

Simmone - posted on 02/07/2009

There are a few things I usually do .... ill jump in the shower with bubs not too cold (about room temp) if that doesnt work try just popping bubs in a singlet and nappy under the fan in the room (not the aircon cause cooling too qiuck can also be bad for bub) .... hope this helps

Daisy - posted on 02/07/2009

you know you can alternate with motrin and tylenol i think it's every 4 hours and 6 hours between them. also make sure he /she not too bundle up and has lose clothing. if fever gets too high sponge bath him/her.  don't worry you're doing great!

Jennifer - posted on 02/07/2009

also motrin or advil last longer then tempra try those instead. don't over dress baby but don't under dress if meds don't reduce the fever u got to go to the doctor because then the baby needs antibiotics

Jennifer - posted on 02/07/2009

try a warm bath and slowly lower the temp of the water