Ten month old w/ 101.9 fever

Laurie - posted on 02/10/2009

again, Stacey, thank you very much. that was very thorough and helpful information. I think I'll print that for future reference :).

Stacey - posted on 02/10/2009

Your very welcome...Glad I can help, its my greatest pleasure!!

Ariana - posted on 02/10/2009

Stacey- that was really helpful, thanks.

Stacey - posted on 02/10/2009

Wow... alot of good advice here! Ive been a nurse at a peds office for the last 12 years. And I can only share my experience with you. As far as fevers go anything up to 100.7 isnt considered a fever. Thats what the babys body does when it comes in contact with new/foreign particles/bacterias. The fact that shes got a higher temp than normal is kind of a good thing, means her body is doing what its suppose to. Anything from 100.7-102 is considered low grade believe it or not. Treat the baby... if shes uncomfortable treat her with Tylenol or Motrin (you can alternate if you want or use what works best for YOUR child. My daughter doesnt respond well to tylenol so we just use motrin....as long as the baby is over 6 months old she can have Motrin) A temp of 102-103..moderate fever... continue keeping the child comfortable. Light cotton shirt, no socks, lukewarm bath, etc. Temp of 104-105.. most likely bacteria infection and should definitely see the dr. The fevers you are worried about are the ones that you cant break (you got the fever from 101.9 down to 100.3 you actually BROKE the fever. Also if a fever lasts for more than 5 days you really need to run some blood tests to see what else is going on. Children under fever 5 run fevers often. When I tell my patients the above info, it helps them to decided when its a concern to come in and see the Dr. And you should always be able to your Dr's office and ask advice. Most pediatrician offices understand that and have set nurses to handle those calls. And lastly as long as you are comfortable with the information the drs office has given you then great if not,..... then go in and be seen! It always helps the patient better when mom feels comfortable handling the situation!

Nadira - posted on 02/09/2009

My son had a 102 fever accompained with diarria and sunken eyes last week.  I called and was told to bring him into the ER.  I was then told he had the stomach virus. Once it dropped to 100, I was told they don't consider that a fever and he was released.  

I can't give you a definitive answer b/c I'm not a doctor.  All I can say is the following:

Go with your instincts, And

Know the symptoms, And,

Go to the ER if you feel its necessary

The worse they can say is she's fine after she's checked out, but regrets of not doing something may haunt you later.  I hope this helps. 

Jessica - posted on 02/09/2009

Yes that sounds right. Same here when my three went through teething, and the same when it was just a 24 hour bug. Just a few weeks ago, on a Sunday morning my 28 month old had a 103.7 and my kids also get fevers from ear infections, but the Doc. checked her out and just said it was just a bug. Did give her motrin and tylenol by the next day she was fine. The Doc. also told us to wait three days. If not just call them, thats what their there for. Hope she is feeling better soon.

Rita - posted on 02/09/2009

Hi Laurie, if your daughters ped office wont see you, then I suggest you take her to Urgent Care because she might have an ear infection, and the only way the fever will go down is with antibiotics.

Suzanne - posted on 02/09/2009

Quoting Laurie:

Ten month old w/ 101.9 fever

My daughter is running a 101.9 fever...it only dropped to 100.3 w/ Tylenol. Her ped office said to try to avoid any medicine and just keep her hydrated. She's breastfed, so that's not a problem. I'm just concerned about the fever. I've given her tylenol anyway. The ped office said to wait 3 days, and then if she still has a fever to call back, Does that sound right?

Believe it or not, yes...as long as she does not become lethargic or not easily arosed or loses her appetite...If she is crying all the time or pulling on her ears then she may have something else going on...but if it is just a fever and cold, and no other symptoms, don't worry about it.  Give her some  Tylenol....My daughter had a fever for a week, it was about 102.00 I gave her Tylenol...but she had no other symptoms.  It went away!  I have no idea why she had it, but she was fine.... Fever's are not as scarry as they were once thought to be......
I was very worried with my first, but now I know what to look for.    GOOD LUCK

Kara - posted on 02/09/2009

I took my 8 month old to the Dr today for a fever he'd had for 2 1/2 days and they basically told me the opposite as far as medicine. My apt wasnt until 12:30, and when I said I hadn't given him tylenol since 4am, they said I should be giving it every 4 hours no matter what. I thought since I was going in, they might want to see how his temp was w/o the tylenol, but they said its better to keep his fever down, they trust what temp you say he had before. Anyhow, I just thought it was weird your Dr would be telling you to try not to medicate...why not make them feel better if you can? As far as the rest, I got the same info...keep him hydrated and monitor the temp for 3 days.

Sandi - posted on 02/09/2009

I was always told to ultranate Tylenol and Mortin, reason being her body will get immune to one medication and will not work. So if you did a shot of Tylenol first the next one within th 4-6 hours will be Motrin. It really helped with my daughters fevers. They said dont go to the ER or Doctor Office unless it is 105 but by the time it hits 101-102 I start to get worried. If it does ever to spike that high I was told to put cool packs under the arm pits and under the knees. It will help untill you can get to the ER.



Somtimes why they younger babies get the temps in that range is from teething. Just some ideas I wanted to post for you hopefully it works!! Take care and hope her temp comes down soon!

April - posted on 02/09/2009

I wouldn't worry too much if the only symptom is the fever and as long as she isn't lethargic. Babies can tolerate fevers much better than adults. Be careful with using a bath to reduce the fever- if the water is too cool or if the room is chilly when they get out of the tub it can cause shivering. Shivering is actually the body's way to raise its temperature so be careful not to raise it anymore than it already is. I am a nursing student and mother of 2- just so you don't think I am making the shivering thing up :-) Preventing dehydration is the key- they should have a minimum of 4-6 wet diapers a day. Anything less- I would contact your pediatrician.

Tammy - posted on 02/09/2009

When I couldn't get my daughters fever down I would run a lukewarm bath and let her play and splash in it until it cooled down some and it seemed to help bring her temp down. I wouldn't let her stay in it if it got to cold but I do know  in the groin area and under the armpits is where you  want to get  with the water.

Heather - posted on 02/09/2009

i have never once taken either of my 2 children to the ER for fevers, or panicked. I HAVE given them tylenol, the proper dosage of course..every 4-6 hours for 2 days or until the fever broke. Children under the age of 5 will get fevers on occassion and some more then others. You just have to watch them, keep hydrated and not worry TOO much..it will break on its own. If she likes popcicles or freezies that also helps!

Jennifer - posted on 02/09/2009

when my daughter was taht age i took her into the hospital and they told me that it was a good thing cause if she had kept the temp of 102 she could have been in big trouble. it's not good for baby's to have a temp that high for a long period of time. it could cause searious problems.

Jolene - posted on 02/09/2009

I've been told to never put anything cold on them when they have a fever. Just cool or lukewarm. You may want to still try the tylonel but I wouldn't be too too concerned if baby is still drinking lots and the fever doesn't suddenly shoot up. And yes I agree, 3 days and if they still have it, take them in.

Priscilla - posted on 02/09/2009

get a cold towel, ring it, and place it on her head, stomach, underarms and anywhere she feels really hot. The fevers my son would have would be at night for the most part, and I would give him his Tylonol, and do what my mom would do to me..cold towels. They hate it but once my son saw that this made him feels better, he would cry less. I rather have them cry for a little bit, than risk the fever getting worse. Tylonol, cold towels and keeping her hydrated. I never ever took my son to the emergency room for a fever. Sometimes it can be a waist of time and make the kid worse taking them out. Try this. It's hard but it worked for my boy.

Amber - posted on 02/09/2009

I'm no pro. I've been told by my son doctor that if he has a fever that high to undress him to his diaper  and let him sleep that way. It's better if you don't bundle them up. His doctor also told me to give them a warm bath and let them sit in the water until the water cools down. This will cool the baby down as well. But then again this is all after he's had his shots.

Anuhea - posted on 02/09/2009

sounds right to me. tylenol is good and also ibuprofen for babies. you may also want to try using a ti leaf and wrap it around her head. are you here in hawai'i? that's what a lot of us do. it helps to draw out the fever usually.

Barbie - posted on 02/09/2009

Last night we took our 19 month old to the ER (bc it was 2 am on a monday and our doctors office was closed) for a fever over a 103 and this is what they told me:



If you bring in a baby with a fever over 101 they will treat your baby gladly. If your baby has an ear infection (like mine does even though she showed no signs like ear pulling, etc.) then it was good to go because we got her on some medicine to help clear up the ear infection. The doctor told me to be very careful with Motrin and that my child was just old enough to start on motrin so I would make sure to talk to your ped before you move from anything besides tylonel. Also, at the ER they gave me more specific dosage information for tylonel so as to get the max out of trying to get the fever down. Try to keep track of the wet diapers to make sure she isn't dehydrated. I know that is a scary thing to have a sick child and not be sure what to do. We went in bc she was over 103 and it was for quite a while. Since it is cold and flu season and i have a cold I just kept trying to tell myself it was a silly little cold, but I am glad we went with our gut and went in. My husband and I gave each other big high fives when the doctor said we did the right thing.

Susan - posted on 02/09/2009

Believe it or not that is a rather low temp. If tylenol Doesn't work for her to relieve the discomfort, which is the case for my older child, Motrin usually does the trick for us. I can't believe your doctor didn't offer any more help. If you are worrying about giving her too much medicine you can reserve it for bedtime use. Sorry the baby is sick, nothing worse then watching your little ones suffer.

good luck

Susan H.

Amber - posted on 02/09/2009

Also try cool or lukewarm baths after doses of tylenol of ibuprofen. It helps reduce the temperature, and the poor girl will be too exhausted to protest too much. Hope this helps. ^_^

Mollie - posted on 02/09/2009

i often use motrin and tylenol together. i switch back and forth between them. Mollie

Nicole - posted on 02/09/2009

That sounds right to me. Hard to do, but it will usually be ok.  she might just be teething or have a little cold.  Usually if it's over 103 or 104, THEN, call the doctor or go in.  Hope that helps! Remember to keep her drinking some liquids

Heather - posted on 02/09/2009

after many many trips to the e.r. for fevers, i have finally learned that babies just get fevers & they will go away. Best advice from me is to alternate tylenol & ibuprophen. that should bring the fever down!!