How to Assess a Baby's Fever

When your baby is acting fussy and feels warm to the touch, it's easy to worry, but your little one may not be seriously ill. Recent immunizations, teething and even overdressing your infant can bring on fevers. Taking your baby's temperature can help you determine whether it is a simple low-grade fever working to fight off an infection or a higher, more dangerous temp. A baby's temperature can be taken orally, rectally or under the arm.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer
  • Petroleum jelly if taking rectal temperature

Instructions

  1. Taking Your Baby's Temperature

    • 1

      Press the button to turn on the thermometer if using a digital device. Make sure the thermometer is clean and dry before use.

    • 2

      Insert the thermometer into the baby's mouth with the tip under her tongue to take the baby's temperature orally.

    • 3

      Lay your baby on his belly across your lap with his bottom exposed to take his temperature rectally. Coat the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly. Insert the thermometer carefully a half-inch into the baby's rectum. Stop immediately if you feel any resistance.

    • 4

      Remove your baby's shirt and raise her arm above her head to take her axillary -- under the arm -- temperature. Press the button to turn on the thermometer if using a digital device. Place the thermometer under her armpit and fold her arm across her chest to hold the thermometer firmly in place.

    • 5

      Wait until the the timer beeps if you are using a digital thermometer. Read the number on the thermometer. Write it down with the time it was taken if you want to track your baby's temperature.

    Assessing the Baby's Temperature

    • 6

      Call the doctor if your baby is younger than three months and has a temperature above 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit, if your baby is over three months with a temperature of higher than 102.2 or if your baby's fever lasts longer than three days (72 hours).

    • 7

      Seek medical treatment immediately if your baby has trouble breathing or is breathing more rapidly than normal; is lethargic, unusually sleepy or difficult to awaken; refuses to eat or drink and has fewer wet diapers, which is a sign of dehydration; vomits or has diarrhea; or has a seizure.

    • 8

      Determine other reasons for your baby's fussiness if his temperature is between 98.0 and 99.0, as this is a normal temperature.

    • 9

      Offer lots of fluids to drink if your baby's temperature is slightly elevated but not high enough to call a doctor. Give her acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to your pediatrician's recommendations, if desired.

    • 10

      Take your baby's temperature again in 30 minutes to assess any changes. Call your pediatrician or seek medical care if his temperature has not decreased or has gotten higher.

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