When to Treat a Temperature and When to Call the Doctor
There is nothing scarier than a burning hot baby. "Fever phobia" is real. But physiologically, a fever is actually a good thing. It means the body's immune system is working to kill a virus. Here is how to handle the heat without panicking. 1. The "Under 3 Months" Rule If your baby is under 12 weeks old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, this is a medical emergency. Action: Do not give medicine. Go to the ER immediately. Newborns cannot fight infections well and need full septic workups. 2. Older Babies: Look at the Child, Not the Number If your child is 6 months old and has a fever of 102°F but is playing, drinking fluids, and smiling, you might not need to treat it. You treat the discomfort , not the number. If they are miserable, give Tylenol. If they are happy, let the fever do its job. 3. No Cold Baths Never put a feverish child in a cold bath. It causes shivering, which actually raises their body temperature. Lukewarm water i...