Fever in Babies

A fever is the body’s natural response to an illness or infection and is a sign that the body is working hard to make itself better. A high temperature is just one way the body tries to fight off an infection – by raising the temperature it makes it harder for the infection to survive and helps activate the body’s immune system.

Fever in babies is common. This is because a baby’s immune system is still developing and hasn’t had time to build up its defences against the many viruses and bacteria that are all around us. Your baby may get a fever, for example, when they have an infection caused by a virus (like a cold) or a bacteria (such as an ear infection). Infections can happen quite often with some babies and toddlers having as many as 8-10 colds a year before they turn 2 years old!

A fever doesn’t necessarily mean that your baby has a serious illness – but a high temperature does let you know they are sick and need extra care and attention.

Baby’s Fever Temperature

A fever is when your baby’s body temperature is higher than 38°C – but how do you know if they have a fever?

• One indication that your baby may have a fever is that their skin may appear red and flushed or they feel hot to the touch
• You can use a thermometer to check if your baby has a fever. 

The best way to measure your child’s temperature depends on their age and the type of thermometer you have:

• Using a digital thermometer placed under the armpit is the preferred way for measuring a baby’s temperature if they are under 3 months of age

• If your baby is older and their ear canals are not too small for the ear probe – then an ear thermometer can be used

• Infrared forehead thermometers are quick and easy to use – but can be inaccurate.

If you are not sure, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or Maternal and Child Health Nurse, they will be able to show you the correct way to use your thermometer and answer any questions.

LEARN more about Baby temperature ranges

Fever Symptoms in Babies

While a high temperature can be worrying – it’s important to watch out for other symptoms that may appear at the same time that may be linked to the high temperature or the illness causing the fever.

You may notice a range of baby ‘fever’ symptoms such as:

• Feeling unwell or uncomfortable
• Hot to the touch
• Irritable or cry more than normal
• More sleepy than usual
• Vomiting
• Refusing to drink
• Feeling chills and shivering
• In pain

Ways to Manage Fever in Babies

When your baby has a fever there are a few simple things you can do to help them to feel more comfortable and manage the fever, including:

• Making sure they don’t become dehydrated if they don’t feel like eating or drinking:
  • For babies younger than 6 months, offer extra breastfeeds or the usual amount of formula (if bottle-fed)
  • For babies older than 6 months, keep breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, but you can also offer them water or an age-appropriate oral rehydration solution.
• Wiping their forehead with a damp sponge or cloth can help to cool them down (use slightly warm water to wet the sponge or cloth). Cold baths or showers are not recommended. 
• Keeping the room at a comfortable temperature. 
• Dress them in light clothing and cover them with a sheet if they are shivering or add another layer of clothing.
• Using age-appropriate pain-relieving medications that are easy to give – such as Dymadon for Babies – such as Dymadon for Babies – help reduce the fever if it is making your baby feel miserable or can help relieve painful symptoms of colds and flu such as a sore throat. Always remember to carefully follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.

When to Seek Help

While a high temperature doesn’t necessarily mean that your baby has a serious illness – it’s important to know when to seek medical advice:

• It may be hard to tell if the fever is caused by a serious illness in young babies – so if your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature above 38°C you should see your GP or take them to the hospital emergency department immediately, even if your baby has no other obvious symptoms of being ill.
• If your baby is 3-12 months old and has a fever – then a high temperature may be a sign of an illness and you should see your GP to get things checked out.

Some symptoms require urgent medical attention – whatever the child’s age – and these include:

• Being listless or not responding to you
• Losing consciousness or having a fit (seizure) for the first time
• Having difficulty breathing.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. INCORRECT USE COULD BE HARMFUL.

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Fever in Kids

When you have kids you’ll know that fevers are a common part of life. We’re all surrounded by bugs and germs in our everyday lives and fevers are just one way our bodies try to fight off an illness or infection.

All kids will get a fever from time-to-time – but as they grow older and are exposed to more germs, their immune systems become more developed and they’re likely to have fewer infections and fevers:

• Children under 2 years may have as many as 8-10 colds a year
• Children under 6 years may have 6-8 colds a year
• Adults tend to only have 2-3 colds a year

Kid’s Fever Temperature

Usually a healthy child has a body temperature of around 36.4°C to 38°C – once it starts to rise above 38°C it’s considered a high or fever temperature. But how do you know if your child has a fever?

There may be some signs you can pick up on, such as your child’s skin feels hot or their face starts to look red or flushed – but you will need to check your child’s temperature with a thermometer to really know if they have a fever.

There are many different types of thermometers – each measures the temperature in a different way – with some being more accurate than others. The best type of thermometers to use will also depend on the age of your child.

Commonly available types of thermometer include:

• Digital probe thermometers (that can measure the temperature either under the tongue or armpit)

• Digital ear thermometers

• Infrared forehead thermometers.

To find out more about thermometers and measuring you child’s temperature, visit How to take your baby’s temperature.

Fever Symptoms in Kids

A fever usually means your child is fighting an illness or infection. Some children appear and behave normally despite having a high temperature, while others may feel uncomfortable and have symptoms such as:

• Feeling hot or looking flushed
• Have a headache
• Sweating or shivering
• Maybe more irritable or more sleepy than usual
• May not want to eat or drink
• Have faster breathing or an increased heart rate.

Ways to Reduce Fever in Kids

Some ways which may help when you are caring for a child with a fever at home:

• If the fever is making your child uncomfortable or miserable – or if they have other painful symptoms of colds and flu such as a sore throat – then you can try a simple (age-appropriate) pain-reliving medication such as Dymadon for Kids to help reduce the fever. Always remember to follow the instructions about how often and how much to give your child.
• Dress them in lightweight clothing and keep their room at a comfortable temperature.
• Make sure they get plenty of rest – which may mean staying home from school or childcare until their temperature is back to normal.
• Remember to offer them plenty of cool, clear fluids to drink to help them stay hydrated.

When to Seek Help

A fever itself rarely causes harm, because a fever is one of the ways our body fights infection. If your child seems happy and well there is no need to treat a fever itself.

But, with fever in children it’s important to know when to worry – you should always monitor your child for any change in their condition and take them to a doctor if:

• The fever lasts for more than 2 days and there’s no obvious cause
• You observe your child is getting worse
• Your child has a fit (febrile seizure)

You should also see a doctor or other healthcare professional if they have any of the following:

• A rash
• A stiff neck or light is hurting their eyes
• Vomiting and refusing to drink
• They are more sleepy than usual
• Have problems with their breathing
• Have pain that doesn’t get better with pain-relieving medication.

If your child is very young (under 3 months old) and has a temperature above 38°C, then you should see your doctor immediately, even if they have no other symptoms.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. INCORRECT USE COULD BE HARMFUL. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.

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Sore Throats in Kids and Babies

Sore throats are common at any age. Although they can be upsetting for children, they are usually not a cause for concern and normally get better by themselves within a few days.

Most sore throats in kids and babies are linked to a viral infection – such as a cold or the flu – which is easily spread among children (and adults) either at home, or when they are at school or in childcare. These types of viral infections quickly spread by infected droplets from the nose and mouth through coughing and sneezing.

Colds are very common among young children, as their immune systems are still developing. It can sometimes feel like your child is always getting sick. But the good news is most children will catch fewer colds as they get older.

Sore throats can also be caused by bacterial infections, or other things such as allergies and air pollution.

Signs of a Sore Throat & Other Cold Symptoms

What are the signs to look out for if your child has a sore throat? The obvious one is, of course, that they are complaining of a pain in their throat – especially when swallowing.

When your child has a sore throat they may also:

• Complain of a scratchy throat
• Have redness in the back of their mouth
• Have bad breath
• Have swollen neck glands
• Have a fever

A sore throat may be one of the first things you notice when your child is starting to get a cold – with their throat becoming dry and sore a few days before other symptoms are noticed.

Other cold symptoms that are common in children include:

• A blocked or runny nose
• Coughing or sneezing
• Being tired

Fever, vomiting and diarrhoea are less commonly seen with colds and sore throats but can occur with viral infections. These symptoms may also indicate something more serious is going on. If you’re concerned about any symptoms your child has or they are distressing your child, you should talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional.

How to Provide Relief

Sore throats can make your child feel sick and miserable, but there are things you can do to help soothe a sore throat and make them feel more comfortable.

Depending on the age of your child, you could:

• Let them sip warm liquids
• Let them suck on an ice-block or icy-pole
• Older children may also find sucking on a hard lolly helps – but do not give these to young children as they are a choking hazard.

Giving your child a simple (age-appropriate) pain-reliving medication such as Dymadon for Kids  or Dymadon for Babies helps relieve painful cold and flu symptoms, such as a sore throat.

It’s also important to make sure your child rests and drinks plenty of fluids when they don’t feel well.

 Find out more about fever in kids and babies

When to Seek Help

Most sore throats are usually only mild and clear up without needing special treatment – but it is important to monitor your child’s health in case their condition gets worse.

If the sore throat lasts for more than a few days, your child has a fever and is feeling unwell – it’s time to see your doctor to get things checked out.

You need to get medical help if your child has a sore throat and also:

• Has difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Can’t open their mouth fully
• Has a stiff or swollen neck.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. INCORRECT USE COULD BE HARMFUL.

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How to survive sleepless nights as a new parent

Nothing can prepare a parent for the sleepless nights that having a new baby brings. Except for maybe a stint in a special forces commando unit in the army. If that unit was required to exist on little to no sleep for months at a time, whilst simultaneously caring for a small infant and recovering from childbirth. Then it might be close…

The thing is, getting less sleep than you would like is unfortunately just the lay of the new baby land. You need to expect it, prepare for it and get on with it. It’s not pleasant (at all), but it is survivable. Every parent who ever came before you is proof that you can get through this.

Here are some sleep tips to make it as comfortable as possible.

1. Sleep in shifts

Chances are it’s going to be a long time before you get the recommended eight hours of shut-eye a night. You can absolutely exist on less sleep than that, but it’s helpful to make up for it where you can. When your baby is asleep is a good time to be sleeping too, but finding the balance between “sleep when the baby sleeps” and actually having a life can be tricky.

Instead, try having a short sleep when your baby goes down at night, then waking up for some you/partner/Netflix time until your baby wakes for a feed. After that late night feed, you can head back to bed again. You will most likely be woken a couple more times in the night, but the short evening sleep will hopefully make it easier for you.

2. Take care of yourself

When you’re not getting enough sleep, it hurts. You feel gritty, foggy and slightly unwell a lot of the time. Support yourself through that by ensuring you are eating nourishing, wholesome foods and getting some fresh air and exercise each day. A daily walk with the pram or sling around the neighbourhood is bonding for you and your baby too.

3. Stick to a routine

Routines work wonders for babies, but they are also super-helpful for mums as well.

A strict night-time routine will help prepare your baby for the longer stretches of sleep that you are craving for them. A daytime routine will help you keep on top of everything that needs doing, so sleep can easily find you when it’s time.

There is nothing more frustrating than lying wide awake, desperate to get to sleep before your baby wakes again. A night routine of your own helps remind your body when it’s time to switch off and let things go until the morning.

4. Slow everything down

While you might wish to get back to your “old normal” as soon as possible, doing it in the midst of sleep deprivation is not the time.

Keep things simple and easy for as long as you need. Make relaxing with your baby your top priority.
Be selective about how you spend your time and who you spend it with. Redefine your housework standards and remind yourself that you can return to your old standards when you are ready.

This time in your life and your baby’s life is a temporary thing – even though it might not feel that way when you are in the middle of it. Go easy, be gentle with yourself, conserve energy. This. Will. Pass.

5. Go over all the sleep barriers

Remember, being overtired and too stimulated is one of the main reasons a baby finds it hard to get to sleep. Little babies don’t need a lot of stimulation or “play time”. Feed, clean, cuddle and sleep are pretty much all they need for the first few months. Give yourself the best possible chance of a decent night’s sleep by ensuring your baby is as comfortable and sleep-ready as possible.

A mental checklist is handy – yours will be different to this, because you know your baby and yourself, but something like:

• Not hungry
• Fresh nappy
• Swaddled (if they like swaddling)
• Dark bedroom
• Nice and quiet (or white noise or gentle music)
• Feeling well – no temperature or teething issues
• Lots of cuddles

6. Make it as easy as possible

Night feeds are tough, night settling even tougher. Make it as easy on yourself as possible. Have a soft night-light in the room, ready to switch on when needed. Have everything you need to feed, change and settle your baby ready to go.

In your baby’s cot, it can help to have a second set of sheets already in place under a mattress protector, ready to go if the sheets need changing. Poonamis have a habit of erupting at 3am …

Work in shifts with your partner, if that’s possible. Keep things as quiet and no-nonsense as possible and do the same thing every time you go in at night.

7. Seek help when you need it

You don’t need to be a superhero about any of this. Just because sleep deprivation is ‘expected’ when you have a new baby, doesn’t mean chronic sleeplessness needs to be endured. Ask for help!

This might mean asking a friend or family member to look after your baby while you get some shut eye (definitely do that!). Or doing a grocery shop for you when you know you are too tired to drive. Or it might mean booking in to see your GP to discuss other strategies.

Remember, you don’t need to solider on alone … not even if you actually did do time in a commando special forces unit. Please, just ask for help!

The information above is general in nature and the opinion of the writer and should not be taken as medical advice.

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7 growing pains every new parent has to face

Becoming a parent for the first time is a bit of a metamorphosis. Before we can really stretch our wings and fly confidently, though, there are a few growing pains we all face.

But these are the things that make us feel experienced, and also able to dish out our own, ‘been there, done that too’ parenting advice.

Here are seven of the biggies that you’ll face with your baby.

1. Early feeding woes

Regardless of whether you breast or bottle feed your baby (or have to do the latter because the former just didn’t work out – you are NOT alone!). Feeding, like sleeping, is something babies need to learn.

This is one of the biggest new parent speed bumps, but once you and your bub get over it, she will be guzzling that milk like a hungry little lamb.

2. Calling BS on ‘sleep like a baby’

When the onslaught of sleep deprivation really starts to take its toll what day is it and why are my keys in the dirty clothes basket?), you start to wonder what lunatic ever came up with the saying, ‘sleep like a baby’?

Most newborn babies don’t sleep well enough – or long enough – for you to get some really good shut-eye. So you might as well make peace with this early on.

3. Accepting you have a velcro baby

Did you know babies are made of velcro? It’s true! They literally need to be attached to you, for a time, anyway.

Once you accept this adorable, albeit restricting, stage and start wearing your baby, life gets a little easier. You can even pour yourself a bowl of cereal without creating extreme kitchen chaos. Look mum, two hands!

4. Surviving sleep regression torture

Yawn.

As if sleep deprivation wasn’t bad enough in the early days, there comes a time when your baby will forget all the good night-time routines and sleep training you have put in place. The night waking starts again (like all night) and you wonder if the days of her ‘sleeping though’ will ever return.

It does. Hang in there!

5. Dealing with a shocker poonami

Here’s hoping this one happens at home, and not while you are in the middle of the shopping centre.

A poonami is actually a series of poos that come in an avalanche – and they just keep building up. Then, before you’ve had a chance to dash to the parent’s room, the whole thing spills out of your baby’s nappy, destroying her cute outfit and slipping out onto the floor, car seat or wherever you happen to be.

Yuck, and face palm.

6. Deciphering teething troubles

Oh your poor little love is teething – or is she?

When those pearly whites first start to inflame her gums, it’s common for parents to not realise that this is the cause of her irritable behaviour, night waking and rosy cheeks.
Your mother-in-law will tell you, of course (like she did BEFORE your baby even was teething). But one day, she will be right and suddenly all your questions will be answered.

She’s teething!

“Quick, we need teething toys for her to gnaw on, STAT!”

7. Overcoming a public tantrum

Oh, this one is a doozy. That first time your little one throws herself on the floor and screams blue murder, is just the first public meltdown of many.

If you manage to stay calm and avoid looking at the judgmental eyes of passersby, you will eventually become immune when it happens time and time again.

And like everything else in the parenting game, she will eventually grow out of it and throw you some new curve balls!

The information above is general in nature and the opinion of the writer and should not be taken as medical advice

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