What Should Baby Wear To Bed With A Fever

What Should Baby Wear To Bed With A Fever?

How should I dress my baby with a fever?

When your baby is feverish, it’s important to keep them as cool and comfortable as possible. Here are some tips for what to dress your baby in when they have a fever.

1. Make sure their head is covered

Whether you’re using a hat or a bonnet, make sure your baby’s head is covered when they have a fever. This will help keep them warm without overheating them.

2. Don’t over-bundle them up

If you bundle up your baby too much, it can cause their body temperature to rise even higher, which can be dangerous. If you’re concerned they’re still cold, place a warm blanket over their legs instead of an extra pair of socks or tights.

3. Skip the long sleeves

It’s best to dress your little one in short sleeves so that you can check their temperature easily and quickly with a thermometer (and so they don’t feel too constricted). Just make sure they wear socks or booties on their feet.

4. Choose breathable fabrics

Cotton is always a great choice for babies because it’s breathable and comfortable—but try to avoid fleece or other materials that might trap heat and make your little one uncomfortable.

What should my baby wear to bed with a fever?

There are a lot of options when it comes to what your baby should wear to bed when they have a fever. Here are the main things you should consider:

1. Is temperature control important? For example, if your baby is going to be resting in a room that’s quite hot, you might want something that will keep them cooler and wick away sweat. If your baby is going to be resting in a room that’s quite cold, you might want something that will keep them warmer and help them maintain their body heat.

2. Does the material matter? You’ll probably want something lightweight and breathable for comfort and so that the fabric doesn’t irritate or bother your child when they’re trying to sleep.

3. How much skin do you want covered up? Some parents prefer full-body pajamas for their kids because they give their babies’ skin a little extra protection from germs or anything else in the environment (like pet dander) while they’re sleeping. Others prefer short sleeves and/or short pants because it makes nighttime diaper changes easier!

Should you undress a baby with a fever?

If you’ve ever had a baby, then you know that the number one thing a parent wants to do when their baby is sick is make them feel better. But what you choose to dress them in during their illness can have major consequences. If your child has a fever, it’s common to want to undress them. After all, it’s hot, and we don’t like feeling hot or sweaty when we’re sick.

While this may seem logical, the reason why undressing your little one can actually be dangerous is because they are so small and new; they haven’t yet developed the same immune systems as an adult. In fact, if you were to place an adult in the same room with that baby, with the same temperature and humidity as the infant, you’d find that they’d be sweating more than the baby!

That’s because babies sweat less at higher temperatures than adults—so while they may look uncomfortable to us and feel hot to our touch, it doesn’t necessarily mean that undressing them will help them cool down.

Can I put the fan on if my baby has a fever?

Yes you can use a fan, but do not blow it directly onto your child, but keep it in the room to avoid the room getting stuffy or hot.  You do not want your child to be hot or cold.

How do I bring my baby’s fever down?

Fevers generally go away on their own after a couple of days. In the meantime, you can encourage your child to rest and stay hydrated to help them get well more quickly. You can also give them medication — like ibuprofen for infants or acetaminophen for toddlers — to reduce their discomfort and lower their temperature until the fever breaks.

When is a fever too high for a baby?

The seriousness of the fever depends on your child’s age, underlying medical conditions that may make them more susceptible to complications from fever, how long the fever has been present, and any other symptoms that may accompany the fever (such as vomiting, lethargy,

High fevers in newborns to 3-month-olds 

Newborns (under 3 months old) are vulnerable to high fevers. Because their immune systems are so immature, they can’t yet fight off infections that older children and adults often shrug off. If a newborn has a fever, it’s important that you take him to the doctor right away.

If a baby has a temperature above 100.4 F (38 C) rectally, call his pediatrician immediately. The doctor may ask you to come in right away or may ask you to watch the baby for signs of illness and call back in a few hours if he’s still feverish.

High fevers in 3-month-olds to 3-year-olds

If your child’s temperature is 102.2°F or higher in older babies and toddlers, call your doctor.

You should also keep track of how your child reacts to over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Always with your pediatrician before providing any over-the-counter medications to children under the age of one.

There could be something more serious going on if the fever does not react to fever reducers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen).

High fevers in children older than 3 years

A fever of 102°F or higher that lasts two or more days may be cause for concern in children over the age of three.

If their doctor advises you to keep an eye on it, a few days might enough.

If your child has had a fever for five days or more, contact back to schedule an appointment with their doctor. The same can be said for a fever that does not respond to over-the-counter drugs.

What you can do to help you child feel better:

Keep baby’s room temperature comfortable.

Because your infant can’t express themselves verbally, it’s up to you as a parent to find the ideal room temperature for them. You don’t want the temperature in your baby’s room to be too hot or too cold. Temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 degrees Celsius) are recommended for newborns.

Because babies are so young and their bodies are still growing, they are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in room temperature. However, by around 11 weeks, kids’ bodies begin to regulate their temperature at night in the same way that older individuals do. Babies reach a minimum core body temperature of 97.5 degrees Fahrenheit four hours after going to bed.

If your baby’s room doesn’t have a thermostat, you can use an indoor thermometer to keep track of the temperature. If your kid is adequately dressed for the weather, however, it is not necessary to constantly monitor the temperature or have the heating or cooling going throughout the night.

At the same room temperature as adults, newborns and toddlers are at ease. Your kid may require an extra layer on occasion, but you should wear him or her in the same manner that you dress yourself: not too hot and not too cold.

Give baby a bath.

If your child’s fever is over 104°F, consider a sponge bath or a regular soak in lukewarm water. For mild or moderate fevers, it is not necessary. Cold baths, ice, and alcohol rubs should be avoided. If your baby starts to shiver, raise the water temperature or take them out of the bath and clothing them.

Use fever reducing medication.

If your child is under the age of three months, see a doctor before administering any drug (a fever in babies under 3 months old should always be assessed by their doctor). Fevers can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol) if your infant is over 3 months old; if your kid is over 6 months old, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) is another alternative. To determine the correct dose for your baby’s weight, follow the instructions on the container. Ibuprofen can be taken every 6-8 hours, while acetaminophen can be given every 4-6 hours.

Remember that fevers are healthy and should only be handled if your baby is uncomfortable or if the temperature rises above 102°F. If your infant is shivering or has the chills, medicine may help. Slow declines are OK; a fever does not need to return to normal right away. In around 1-2 hours, you should expect a drop of 2-3°F.

Infants and Toddlers fever chart

Age Temperature What to do
0-3 months 100.4 F (38 C) or higher taken rectally Call the doctor, even if your child doesn’t have any other signs or symptoms.
3-6 months Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn’t needed. Call the doctor if your child seems unusually irritable, lethargic or uncomfortable.
3-6 months Above 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally Call the doctor; he or she may recommend that you bring your child in for an exam.
6-24 months Above 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). If your child is age 6 months or older, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) is OK, too. Read the label carefully for proper dosage. Don’t give aspirin to an infant or toddler. Call the doctor if the fever doesn’t respond to the medication or lasts longer than one day.

Children Fever Chart

Children
Age Temperature What to do
2-17 years Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally for children ages 2-3, or taken orally for children older than 3 Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn’t needed. Call the doctor if your child seems unusually irritable or lethargic or complains of significant discomfort.
2-17 years Above 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally for children ages 2-3, or taken orally for children older than 3 If your child seems uncomfortable, give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). Read the label carefully for proper dosage, and be careful not to give your child more than one medication containing acetaminophen, such as some cough and cold medicines. Avoid giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Call the doctor if the fever doesn’t respond to the medication or lasts longer than three days.

FAQ

What temp should I take child to hospital?

If your child’s temperature has been over 102 degrees for two days or longer, take him or her to the pediatric emergency room. If your fever is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Unable to keep fluids down
  • Burning during urination or does not urinate
  • Rash
  • Stiff neck
  • Difficulty waking up
  • Not up to date on immunizations

Why does fever increase at night?

Our immune cells protect us throughout the day, but as night falls, immune cells become less active and engage in inflammatory behavior, such as raising body temperature in the hopes of eliminating microorganisms. This is referred described as a ‘temporary fever’ by doctors to combat diseases.

Does teething cause fevers?

Teething does not cause fevers, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Teething may produce a little increase in your child’s usual temperature (99°F / 37.2°C), but there’s no evidence that it causes a “real” fever (>100.4°F / >38°C).

Teething occurs at a time when your baby’s immune system is declining following birth and they are starting to put everything in their mouth. It’s not uncommon to see an increase in illness around this period. While a minor fever (together with other symptoms such as diarrhea and a runny nose) may coincide with your baby’s teeth erupting, correlation does not always imply causality.

Sources: 

  • American Academy of Family Physicians: “Risk Posed by Popular Teething Meds Prompts FDA Warning to Parents, Physicians.”
  • American Academy of Pediatrics: “Signs and Symptoms of Primary Tooth Eruption: A Meta-analysis,” “Teething: 4 to 7 Months.”
  • American Dental Association: “Teething.”
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  • Nemours Foundation: “Teething Tots.”
  • News release, American Academy of Pediatrics, February 2016.
  • Bennett JE, et al. Temperature regulation and the pathogenesis of fever. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 25, 2020.
  • Kliegman RM, et al. Fever. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 25, 2020.
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  • AskMayoExpert. Infant fever (older than age 90 days). Mayo Clinic; 2019.
  • AskMayoExpert. Infant fever (age 90 days or younger). Mayo Clinic; 2019.
  • Fever. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/biology-of-infectious-disease/fever-in-adults. Accessed April 8, 2020.
  • Dinarello CA, et al. Pathophysiology and treatment of fever in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 25, 2020.
  • Maaks, D. et al. Burns’ Pediatric Primary Care, 7th Edition, Elsevier Health Sciences, 2019
  • Pediatrics: “Swaddling: A Systematic Review.”
  • Red Nose Australia: “room temperature.”
  • Safe Sleep Scotland: “Check the room temperature when I’m asleep.”
  • Sleep Foundation: “The Best Temperature For Sleep.”
  • StatPearls: “Central and Peripheral Cyanosis”
  • The Lullaby Trust: “The safest room temperature for babies.”

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