Baby Back
Fever
As parents we are concerned about our baby’s health and will react almost immediately to any changes in our baby’s condition. Before we rush our baby to the clinic perhaps it’s best to understand a few facts about our baby’s physical condition.
Facts about your baby
- A child’s average body temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius.
- Temperatures rise during late afternoons and early evenings.
- They fall between midnight and early morning.
- Fever is when the temperature of the body rises above 38 degrees Celsius.
- High temperatures can make your child feel uncomfortable.
Fever with illness indicates that baby’s defence system is responding to infection and is fighting it naturally. What’s important is to monitor your baby’s appearance and behaviour.
Healthcare guidelines that you can follow to determine whether your baby is having a bad fever or not:
| No. | Signs & Symptoms | Baby’s Age | Suggested Diagnostic Method | Indicator |
| 1. |
|
All ages | Armpit (auxiliary) temperature. | Greater than 38 degrees Celsius. |
| 2. |
|
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| 3. |
|
Seek medical attention. | ||
| 4. | Extremely irritable or Can’t be consoled. | All ages | ||
| 5. | Seem to be in pain. | Seek medical attention. | ||
| 6. | Irregular behaviour, changes in appearance. | |||
Types of Thermometer and Utilisation Methods
| Type of Thermometer | Application | Method |
| Digital Thermometer | Most recommended for taking baby’s temperature. | Under Arm (easiest): for all children
Under Tongue: for older children (greater than 5 years) |
| Ear Thermometer | Applicable for older babies and toddlers. |
|
Notes:
Plastic tape thermometers are not accurate or reliable