A Parent’s Guide to Dealing With Baby Fevers

Parents should understand that a high temperature means that there baby's body is functioning the way that it should. A healthy immune system increases body heat to help thwart off infection. That said, parents can do certain things to help their little angels be less agitated and fussy.

Dr. Kristie Rivers indicated on Bundoo that parents don't have to wake their babies if they are sleeping soundly. When they do wake, it's best to treat babies with medicine to give them a bit of relief.

An analgesic drug known as acetaminophen is appropriate even to the youngest of babies, though it's best to consult with your doctors first. Baby Center pointed out that the correct dosage is based on weight, not age. Babies who weigh six to 11 pounds should be given not more than 1.25 ml of acetaminophen.

Dr. Rivers said babies who are six months old and beyond can be given ibuprofen. Again, dosage depends on weight, not age. Babies who weigh 12 to 17 pounds should be given 1.25 ml of infant drops. Babies who tip the scale at 18 to 23 pounds should be given 1.875 ml of ibuprofen, as per Medline Plus.

Parents of three-month-old babies who experience fever should seek medical evaluation. Parents are highly adviced to call their pediatrician immediately if their baby's temperature goes beyond the fever threshold of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dr. Rivers also stomped the popular health myth claiming that a temperature beyond 105 degrees Fahrenheit can cause serious brain damage to a baby. She said there hasn't been any scientific evidence to back such claims and that no particular temperature is innately harmful to a child.

Web MD reported that the most accurate way to take a baby's temperature is by using a rectal thermometer. If parents are uncomfortable with this method, the next best thing is to take temperature under the baby's armpit. An oral thermometer can be used when the child turns five months old.