5 Simple Natural Tips to Help Your Baby Fight A Fever
Cold and flu season is slowly creeping up on us and with that comes the inevitable runny nose, coughing, sneezing and, worst of all, fever. Even if you do your best to avoid it, there’s a chance you’ll be left feeling miserable at some point in the coming months. But just think about how cold and flu season affects our little ones. It’s the worst feeling knowing that your little one is suffering and there’s only so much you as a mom can do about it. Before you start feeling helpless, just know that you’re not alone! That’s why we’re here with the top 5 natural tips for reducing your baby’s fever, without resorting to medicine or other drugstore products. These baby fever remedies will not only help bring down your little ones fever but also help comfort them too – because everyone just wants to get back to normal!
How to Tell If Your Baby Has A Fever
Getting an accurate temperature for your baby can be a difficult task but if you can, getting a rectal temperature is considered the most accurate. A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a fever for a baby. If your infant is younger than 2 months and their temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, contact your doctor right away.
In some ways, a fever can actually be a good thing as it can encourage the body to fight against invading bacteria. While this might be a plus, it does still make baby uncomfortable. A fever may come on as a result of ear infections, flu, colds, sore throat, pneumonia, viral illnesses or even teething. For that reason it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of baby’s fever. If baby is older than 6 months and has a temperature below 101°F (38°C), you may not have to rush to the doctor. Seek your doctor or pediatrician’s advice as soon as possible though if baby:
- Seems more uncomfortable or fussy than usual
- Isn’t sleeping
- Isn’t eating
- Is vomiting or has diarrhea
- Has an unexplained rash
- Has a seizure
RELATED: 5 Reasons Why Your Baby Might Be Crying, and What To Do
So how can you make baby more comfortable while they fight off their fever?
A fever is no fun for anyone, especially baby. Bringing baby’s fever down won’t necessarily fight the underlying illness or problem but it will help baby feel more comfortable as their little body fights whatever infection has caused the fever. So here are 5 ways to help reduce the fever in your little one.
5 Tips and Tricks for Parents: How to Reduce Baby’s Fever
- Use a fan at a low setting to circulate the air (not blowing directly on baby) if the room is warm or stuffy
- Use an air conditioner if you have one but at a comfortable temperature (not too cold that baby starts to shiver as this can actually raise their temperature).
- Try to keep baby indoors in a cool place while they fight their fever. If you do decide to go outside, keep baby in the shade away from direct sunlight.
- Try not to use a heater in the room around the clock as this can actually cause baby to become overheated.
2. Help baby get a good night’s sleep
Try not to wake your sleeping baby to check on their fever. They need as much sleep as possible to help them recover from illness. If your baby has a cold, their stuffy nose or cough can keep them awake so try these tips to help baby sleep better:
- Raise baby’s head while they sleep. Lying flat can make a cough worse and make it harder for baby to breathe properly. To raise baby’s head, lift the crib mattress by rolling up a towel and placing it under the mattress.
- Use a sound machine like Bubzi Co.'s Baby Sleep Soothing Owl. This must-have machine sings 10 gentle lullabies and projects a colorful galaxy of stars to help soothe baby to sleep.
- Use a nasal aspirator to clear baby’s nose before bedtime. Bubzi Co.'s Premium Nasal Aspirator is the perfect tool for the job. It provides instant relief for your baby and removes nasal congestion in as little as 30 seconds. The soft silicone tip won’t irritate baby’s nose and the unique tube design allows for maximum suction and control.
RELATED: 6 Trusted Techniques New Moms Can Try To Get Baby To Sleep
3. Give baby a sponge bath
A simple tub or sponge bath can do wonders to reduce a fever.
- Place baby in a bathtub with 1-2 inches of warm water, with a temperature of approximately 85ºF to 90ºF.
- Use a clean washcloth to spread the warm water over their arms, legs, and body.
- If you notice your baby is shivering or appears more uncomfortable, then take them out of the tub as shivering can actually make a fever worse.
- Never use rubbing alcohol as part of your sponge bath as it can cause a temperature spike and even alcohol poisoning.
4. The more fluids, the better
When baby is sick, it’s important they’re getting enough fluids. Fluids will help cool them down and prevent dehydration from sweating. Because of their fever, babies may not want as much fluid so try giving them small amounts at regular intervals throughout the day. Try giving your baby oral rehydration solutions mixed with lukewarm water for babies younger than 6 months old. If baby is older than 6 months, you can also try cold milk, ice pops, fruit juice or chilled yogurt.
5. Breast milk
If baby is still breastfeeding, breast milk is very important in helping to reduce their fever. Because of its unique balance of nutrients, it helps to strengthen baby’s weak immune system and can help your baby fight their illness.
As a mom, your initial thought when your baby is sick is to comfort them and try to make whatever’s making them feel bad go away. Comfort is by far the best thing you can do for your baby and it will probably help you both feel better. Keep a close eye on your baby as they fight their fever and remember to treat them, not the fever itself. It can be scary when your little one comes down with a fever, but just remember to follow the tips above to help comfort your baby and rest assured they’ll start to feel better soon!
Photo credit: Bigstock, Pixabay
