How do you know if your baby is sick? It can be hard to know… sometimes it’s nothing serious. Other times, you should call the Appointment and Advice line right away. First, let’s talk about fevers. Did you know that a fever is a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher? A fever in a newborn can be a sign that your baby is very sick.
How can you take your baby’s temperature to find out if he or she has a fever? We recommend digital thermometers. For new babies, rectal temperatures are the most accurate. Many parents have anxiety about taking their baby’s rectal temperature. But there’s nothing to fear.
To take a rectal temperature: Use a digital thermometer. Put a little petroleum jelly, like Vaseline on the sensor end of the thermometer. Separate your baby’s buttocks and gently push the thermometer ¼ inch into the rectal opening. Hold the thermometer with one hand and use your other hand to hold your baby. Wait 2 minutes or until it beeps. Remove the thermometer. Always wash the thermometer after you use it. You can also use a forehead scanner thermometer.
What are some other signs that your baby might be sick? If your baby:
- Has a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- Has a temperature below 97.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Breathes very fast or has to work hard to breathe.
- Vomits forcefully, not just spitting up, which is normal.
- Has redness and swelling, warm tender skin, pus or a foul smell coming from the umbilical cord.
- Skin or eyes that are yellow, which is jaundice.
- Refuses 2 or more feedings.
- Is difficult to wake up, not just sleepy.
- Has blood in the stool.
- Or has problems with circumcision.
- 3733 views
