Is 98.7 a fever for a newborn?

If you’ve recently given birth or have found yourself taking care of an adorable little bundle of joy, one question that might be on your mind is – what’s considered a fever for newborns? While the answer to this question isn’t always straightforward, there are some general guidelines that parents can follow to ensure they’re keeping their precious baby safe and healthy.

Understanding Normal Body Temperature

Before we dive into whether or not 98.7 is considered a fever for newborns, it’s important to first understand what’s considered normal body temperature in infants. Generally speaking, babies have higher baseline temperatures than adults, which means that their “normal” temperature may seem elevated when compared with an adult’s body temperature reading.

According to most medical experts, the normal range for infant body temperature falls between 97.7°F (36.5°C) and 99.3°F (37.4°C) if measured rectally (we know…sounds like fun). However oral and ear readings can also provide very accurate results due how far technology has come in recent years.

It should be noted that certain factors such as age and even time of day can influence an infant’s baseline body temperature; so during illness these factors must above all need acknowledge while monitoring precise values through regular checks every few hours depending on severity and context.

What Constitutes A Fever In Infants?

Now let’s ask ourselves: does a reading of 98.7 indicate that our baby has spiked a fever? The American Academy of Pediatrics defines †fever† in children under three months as being any rectal temp over 100.4°F(38°C) ,in other words at .way higher than your favourite outdoor summer fragrance spray.

For infants aged between three and six months look out for temps over 101°F(38 Celsius degrees ), which by the way is higher than the average summer temperature in most areas.

Finally, for infants over six months old, a fever can be defined as any rectal temp above 103°F(39.4 Celsius degrees) (which coincidentally sounds like a ripe age to begin train and teach your toddler that finger painting isn’t just an art project but also involves ‘making less of a mess’)

It’s worth noting that fever can often be an early sign of an underlying infection or illness such as influenza, ear infections or even pneumonia. In order to give their newborns the best possible care , experts advise irregardless of whether they are experiencing other symptoms like coughing, sneezing or wheezing whenever we see signs suggestiveof fever should prompt us to further investigate with medical guidance..

What Should I Do If My Newborn Has A Fever?

While fevers in and of themselves aren’t always cause for alarm, it’s important to note that they can sometimes indicate serious underlying conditions…and we’d hate any harm on darling little ones!

So what steps should you take if you suspect your infant has developed “a case of the fevers”? Here are few quick things:

  • Take their temperature: Make sure you’re using appropriate thermometer equipment-remember our advice about adult ear thermometers not being ideal earlier).

  • Check them out: Look out for key/significant changes in behaviour,difficulties breathing,stuttered motion etc

  • Monitor food intake/fluid output -which help prevent complications

If your baby is under three months old and has a temperature above 100.4 Fahrenheit(38 degress Celcius),take them immediately to hospital/see nurse practitioners..Elevated temperatures at this early stage will often require extra attention from health professionals.

For older infants (3-6mnths),it’s still crucially importance offer medical supportimmediately by paying visit to nearby hospital, the baby’s Paediatrician or considering Telemedical calls,depends on severity and access to a doctor.

For babies who are over six months old ,if their temperature exceeds 103°F(39.4 °C) it is recommended that seek medical advice swiftly-closest healthcare facility/doctor possible .

In addition there are other home remedies like cutting down room temperatures,and cool water baths ( submerging them in cold water. But remember these options do NOT suffice as an alternative medication for infections which could be causing additional symptoms beyond fever

Conclusion

What’s deemed a fever in newborns can largely depend upon age group of the child and intensity of given circumstances.They can signify underlying conditions necessitating expensive checks from toddler-age specialists;otherwise consulting with doctor for guidance early enough after noticing fever wiill go along way towards maintaining optimum health even when things don’t always appear clear cut!

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