When my ten month old baby has fever, how do I take her temperature and please advise me on the do's and don'ts when a child is has a temperature.


Fever is the body's natural defence against infection and most are viral or bacterial in nature. Toddlers and babies are more prone to running fevers than older children. Fevers in older babies can also be caused by things that have nothing to do with infections such as excessive crying or overdressing. In some illnesses older babies can have high temperatures (40degrees C) and still not cry or become irritable. It is important to understand what is causing the fever and take it from there. It is only natural for concerned parents to call the doctor when the fever starts to escalate or use a fever reducer right away to bring the temperature down. Many parents are skilled at estimating fever by touching; one good way would be to kiss your child's forehead or place the back of your hand on baby's tummy. Digital and ear thermometers are largely used today. Aspirin should never be given to young babies and toddlers. Rely on acetaminophen for reducing fevers and dosage should be weight-appropriate.


You may find dosing your little one a hard job but never mix a dose with her milk or juice as you cannot determine how much your baby has had if all the liquid is not consumed. You may also want to sponge your baby with tepid water - avoid cold as this will cause your child to shiver which will defeat the purpose as the body temperature will rise. Keep your child's clothing light and avoid bundling or draping your child in blanket as this will make the fever worse. Don't force-feed your child if he doesn't want to eat. Get your child to sip more liquid in amounts that are tolerable to his tummy. Frequent small amounts of cool water will work better than downing more in one go. In breastfed babies, regular feedings will provide enough liquid. If the fever is accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting, check with your doctor on oral electrolyte solution available at pharmacies.