When your baby has a fever or cold, your first urge is to runright to the pediatrician. But, mild colds and fevers arecommon, and often don't require a visit to the doctor, just someat home management. Here are some techniques to help managecolds and fever at home, and some information to help you knowwhen to call the doctor.
First, most doctors don't consider a fever under 100°F a feverat all, unless your baby is under two months old, in which caseyou should seek medical treatment with any fever. Otherwise, aslong as the fever doesn't go above 102°F, you need not treat itunless it is making your baby uncomfortable or unable to sleep.However, any fever which reaches 105° rectally, or a feveraccompanied by signs of dehydration (infrequent urination,sunken fontanel, dry lips), or a feverish baby who has a stiffneck, is limp or has purple spots on the skin, should be treatedby a professional immediately.
To treat a mild fever, try keeping your baby cool, usingcompresses or a tepid bath. Dress her loosely - that old wivestale about keeping them bundled up is just that- an old wivestale. Feed her lots of fluids, and keep a watch on her. But, tryto avoid the use of over the counter medications, unless yourbaby is unable to sleep. Fever is the body's way of fightinginfection, so, when possible, it's best to let it do its job.
For minor colds, the best treatment is rest. However, your childmay be unable to rest comfortably unless you treat the coldsymptoms. A vaporizer can do wonders to relieve congestion, ascan vapor treatments in the bath. But, if your child is reallyuncomfortable, using an over the counter cold medicine is fine.For dosage guidelines, follow your doctor's recommendations, orthose on the bottle, but go by weight, not age.
Colds should resolve themselves in a week or so, but if they donot, look for signs of an ear infection. These can includeunexplained crying, especially when lying down, tugging theears, or tossing and turning while trying to sleep. If younotice these symptoms, take your child to the doctor. Earinfections can be very painful, and are often hard to recognizein young children.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding his recommendations fortreating colds and fevers, and when he believes you should callor come in. But, trust your instincts, and don't hesitate tocall anytime you believe there is a real problem.
About the author:Sarah is a 41 year old wife and mother of two boys and one girl.She spent many years as a manager in the corporate world, andgave it up to be a stay at home mom. Click here now andget her incredible baby minicourse - absolutely free.
