Autumn weather is unpredictable, and infants' delicate bodies are prone to illness, especially colds and fevers. So parents, do you know what temperature constitutes a fever in babies? What causes a baby's fever? And what should you do if your baby has a fever?
6 Major Causes of Baby Fever
1. Common Cold
Babies are susceptible to colds in autumn, whether the common cold or influenza—both are the most frequent illnesses. Both bacterial and viral infections are possible.
Symptoms vary and may include fever, decreased appetite, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, and ear, nose, or throat issues.
Doctors typically prescribe symptomatic treatment medications. With plenty of rest and hydration, recovery usually occurs within 3 to 5 days.
However, improper care can lead to complications like otitis media, encephalitis, or meningitis, which carry the risk of high fever exceeding 39°C (102.2°F).
2. Ear, Nose, and Throat Inflammation
Autumn's dryness can cause babies to develop heatiness, often leading to inflammation in the ears, nose, and throat. This results in redness and swelling, typically caused by a viral infection.
Symptoms vary but commonly include fever, cough, runny nose, and a red, swollen throat (often making babies reluctant to eat).
Doctors will prescribe symptomatic treatment medications. With ample rest and hydration, recovery usually occurs within 3 to 5 days.
This condition can easily lead to complications like otitis media, mastoiditis, or pneumonia, also carrying the risk of high fever exceeding 39°C.
3. Encephalitis and Meningitis
Babies aged 6 months to 3 years are most susceptible to these diseases.
The most typical and threatening symptom is a high fever often exceeding 39°C (102.2°F). This is accompanied by lethargy, a vacant stare, poor appetite, and may even include convulsions.
Immediate medical attention is essential. Currently, the only diagnostic method is a spinal tap (lumbar puncture). (This is a safe medical procedure performed by professionals; parents need not worry.)
Hospitalized encephalitis patients are typically given medications to reduce intracranial pressure and antiviral drugs. Hospitalized meningitis patients require antibiotic treatment, with recovery taking approximately 2–3 weeks.
Due to the risk of severe complications—including hearing and vision loss, intellectual disability, neurological impairment (cerebral palsy), and even death—this condition is extremely dangerous.
4. Overdressing, Teething Fever, Summer Heat
Fevers caused by these factors are usually brief and harmless, yet often overlooked by parents.
If your baby remains active, alert, and has a good appetite despite the fever, it may simply be due to overdressing or excessive indoor warmth. Adjusting the environment typically resolves the overheating issue.
5. Vaccinations
Many babies experience mild fever after vaccination, though more pronounced fever often occurs after the "DTP" (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) vaccine.
Avoid bringing your baby for vaccinations if they are unwell or have a cold, to prevent confusion with vaccine-related symptoms.
The 72-hour period following vaccination is the observation window for fever related to the shot. If fever persists beyond this timeframe, it is likely unrelated to the vaccine, and parents should seek further evaluation.
6. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Infants under 1 year old are most susceptible, regardless of gender. In girls, infection often stems from fecal or diaper contamination; in boys, it typically results from vesicoureteral reflux.
Beyond a fever often exceeding 38.5°C (101.3°F), outward symptoms are usually subtle.
As this is a bacterial infection, medical treatment typically involves antibiotics, with recovery taking approximately two weeks.
Potential complications include kidney damage and kidney abscesses.
DIY Fever Reduction Methods
If the body temperature is around 38°C (98.6°F) during a bath, or if the fever has not reached the threshold for prescribed fever-reducing medication, mothers can use lukewarm water to sponge or shower the baby to lower their temperature.However, never use alcohol to wipe the baby's body for cooling. Alcohol dissipates heat too rapidly, causing the baby to shiver or even convulse, which can be dangerous. Ice Pillow for Sleep Babies with fever need ample rest. Prepare a child-specific ice pillow, wrap it in a towel, and use it as a pillow for the baby to sleep on. Besides reading the instructions, ensure the ice pillow does not come into direct contact with the baby's neck or below, and monitor for signs of drowsiness or excessive sleepiness during use.
For mild fevers or when using over-the-counter fever reducers between prescribed doses, commercially available cooling patches may be used. Consult your doctor before use. While these patches can reduce fever through skin absorption, their effectiveness is limited by the application area and should be used as an adjunct.