| When your baby has a fever or cold, your | | | | way of fighting infection, so, when possible, |
| first urge is to run right to the | | | | it?s best to let it do its job. |
| pediatrician. But, mild colds and fevers are | | | | |
| common, and often don?t require a visit to | | | | For minor colds, the best treatment is rest. |
| the doctor, just some at home management. | | | | However, your child may be unable to rest |
| Here are some techniques to help manage colds | | | | comfortably unless you treat the cold |
| and fever at home, and some information to | | | | symptoms. A vaporizer can do wonders to |
| help you know when to call the doctor. | | | | relieve congestion, as can vapor treatments |
| | | | in the bath. But, if your child is really |
| First, most doctors don?t consider a fever | | | | uncomfortable, using an over the counter cold |
| under 100?F a fever at all, unless your baby | | | | medicine is fine. For dosage guidelines, |
| is under two months old, in which case you | | | | follow your doctor?s recommendations, or |
| should seek medical treatment with any fever. | | | | those on the bottle, but go by weight, not |
| Otherwise, as long as the fever doesn?t go | | | | age. |
| above 102?F, you need not treat it unless it | | | | |
| is making your baby uncomfortable or unable | | | | Colds should resolve themselves in a week or |
| to sleep. However, any fever which reaches | | | | so, but if they do not, look for signs of an |
| 105? rectally, or a fever accompanied by | | | | ear infection. These can include unexplained |
| signs of dehydration (infrequent urination, | | | | crying, especially when lying down, tugging |
| sunken fontanel, dry lips), or a feverish | | | | the ears, or tossing and turning while trying |
| baby who has a stiff neck, is limp or has | | | | to sleep. If you notice these symptoms, take |
| purple spots on the skin, should be treated | | | | your child to the doctor. Ear infections can |
| by a professional immediately. | | | | be very painful, and are often hard to |
| | | | recognize in young children. |
| To treat a mild fever, try keeping your baby | | | | |
| cool, using compresses or a tepid bath. Dress | | | | Talk to your pediatrician regarding his |
| her loosely ? that old wives tale about | | | | recommendations for treating colds and |
| keeping them bundled up is just that- an old | | | | fevers, and when he believes you should call |
| wives tale. Feed her lots of fluids, and keep | | | | or come in. But, trust your instincts, and |
| a watch on her. But, try to avoid the use of | | | | don?t hesitate to call anytime you believe |
| over the counter medications, unless your | | | | there is a real problem. |
| baby is unable to sleep. Fever is the body?s | | | | |