Baby fever fluctuates, is it dangerous? how to solve it?

All parents must be anxious and worried if a baby who has a fever fluctuates within a certain period of time. Many parents are afraid and confused when they face a feverish baby. Therefore, parents should know what can cause a baby to experience a fever that rises and falls and how to deal with this condition.

What causes a fever to fluctuate in babies?

In fact, many things can cause a baby to have a fever, whether it is due to a viral or bacterial infection that attacks him. Your baby may have frequent fevers, but don't worry, the fever is not that bad for the baby.

Basically, fever is a form of response from the baby's immune system which is struggling and defending itself from attacks by viruses, bacteria, or other foreign substances. If the baby has a fever, this indicates that his immune system is responsive enough to deal with the infection that occurs.

However, be careful if the baby has fever fluctuating too often, because he may have a bacterial or viral infection that is quite dangerous, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, ear infections, or meningitis.

What to do when the baby has a fever that fluctuates?

To deal with fever in babies, there are several things parents can do. Here are tips for dealing with a feverish baby:

Compressing the baby with a towel soaked in warm water. Place the compress in body folds such as armpit creases, groin creases, and neck creases.
Give the baby enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Fluids that can be given in the form of breast milk or plain water. Depending on the age of the baby, if the baby is under 6 months it is best to only give the baby breast milk.
Try to wear thin and comfortable clothes on the baby, don't wear thick clothes.
Do not bathe or compress the baby with cold water or ice cubes.
If the baby is more than 6 months old, then you can give heat relievers such as paracetamol, but do not give your baby aspirin.

Fever in babies is nothing to worry about

You don't need to panic and be scared if the baby has a fever. Babies will be fine if:

Baby fever fluctuates in less than 5 days.
The baby's body temperature is less than 39 degrees Celsius if the baby is 3 months to 3 years old.
Fever with a temperature that is not high after the baby is immunized. This fever is common in babies and will last less than 48 hours.

Fever in babies that should be checked by a doctor immediately

Although fever is a normal condition or stage that every baby must experience, you also have to pay attention to when the baby's fever is no longer normal and indicates certain health problems. The following are signs that you should take a baby with a fever to the doctor:

The baby has a fever for more than 5 days. if the fever does not go away, the baby may have a serious illness.
Fever higher than 40 degrees Celsius.
The fever does not flare up for some time.
The baby has decreased appetite and becomes very fussy and lethargic.
Experiencing various other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation.