Should I Let Baby Sleep With a Fever?

When a child has a fever, it is important to remember that they are still fighting off the virus and that their bodies do not need to be kept at high temperatures.

Fever is a common symptom of many illnesses. However, if your baby has a fever that is not relieved by fever reducers, or you have any doubt about their condition, see your doctor.

Babies can often have trouble sleeping when they are unwell, as they tend to wake more during the night. This can make it difficult for them to settle and may be frustrating for you as well!

Over-bundling – As babies cannot regulate their own body temperature, they can get a fever when they are bundled up too tightly. This is especially true if the room is too hot or cold for them.

Using a thermometer to take your baby’s temperature – This is an important way to identify if they have a fever and also how serious their illness is. A rectal (under the tongue) temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is considered a fever and needs to be monitored.

It is normal for a baby or toddler’s temperature to rise throughout the day. They may also have a small increase due to exercise, hot weather or wearing warm clothing.

Your baby’s temperature will usually return to a normal reading once they are no longer infected and have a chance to fight off the infection.

Most fevers can be controlled by resting, eating well and getting plenty of fluids. They should also be given a fever reducer, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which usually work within 30 minutes of taking them.

Give your baby fever reducers before bedtime – This will help them to sleep through the night and to avoid dehydration, which can lead to other symptoms and complications.

Do not wake your baby up to check their temperature – This is not the best thing to do when your baby has a fever, because it can cause distress. You may feel like you are doing the wrong thing by letting your child suffer.

You should call your pediatrician if your baby’s temperature is above 102oF and they are not responding to your comforting them. They are crying, waking frequently, or not able to move an arm or leg.

Your doctor might also recommend giving your baby a fever reducer to keep them comfortable. This can be done by administering the medication as a suppository or by applying it to your baby’s ear.

If your baby’s body temperature is too low, they can become dehydrated, so try to keep them hydrated by avoiding drinking liquids that are hard to digest and encouraging them to drink more water. If you are not sure whether your baby is hydrated, ask their doctor for an easy-to-use thermometer.

Don’t use a mercury thermometer for your baby’s temperature, because they can have a false reading when they are warm or very cold.