But babies skin is so delicate that even minutes in direct sunlight can be too much for them as they don’t yet sweat sufficiently to cool their body and brain down. Toddlers can tolerate more exposure, but it’s easy to overdo a good thing and little ones of all ethnicity can burn easily.

As soon as you get home, if you have plain yogurt in the fridge, apply it lightly wherever the skin is most burned. Leave on for 10-20 minutes for some instant relief. If you don’t have yogurt but have plenty of black or green tea bags, then drop a bunch of them in some cool water and place them over the  worst areas of burn. Your child can be engaged in holding the tea bags and providing they’re laying somewhere that you don’t mind some dripping, this can be both a distraction and involve them in easing their distress.

Meanwhile, draw a soothing bath with lukewarm water. While cool to cold may feel good to hot skin, it can cause their body temperature to drop too suddenly and provoke chills. Add any of the following to the bath to take more of the sting out of the burn.

1. Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath.
2. Add two cups of oatmeal to the bottom of a nylon sock. Tie the sock up and drop it into a lukewarm bath. Leave the pouch in the tub as you bathe.
3. Make about a quart of strong tea and add to the bath water.
4. Add one cup of baking soda to the bath.

You can combine several of the above remedies for extra relief and have your toddler soak for about 10 minutes in the bath. The water should be just turning cool by the time they get out and this way their internal temperature will be brought down gradually.

Topical treatments after the bath:

1. Gently spread pure aloe vera gel or coconut oil onto the skin to cool, retain moisture and soothe the burned skin. If you have pure essential oil of lavender, mint or eucalyptus, a drop of these can be blended in the coconut for additional relief.

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Surprisingly, risk from the use of cordless phones was almost as great, with a four times higher incidence of cancer. It is clear that children are more vulnerable to the electromagnetic radiation from cell phones, wi fi transmissions and other electronic sources than adults because their heads are smaller and their skulls are thinner, allowing the radiation to penetrate deeper into their brains.

New studies by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, psychiatrist Nora Volkow show that less than one hour of cell phone use excites the brain. This ‘excitement’ is not a good thing. It alters brain function and increases metabolism of glucose — the brain’s main fuel. Dr. Herberman, renowned cancer biologist and physician states: “We know that increased glucose also occurs with infections and other inflammatory processes, and leads to the production of potentially damaging reactive oxygen radicals that can alter the ways that cells and genes work.”

While scientists are wary to draw conclusions as to what this means, anything that disrupts the natural metabolism in critical areas in the brain is a cause for concern. The areas of the brain that showed increased glucose in the JAMA study are involved in thinking, sensing and decision making, as well as repression of antisocial behavior, according to Lloyd Morgan, Senior Science Advisor to EHT (Environmental Health Trust). As a concerned parent, there is more than enough evidence out there already that suggests we should, at the very least, limit our children’s exposure to cell phone use.

In fact, it’s time to talk to our children about Safe Cell Phone Use. Texting, rather than holding the head piece by the ear has less risk, as do using speaker phones or head sets. Cell phones should definitely not be stored against one’s body, tucked into a bra exposes one even more directly to hazardous radiation. Currently, there is no regulation of the amount of microwave radiation that is emitted from a particular phone as the industry insists that there is no danger. However, most scientists and doctors agree that the kind of cancers and neurological changes that are likely to be caused by exposure to cell phone radiation, isn’t likely to show up for 10 – 30 years. There have been no human trials conducted over that period of time so we are in a new era of risk and we will have to weigh the benefits over the possible risks carefully.

For more information on this subject: Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation, What the Industry Has Done to Hide It, and How to Protect Your Family (Dutton, 2010), reinforces the need for revamping our current approach to cell phone safety.

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A babies ear is broadly tuned to recognize any variation of speech sounds that humans can make. So, Chinese babies and American babies start out with the same basic ability to listen to sounds and eventually to link those sounds with your expressions and actions to make meanings. It’s a gradual process and it’s thrilling when the first sounds are clearly becoming associated with an object – like ‘momma’ or ‘dada’, or in my daughter’s case ‘plum’, which is what she called almost any kind of fruit and ‘dawg’ which was any animal. Don’t worry if your baby makes up sounds for things that aren’t quite right. The fact that they’re getting the concept that certain sounds mean something is what is so important.

Critical in this process is the opportunity for baby to watch your face up close. So much of their learning is derived from what they read from your face. Literally, what they see in your face is shaping their experience of the world.  Expressions of mirth, delight and surprise are apt to be mirrored quickly with similar expressions echoing back from them. Check out:  two babies talking to each other

Be conscious that frowns, sad or angry expressions can be confusing and even frightening to your child. Since babies don’t separate themselves from anything at this stage, an angry face tells them that they are wrong, bad and can clam them up or make them angry in return. They have no filters of reason so what they see is what they strive to become. You are literally their model for everything at first. Like little sponges they will adapt your style of speech, your tone of voice and even mannerisms as they get older.

I remember how shocked I was when I discovered my 2 year old scolding her dolly in the exact replica voice that I used to scold her. Psychologists tell us that a child’s first three years are the foundation for their future mental health. If they experience a world that is safe, nurturing and seems to value and appreciate their existence, they tend to grow into self assured and competent adulthood. Inconstancy of care, apathetic, angry or resentful caregivers can be a slow acting poison that tells a child they are not wanted and so their very foundation in this world is always vulnerable.

So, yes, indulge your baby with great affection, endless silly smiles, gobblegook sound sandwiches and  play the game of imitation. You imitate them and they imitate you. It’s wonderful how thrilled they are when you mirror back their efforts because you are saying ‘yes’ you’re right and doing great and this is what they need to hear.

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As wonderful as this is, it can be a bit maddening when your child seems to be a ravenous beast plunging from one experiment into another with nary a pause for breath. A good way to help your child learn to create pause, or even a moment of stillness is meditation – kid size. It’s not so impossible when you begin to harness that voracious curiosity to things that are admittedly, a bit more subtle. I find the breath is a perfect experiment that can have instant results in creating calm and extending their ability to focus.

When your toddler has enough language skills to understand simple instructions, you can introduce them to a game of following their breath. Air comes in through the nose and gradually expands the lungs causing the chest to widen and the belly to protrude. At nap time or bed time, try having your child follow their breath in and out of their body and with your hands, help them to notice what parts of them go up or out to let the air in. Follow the breath out and have them practice blowing softly through pursed lips so that the air ‘leaks’ out of them as slowly as possible. It’s difficult not to gulp air in and heave it out unconsciously, but by even attempting to follow it’s inner journey in their imagination, a child begins to discover control over his body, his emotions and even, indirectly, his mind.

Once your child can follow his breath easily, the game can proceed to adding a top and bottom to the breath where the breath is held for just a second. It’s a floating moment as they ride the wave where there is no effort. As they try to feel the floating moment at the top and bottom of each breath, their breath will naturally become slower and deeper. If you teach this to them when you are both calm and cuddling, it can be used to calm them in times of stress by remembering the comfort of riding this gentle wave together. This slowed, attentive breathing will calm anxiety, quiet the racing mind and lays the foundation for meditation.

Bedtime rituals can be another important way to help calm the frenetic energy that some children have when they can’t seem to let go of the day’s excitement. Lighting a single fragrant candle to gaze upon while they take a warm bath (when they’re big enough to be safe alone in a tub) is a great way to help your child shift gears. Prepare your child for sleep and dreams so that they feel they are setting out on another journey – equally exciting to the day’s journey through the sensory world. A bedtime story told about their day, while they listen with eyes closed can help them learn to savor experiences and put them away in their ‘memory drawer’ at night – there to return to or there to leave behind.

Bedtime rituals create a mood that eases the transition into another world where they can meet friends, have magical powers, discover new abilities and always be safe in the shining light of your love. A song I sang to my children when they were little goes:

Go now to sleep my little one

The light is fading from the sun

And He who blessed your work and play

Will bless your sleep until the day.

So close your eyes and fold your hands

And journey into starry lands.

The love between us warm and deep

Will bind us closer while you sleep.

The earth is dark but there the Light

Eternal shines on us – Good Night!

Of course, night time prayers are another way to give your child a sense of security and an orientation that there is more to the world than our eyes can see. This is a theme that is intriguing to young scientists but will of course be shaped by your own faith. It’s an awesome responsibility being a parent and having the privilege of shaping their world, encouraging their inquiring spirits and soothing their restless souls. Plant seeds of love, and make time to slow down and appreciate the wonder of little things; like a song, a flower, a sky, a breath…

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Today, our choices are far greater and we are armed with so much more information to make those choices. For many reasons, it is no longer a given that a new mother will breast feed their baby for very long, if at all. Even though breast feeding is clearly the best way of transferring a mother’s antibodies and immunity to their child and provides perfect and well balanced nutrition – there are some mothers who simply don’t produce enough milk or their baby doesn’t thrive on their milk or their life circumstances require that they work long hours out of the home and it is more practical to choose formula feeding. But even here, we have more choices of what kind of formula to choose and what to do when baby has an intolerance to milk or soy – primary ingredients in all formulas. Finding a good pediatrician and working with them, as well as reading labels and doing your research is required when you embark on the journey of finding the right nutrition for your child. One thing that doesn’t help is that baby’s digestive system is often immature and they can have terrible trouble simply digesting even your own breast milk.

Don’t despair. Herbal tea made from fennel and chamomile, very dilute with a drop of agave nectar for sweetness, can help ease digestive woes. Gripe water is an over the counter formula of the same and it can be an answer to prayers. Whether your baby is on formula or you’re a strict breast feeding momma – feeding time is nurturing and bonding time. In fact, if you are breast feeding, it’s nice to include your husband by encouraging him to give the occasional bottle of herbal water, formula, or milk that you’ve pumped, so he can feel the power of that closeness and special bond.

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Another makeshift remedy is a clean cold washcloth wrapped around a single ice cube and held tight with a rubber band. This item seldom lasts long enough for the ice cube to melt and the rubber band to become a hazard, but always keep your eye peeled when your baby is chewing or sucking on anything. If you are at home, you can have a stock of wet wash cloths in clean plastic bags ready and waiting in your freezer – then there is  no need for the ice cube.

If your baby is old enough to eat solids, they may enjoy chewing on a hard, unsweetened teething biscuit or a bit of frozen bagel or special teething crusts that are shaped perfectly for tiny fists to hold. There’s some controversy over using cold carrots because they can break off and become a choking hazard. However, my babies did very well when I chose the larger end of a full size carrot and let it sit in a plastic bag in the freezer for awhile before giving it to them. Of course, no baby should be left unattended when eating or chewing on something because any food item can break off or go down the wrong pipe and become a choking hazard.

A more recent invention is attaching a teething ring to a bib so that your little one can find it when the need to teeth is intense and let it go without concern. This is a great thing to have especially when you’re driving or strolling and other teethers will be tossed and lost before the first mile.

When It’s Really Bad…

If these simple methods don’t give your baby sufficient relief from their discomfort, most doctors recommend giving a small dose of childrens pain reliever such as infants’ acetaminophen or motrin — but check with your doctor before giving your baby any medication. Never give your baby aspirin or rub it on their gums to ease their pain. Aspirin use in children is associated with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. There are homeopathic medicines for teething and herbal formulas that help to calm a distressed baby, but make sure you get  all the information from a trusted professional before trying even a seemingly safe alternative medicine.

Rubbing the gums with a topical pain relief gel also can be helpful and many choices are available over the counter, but again, discuss this option with your pediatrician. One of the risks is that the medicine could be swallowed and numb the throat, increasing a choking risk. When I was a baby, my mother swore that dipping her finger in brandy and rubbing the area of the gum where the offending tooth was pressing – gave immediate relief. However, I’ve been told that any amount of alcohol can be poisonous to a baby so I never tried it – but it seems many generations of people have used this method and survived to tell the story. I tried using clove oil on my babies, which is renowned for it’s anesthetic properties, but it created a disturbing numbness to the tongue and temporarily caused my children even more distress – though the gum pain was indeed lessened.

In Conclusion

Teething can be a terrible trial to a new parent and it’s important to remain calm and objective, as well as caring, while your child passes through this developmental crisis. Your cranky, upset babe can be soothed and getting through a difficult time together will deepen your bond. Just remember, this too shall pass and the smiles that come afterward will be all the more glorious.

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What teething symptoms will my baby experience?

While every parent’s experience is unique, teething is a rite of passage that can make both you and baby miserable and bring with it a multitude of challenges. One thing to remember is that these symptoms are usually intermittent and most acute  just as the tooth breaks through the skin. Your baby may seem to be unusually cranky or develop mild cold symptoms, when in fact, they are getting ready to push out a tooth. The most common symptoms or behaviors that may afflict your child periodically while teething include:

• Drooling (which can cause a facial rash)
• Gum swelling, painful inflammation and sensitivity
• Irritability and crankiness
• Biting & Chewing behavior (anything in reach goes into the mouth)
• Change in eating habits
• Sleep problems
• Mildly elevated temperature & congestion

With regard to change in eating habits for a baby that is already eating solids, they may want to return to nursing or bottle-feeding because the spoon irritates their inflamed gums. Other babies may do the opposite, eating more than usual because the counter pressure feels good. Babies that are still nursing may begin feeding eagerly but pull back because the activity of sucking puts uncomfortable pressure on the gums and ear canals. My own daughter would pause in mid nursing and then suddenly decide to chew instead – a painful experience that shortened the period that I was able to nurse her. Many parents report other symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, refusing favorite foods, cold symptoms or even fever just before a new tooth makes it’s appearance. It is even possible that diarrhea and a mild diaper rash might result from the excessive acidic saliva that ends up in the gut and may loosens the stools.

The one thing that all experts agree on is that if your baby’s symptoms are extreme and are affecting their health or if they have a rectal temperature of 101 degrees F or higher (100.4 degrees F or higher for babies younger than 3 months) you should contact your pediatrician.

Is it Teething or an Ear Infection?

Ear infections can cause fever, irritability, and many of the symptoms associated with teething. One additional symptom is the baby pulling on or grasping at the affected ear, but this can also be a symptom of teething distress if the ear canal has extra pressure on it from  inside the tiny  jaw. However, if an ear infection is suspected, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention, as long term damage can occur when an ear infection is left untreated. Ear or sinus infections can be caused by new teeth creating pressure on the ear canal and sinus cavities. When the ear canal or sinus cavities accumulate fluid that cannot adequately drain because of this extra pressure, bacterial growth can reach levels that may cause infection and fever.

Teething is a normal process and even though it is fraught with periods of intense discomfort, your baby can be comforted. It’s important to remember that all the symptoms of teething are temporary and your happy baby will return.

See my next article on “How to Ease Teething Pain”

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The vernix, or white waxy substance produced to protect the skin in utero should be left on and gently massaged in to provide some additional protection to environmental stresses. If a baby is post-mature, meaning, born after full term, the vernix may have already been absorbed. In this case, the skin may appear dry and patchy but it will actually shed off this patchiness within a few weeks and a more normal looking skin will appear beneath it.

All these factors translate into a very simple skincare regime for your newborn. Simply sponge bath with soft terrycloth and water – no soaps (except for the diaper area as needed), no lotions, no petroleum products, no baby powders. Keep them at a comfortable temperature, neither too hot or cool and avoid full immersion baths until after the umbilical cord stump has dried and fallen off.

I know how tempting it is to lavish all the products that have magically appeared in your life via baby showers and well meaning friends and relatives, but honestly, a newborn doesn’t need any of it. Once your baby is a couple months old, you can bath them with organic non-drying, non-chemical shampoo and wash such as Organic Baby Shampoo & Wash.

This is one case where it is critical to read labels because it is possible to have a baby wash labeled ‘all natural’ that contains harsh chemicals such as sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate. This chemical, so commonly used in personal care products, can cause damage to the immune system and is a skin irritant with serious drying effect. Most frighteningly, it penetrates to systemic tissues such as the heart, liver and brain and is commonly contaminated with dioxane, a dangerous carcinogen. It can also cause permanent eye damage – even without getting in the eyes. How this toxic chemical can be used as the primary cleaning agent in baby products that call themselves safe is a complete mystery to me. You would do well to throw away any products in your home that includes it or any of it’s chemical variants.

Another temptation to avoid is to lather your baby up with lotions and creams. Babies do not typically need lotions unless their skin is actually dry and then it should be applied modestly only to those areas. Whole body coverage with creams can block the skin’s function of exchanging gases and releasing other bodily wastes. Plus, most commercial baby lotions have petroleum in them which reduces the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, interferes with the body’s natural moisturizing system, passes through liver & sequesters fat soluble vitamins and increases photosensitivity – promoting sun damage. Petroleum comes in many forms and any derivative of it is equally objectionable for baby’s skin.

If your baby’s skin does seems dry or chaffed, a small amount of an organic vegetable oil can be lightly massaged into that area. When your baby is a few months old, Organic Baby Lotion can be safely used after bathing. Organic is vitally important because of the pesticide and herbicide residue in any non-organic oils. Because a baby’s skin is so porous and thin, and their organs are not fully developed to process toxins, these pesticides are far more dangerous at this time and can have a major impact on their health. Commercial lotions or lotions simply labeled as ‘natural’ are likely to have chemicals in them that are toxic and should be avoided.

Talcum powders should never be used under any circumstances because talc is a known carcinogen. But corn starch based products (most certainly made with genetically modified corn) should also be avoided because the tiny particles of these powders can block baby’s airways and cause respiratory distress. Instead, try air bathing your baby to reduce the bacteria build up in the diaper area that can lead to diaper rash. But remember, baby’s have a hard time regulating their body temperature, so it’s important to monitor their temperature and minimize exposure to sudden temperature changes.

While your baby doesn’t need a lot of products for their first months, what they do need is lots of nurturing touch and massage. Massage and gentle stoking actually helps your baby’s nervous system and brain to develop. Sensory stimulation in the form of loving touch and your attention has been shown to have a significant effect in development of intelligence as well as immunity and overall well being. Babies that are touched and kept close to their parent’s body, develop much needed resistance to stress and seem to be happier and more well adjusted as adults.

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When her doctor examined her and explained that her symptoms were colic, we were overjoyed that there was a cause and presumably a cure for this condition. But his response was that she would outgrow it before too long and recommended that I stop eating broccoli, cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables, as they might be contributing to her gas.

Colic we learned, was perfectly normal for a baby whose digestive system is still not completely developed. But it was hard not to call that doctor every day, because even after eliminating those vegetables, the symptoms didn’t improve and she was clearly one miserable baby. If you suspect your baby is suffering from colic, ask yourself the following questions:

* do they cry vigorously for long periods, despite efforts to console?

* do symptoms occur around the same time, often after meal times, and usually ending as abruptly as they began?

* do they shows signs of gas discomfort, abdominal bloating or a rigid belly?

* do they have a hard, distended stomach, often with knees pulled to the chest, clenched fists, flailing arms and legs, and an arched back?

* do they experience frequent sleeplessness, irritability and fussiness?

Infantile colic is fairly common in the first few weeks to four months of an infant’s life and rarely persists past six months of age – which is when our baby finally stopped having these terrible tummy spasms. There is lot of evidence that suggests that colic is caused by digestive immaturity. Their digestive tract hasn’t yet developed the benevolent bacterial flora that help break down food. Plus, a mother’s diet may be producing gas via their breast milk and so cruciferous or gas causing vegetables are out for those first months. Unfortunately, babies often swallow air while feeding or during strenuous crying, which increases gas and bloating, further adding to their discomfort.

How to Relieve Baby Colic Naturally

Infantile colic can leave you feeling frantic, frustrated, worried, exhausted, guilty and inadequate. When your baby is suffering, you will try whatever is recommended to help ease their distress. There are several treatments available for baby colic but you should consult with your pediatrician first before giving baby any medications, remedies or supplements.

I found several things that helped ease my babies distress. They were:

* Sipping a weak tea from fennel seeds and chamomile with a drop of honey

* A warm compress to the belly or sitting with her in a warm bathtub.

* Massaging her tummy very lightly with a few drops olive oil in a clockwise direction.

* Swaddling her firmly and providing light pressure on the tummy.

* Colic Calm Gripe Water.

Colic Calm Gripe Water is a homeopathic remedy made from a variety of European herbs that are specially prepared to release their greatest beneficial effects with no adverse side effects. Homeopathy has been used for over 200 years to safely treat a variety of nervous and digestive disorders including colic.  Homeopathic Colic Calm boasts over a 90% success rate in treating baby colic and works within minutes, so it is only given on an “as needed” basis. Colic Calm also helps bloating, pressure, stomach cramps, hiccups, teething and even acid reflux.

There are other gripe waters on the market that are sold as “dietary supplements”. But, be careful! These are not regulated by the FDA and fall under loose dietary supplement guidelines. Often, the main ingredients of these products include:

* Sodium Bicarbonate (a.k.a. Baking Soda). Sodium bicarbonate is an alkali (antacid) which alters the naturally occurring pH of baby’s stomach acid. It may counteract some discomfort caused by acid reflux in cases of acidic stomach.  However, changing the delicate pH balance in baby’s system can cause over-alkalinity and exacerbate a colicky condition. Furthermore, sodium bicarbonate is absorbed into the bloodstream and thus can have unwanted side effects. Studies have shown that sodium bicarbonate can deplete and interfere with absorption of Folic Acid and Iron, and is not recommended by most pediatricians.

* Essential Oils and extracts (dill oil, clove oil, fennel extract, ginger extract, etc) are used by most other gripe water brands. There are known safety issues with herbal oils and extracts. Many experts believe they are not to be taken internally by adults, much less infants. I would not recommend these types of products.

In Conclusion

As your baby’s body develops, their colic will subside. In the mean time, they rely upon you to provide comfort, support and relief from a very real pain. During the first three months of life, babies are not well-equipped to calm themselves. Self-calming is a skill that develops slowly over time and at different rates for each child. I hope the methods that I found to help will help you as well. As always, consult with your pediatrician about any alternative treatments you wish to use. Please feel free to comment and share what has helped your baby and you, cope with colic! Thank you for reading my article.

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It’s also a good idea to supplement your understanding of childhood illnesses with books like the Merck Manual or research on the internet. In a pinch, your insurance provider may have a Help line where you can to speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Being prepared with some basic information about fevers will help alleviate some of the fear that is natural for a parent to feel when their child is sick. As a former nurse and mother of four, I’d like to offer some basic guidelines to help you get your bearings when confronted by a feverish babe.

General guidelines are:

•  If your baby is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher, call your doctor immediately or proceed to an emergency room if you are unable to reach your doctor. A baby this young needs to be checked for serious infection or disease.

•  For a baby between 3 and 6 months old, call your doctor if their temperature reaches 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) or higher.

•  If your baby is 6 months or older, call if their fever reaches 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C) or higher.

When you call, the doctor or medical practitioner will ask you about other symptoms. Besides their temperature, the most important thing is how your baby looks and acts. Make sure to mention any changes in their behavior and appearance, such as a rash, a cough, difficulty breathing, signs of ear pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Loss of appetite, low energy, being noticeably pale or flushed, or extreme irritability can all be signs that they need be seen by a physician. With all this information, the doctor will be able to tell you how to care for your baby and whether or not you need to come into the office.

Often, a fever that doesn’t stop your child from playing and feeding normally may not be cause for alarm – especially if there are no other abnormal symptoms. Keep in mind that everyone’s temperature rises in the late afternoon and early evening and falls between midnight and early morning. This natural cycle of our internal thermostat explains why most emergency room visits for fever occur in early evening.

Should I give them fever reducing medicine?

If your baby is under 3 months old, your doctor will probably ask you to bring them in to be examined. She may tell you not to give your baby any fever-reducing medicine until she has taken an accurate temperature reading.

If your baby is 3 months or older and has no other symptoms that suggest a serious illness, your doctor may advise giving them children’s acetaminophen (or ibuprofen, if your baby is at least 6 months old) to bring down the fever.

You should never give a baby under 4 months old acetaminophen, or any drug, without your doctor’s okay because the side effects could be dangerous. Never give your baby aspirin. Aspirin can make a child more susceptible to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disorder.

Unless your baby is less than 3 months old, your doctor will probably tell you that if your baby is reasonably alert, taking fluids, and has a temperature that you’ve been able to keep below 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C) with the recommended dosage of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, you can wait 24 hours before bringing them in. Because fever is often the first symptom of an illness, a doctor may not find anything significant if your baby is examined too early. In 24 hours, the crisis may have passed or other symptoms may be present that will help your doctor to diagnose your baby.

Be very careful when administering medicine to your baby. Their weight must be known to determine the right dose. Always use the measuring device that comes with the medicine or an oral syringe to give your baby exactly the right amount. Never give any fever-reducing medicine more often than is recommended.

No matter how old your baby is, if they have symptoms that suggest a serious illness or infection, the doctor will instruct you to bring them in to be evaluated, either to her office (if you call during working hours) or to an emergency room.

Why is it important to try and bring a fever down?

Fever is a symptom that can be associated with a wide range of diseases and conditions. Studies have shown that fever helps the body to fight infection by creating an internal environment that is inhospitable to bacteria and viruses, which thrive around 98.6 degrees F, or 37 degrees C.  A fever also triggers the body to make more white blood cells and antibodies to fight infection. A fever indicates the body’s immune system is hard at work.

On the other hand, if your baby’s temperature is too high, they will be too uncomfortable to eat, drink, or sleep, and that will make it harder for them to get better. If your little one’s fever isn’t affecting their behavior, you don’t need to give them anything to lower it. Offer your babe plenty of breast milk or formula and water to prevent dehydration, and don’t overdress or bundle them up when they’re sleeping.

Are there other ways to bring my baby’s fever down?

You can try to lower your baby’s fever by sponging them down with lukewarm (not cold) water or giving him a lukewarm bath. I have soaked my children’s cotton socks in cool lemon water and then, after wringing them out by hand, put them on their feet. While this is a folk remedy, it seemed to pull the fever away from their head and their socks dried out quite quickly. Lemon seems to have a drawing effect and I’ve used it to soak  a washcloth to place on their foreheads as well.

Never try to reduce a fever by sponging down your baby with rubbing alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol will be absorbed into your baby’s bloodstream through the skin and can be toxic. It can also cool them down too quickly, which can actually raise their temperature.

Why does my baby’s fever keep coming back?

Fever-reducing medicines bring down body temperature temporarily but they don’t affect the bug that’s producing the infection. Your baby may run a fever until they have fought off the infection and won. This is one of the ways that their immune system is strengthened. This process can take at least two or three days. Some infections, such as influenza (the flu), can last five to seven days. If your baby has been given antibiotics to fight a bacterial infection, it may take 48 hours until you see a significant drop in temperature.

My baby has a fever and no other symptoms. What’s wrong?

There are many viral infections that can cause a fever without any other symptoms. Some, such as roseola, cause three days of very high fever followed by a light pink rash on the trunk. Babies very often get a fever associated with teething pain or after receiving a vaccination. More serious infections, such as meningitis, urinary tract infections, or bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream), may also trigger a high fever without any other specific symptoms. If your baby has a high fever and no other symptoms – call your doctor.

Get in touch with your physician immediately if:

There are convulsions or if he or she is confused and disoriented.

They have pain that is acute and persistent.

They have diarrhea and vomiting.

Any time the child complains of hurting when urinating.

They have any unexplained rash.

The child complains of ear pain.

They have labored and rapid breathing.

They have sudden personality change, such as an active baby becoming dull and listless.

They have headache, with complaints of their neck hurting.

Finally, when you do see your doctor, it’s a good idea to have a written record of the child’s symptoms and temperature readings at various times of the day. If the symptoms have changed over a period of time, have them written down as you may forget to mention something that could be important. Also, write down the last medication given and the name and dosage of the drug given.

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