Baby too Hot – A Common Cause of Fever in Infants

Whether you’re a new mom or an experienced mom fever in infants can be very worrying, especially if the child is too young to tell you how they are feeling.

All fever in infants should be taken seriously, a rise of 1degree above the normal body temperature of 98.6 F is considered to be significant enough to consider taking precautions.

Check that the infant isn’t simply reacting to the room being too warm. Infants particularly babies can have trouble controlling their body temperature as their body temperature system may not be fully developed. Over dressing, over wrapping, or the room temperature being too warm is the most common reason for an infant to overheat.

This is very simple to rectify simply removing or loosening the babies clothing or blankets should be enough to bring the temperature down. If need be reduce the room temperature or open a window. Give the infant a cool (not cold) drink, this should help to bring down the temperature and make the child feel more comfortable. Fever in infants regardless of the course can dehydrate the child very quickly, it is therefore very important that an infant with a fever be given plenty of fluids.

Take the infants’ temperature again after a few minutes; if it has returned to normal and the infant is now happy, then things should be okay.

It is important to remember that fever in infants is common, and sometimes there is a very simple solution, it doesn’t always mean the infant is ill.

A baby or infant waking in the night in a distressed state again could be overheated. Check that the child isn’t too hot and that the room is at a comfortable temperature for the child. Little ones aren’t able to remove excess clothing or blankets; they may not even be able to comprehend why they are feeling unwell. All they know is they don’t like it, but mommy will fix it.

If an infant suddenly becomes unhappy, restless and crying in the car, again it could be that the infant is too hot. Infants and particularly babies can develop a fever just by being too hot.

Fever in infants is common, but there are things you can do to help prevent the child from becoming distressed. Even in winter a child can become over heated, trying to get the balance right between too hot and too cold can be a tricky one, sometimes we are too protective of the child, wrapping them up safe and warm is a natural instinct, but we need to remember that today we have insulated homes, heating systems and plenty of good quality clothing all designed to keep us warm.

If you do have concerns always consult the infants’ doctor. If the infant has a very high temperature or has been overheated for a period of time, take the child to the nearest ER for expert advice.

Never leave a baby or infant in an unattended car, especially in summer. A young child can die if their body over heats too much.