FREAK OUT or NOT some of MY Truths about FEVERS!
Just in the past 48 hours, I have gotten text and emails by 3 different people about this one topic... FEVERS! What to do? What NOT to do?
So here's MY Nitty Gritty Truth about Fevers!
It seems that this question is coming at a perfect time, as my babies Juliana and Parker are both struggling with fevers themselves. Here is my take on fevers. Have you ever heard the expression, "Fevers are our FRIENDS?" yeah, they are.... until they AREN'T!
In my opinion, Fevers are very important. They tell us that our bodies are under attack and that we are trying to fend off, some sort of funk! Here's what I find that most parents do when their child has a fever.... FREAK OUT! Let me ask you a question, REALLY???? Do you really think now is the time to have a Freak Out session???? I am going to go with NO! It's NOT!
Having four children, Violet (5 years old), Preston (4 years old) & The Twins, Juliana & Parker (10 months young).... I have seen many fevers in my day. Here are some examples on how I would handle them...
Violet (first born) - 100.1 fever - call the doctor immediately! I mean she has a fever! It's over 100... SOMETHING MUST BE WRONG! Yea, something is wrong, with ME! First time Mommy mistake. Freak out over nothing. Here's the deal if you call the doc and go in within like 10 minutes of the first sign of a fever, it's probably going to be to soon for them to see what is really going on. They will most likely tell you, it's a virus and watch your child, followed with... if their symptoms get worse, then give us a call and we will have them rechecked.
I learned a valuable lesson with Violet and Preston, there is no need to rush to the doctor at the FIRST sign of a FEVER. OH NOW I GET IT! If a child is fighting something, the fever shows up FIRST and within 24-48 hours the other symptoms usually follow! Geez, wish that when I was taking Violet to the doctor at the first sign of a fever that my AMAZING pediatrician, would have just come out and say it...."Mrs. Weiser, right now you're waisting your time and money, call us in 24-48 hours and then we can really tell you what's going on."
Anyway, so if you take anything from this FEVER thing. Watch the kiddo for the first 24-48 hours and I would say right at the 24 hour mark but DEFIENTLY within the 48 hour mark of the fever symptoms, call the doctor and bring them in (if the fever has not broke and they are not feeling better.) This way if they are fighting an ear infection (which Violet seemed to do all the time). It will now show up and your visit won't be wasted.
I had a friend text me and she asked me what to do when her baby had a fever of 100.5. This is MY suggestion, DO NOTHING. Let this fever run it's course, it is acting as your bodies NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC! There is NO reason to try to break this LOW fever. Please do NOT bust out the medicine yet, no reason to get that tubby going, no reason to put a wash cloth on her head and no reason to call the doctor (just yet!) and for goodness sakes, don't unclothe your child. Keep them covered, let them be comfy. When we have a fever, we like to be cuddled up in our bed, with a comfy blanket and try to sleep... Think of your child as the same.
Here are MY personal guidelines on how I treat my kiddies when they have a fever.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!!!! Let me repeat... Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!!!!
1. Stay CALM. Don't FREAK OUT, until you have a reason to FREAK OUT... and even then, stay calm, because your children need a calm Mommy and/or Daddy not a basket case!
2. Watch it - If the fever persists for more than 24 hours, call the Doctor, take the kiddo in for a little sick visit.
3. I let a fever UNDER 102, RUN ITS COURSE! (hopefully it will break on its own)
***Just so we are clear, I am not saying let a fever get to 102 and not comfort you little love muffin. Comfort them. They are going to feel like crap, their bodies are fighting a funk and God willing, the fever will fight it and win. But if that's not the case, then call your doctor and get your child to be seen. There is nothing more uncomfortable then your child having an ear infection that is causing the fever.
4. Anything above 102 - I give a recommend dose of medicine & a washcloth on the head. Also, if you would like give them a LUKE WARM bath (NOT COLD) that will cause the chills which could make them feel worse.
5. If the fever is 104 or ABOVE - I would give a recommended dose of Infant or Child's Advil and you can also give it coinciding aka. piggy back it, with Infant or Child's Tylenol. (Advil every 6 hours - Tylenol every 4 hours) then WATCH IT.
***I would say if it's during the day call the doctor immediately. If its at night, watch it. If the fever is a CONTROLLED fever which means that it's going down and being able to be controlled with the medicine, then In my opinion its not something that you need to rush to the ER for. But IF it DOESN'T Budge, get your BUTT WITH YOUR CHILD TO THE ER. Again, Fevers are our Friends.... UNTIL THEY AREN'T! Either way, call your Doctor in the AM.
This week our baby, Juliana (my 10month old) had a 104.5. I immediately gave her the recommended dose of Advil and piggy backed it with the recommended dose of Tylenol, busted out a wet wash cloth and threw it on her head, and then it was cuddle time. I knew that my little Jelly Bean was not feeling well, I stood up and rocked her until she fell asleep. Her fever then broke. I called the doc first thing in the AM. Brought her in and her virus (that was diagnosed the day before) had turned into a bacterial funk, which called for antibiotics.
When I was a first/second time Mommy, I was a little fearful every time my little loves got a fevers. It wasn't until they got a little older that I got more comfortable with the whole "Fever thing." I just felt like I never knew what to expect. Now, I feel like I really understand how beneficial a fever can be for our bodies. Low Grade Fever, Don't Freak! Mild or High CONTROLLED fevers are coming on for a reason, find out that reason! They are just simply telling you that something is wrong. HIGH FEVER that CANNOT be CONTROLLED, been seen IMMEDIATELY!!!!
*****BABIES UNDER 1 YEAR OLD**** I would be a little more on the cautious side. A fever with them can progress into a hospital visit. Here are some things that I would look for in a baby that would cause for an immediate doctor call or a trip to the ER.
1. Lethargic - refuses fluids
2. inconsolable/ pain - 2-3 hours
3. Repeated Vomiting
4. Chesty Cough
5. Fever OVER 105
I hope this is HELPFUL!
That's MY Nitty Gritty Truth,
Anne
So here's MY Nitty Gritty Truth about Fevers!
It seems that this question is coming at a perfect time, as my babies Juliana and Parker are both struggling with fevers themselves. Here is my take on fevers. Have you ever heard the expression, "Fevers are our FRIENDS?" yeah, they are.... until they AREN'T!
In my opinion, Fevers are very important. They tell us that our bodies are under attack and that we are trying to fend off, some sort of funk! Here's what I find that most parents do when their child has a fever.... FREAK OUT! Let me ask you a question, REALLY???? Do you really think now is the time to have a Freak Out session???? I am going to go with NO! It's NOT!
Having four children, Violet (5 years old), Preston (4 years old) & The Twins, Juliana & Parker (10 months young).... I have seen many fevers in my day. Here are some examples on how I would handle them...
VilyCakes not feeling so hot :(
I learned a valuable lesson with Violet and Preston, there is no need to rush to the doctor at the FIRST sign of a FEVER. OH NOW I GET IT! If a child is fighting something, the fever shows up FIRST and within 24-48 hours the other symptoms usually follow! Geez, wish that when I was taking Violet to the doctor at the first sign of a fever that my AMAZING pediatrician, would have just come out and say it...."Mrs. Weiser, right now you're waisting your time and money, call us in 24-48 hours and then we can really tell you what's going on."
Preston and Parker
Anyway, so if you take anything from this FEVER thing. Watch the kiddo for the first 24-48 hours and I would say right at the 24 hour mark but DEFIENTLY within the 48 hour mark of the fever symptoms, call the doctor and bring them in (if the fever has not broke and they are not feeling better.) This way if they are fighting an ear infection (which Violet seemed to do all the time). It will now show up and your visit won't be wasted.
I had a friend text me and she asked me what to do when her baby had a fever of 100.5. This is MY suggestion, DO NOTHING. Let this fever run it's course, it is acting as your bodies NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC! There is NO reason to try to break this LOW fever. Please do NOT bust out the medicine yet, no reason to get that tubby going, no reason to put a wash cloth on her head and no reason to call the doctor (just yet!) and for goodness sakes, don't unclothe your child. Keep them covered, let them be comfy. When we have a fever, we like to be cuddled up in our bed, with a comfy blanket and try to sleep... Think of your child as the same.
Here are MY personal guidelines on how I treat my kiddies when they have a fever.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!!!! Let me repeat... Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!!!!
1. Stay CALM. Don't FREAK OUT, until you have a reason to FREAK OUT... and even then, stay calm, because your children need a calm Mommy and/or Daddy not a basket case!
2. Watch it - If the fever persists for more than 24 hours, call the Doctor, take the kiddo in for a little sick visit.
3. I let a fever UNDER 102, RUN ITS COURSE! (hopefully it will break on its own)
***Just so we are clear, I am not saying let a fever get to 102 and not comfort you little love muffin. Comfort them. They are going to feel like crap, their bodies are fighting a funk and God willing, the fever will fight it and win. But if that's not the case, then call your doctor and get your child to be seen. There is nothing more uncomfortable then your child having an ear infection that is causing the fever.
4. Anything above 102 - I give a recommend dose of medicine & a washcloth on the head. Also, if you would like give them a LUKE WARM bath (NOT COLD) that will cause the chills which could make them feel worse.
5. If the fever is 104 or ABOVE - I would give a recommended dose of Infant or Child's Advil and you can also give it coinciding aka. piggy back it, with Infant or Child's Tylenol. (Advil every 6 hours - Tylenol every 4 hours) then WATCH IT.
***I would say if it's during the day call the doctor immediately. If its at night, watch it. If the fever is a CONTROLLED fever which means that it's going down and being able to be controlled with the medicine, then In my opinion its not something that you need to rush to the ER for. But IF it DOESN'T Budge, get your BUTT WITH YOUR CHILD TO THE ER. Again, Fevers are our Friends.... UNTIL THEY AREN'T! Either way, call your Doctor in the AM.
Parker & Juliana
This week our baby, Juliana (my 10month old) had a 104.5. I immediately gave her the recommended dose of Advil and piggy backed it with the recommended dose of Tylenol, busted out a wet wash cloth and threw it on her head, and then it was cuddle time. I knew that my little Jelly Bean was not feeling well, I stood up and rocked her until she fell asleep. Her fever then broke. I called the doc first thing in the AM. Brought her in and her virus (that was diagnosed the day before) had turned into a bacterial funk, which called for antibiotics.
When I was a first/second time Mommy, I was a little fearful every time my little loves got a fevers. It wasn't until they got a little older that I got more comfortable with the whole "Fever thing." I just felt like I never knew what to expect. Now, I feel like I really understand how beneficial a fever can be for our bodies. Low Grade Fever, Don't Freak! Mild or High CONTROLLED fevers are coming on for a reason, find out that reason! They are just simply telling you that something is wrong. HIGH FEVER that CANNOT be CONTROLLED, been seen IMMEDIATELY!!!!
*****BABIES UNDER 1 YEAR OLD**** I would be a little more on the cautious side. A fever with them can progress into a hospital visit. Here are some things that I would look for in a baby that would cause for an immediate doctor call or a trip to the ER.
1. Lethargic - refuses fluids
2. inconsolable/ pain - 2-3 hours
3. Repeated Vomiting
4. Chesty Cough
5. Fever OVER 105
I hope this is HELPFUL!
That's MY Nitty Gritty Truth,
Anne
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