Babies are very precious and tender. They begin to learn how to live in 'our world' from the minute they smell the air. They are fragile and are slowly building up their own immune system. 

Elevated temperature signifies the onset of a process that is not natural. It is a sign that the body is beginning to fight against a 'foreign visitor'. There could be known and unknown causes of elevated temperature. In most cases, the unknown source is common. It leaves parents to wonder why their child would develop fever/elevated temperature suddenly.

When should you be worried? Parents should get worried when the temperature rises above 39°C. You can easily know this by using a thermometer. Temperatures can be checked in the mouth, armpit or in the anus. In infants, temperature is best checked in the anus or armpit.  Be sure to ask your child's Pediatrician to show you how to properly check temperature.

When your child's temperature rises above 39°C, you should take him or her to the clinic right away to be seen. Do not self medicate with pain relievers or fever reducers. Your child's doctor may need to do some blood tests and other comprehensive physical examination. Temperatures less than 39°C can be managed at home by simply feeding your baby (breast milk /formula), putting on light clothing and do cold massage (wash cloth dipped in room temperature water). You can also administer acetaminophen as guided by your doctor. You should monitor the temperature and be sure it is improving. If not, proceed to your child's pediatrician's clinic. Do not force-feed your child or bathe with excessively cold water, do not give medications or herbs without talking to your Pediatrician. All children's medications are dosed by their weight. Hence, if you must give your child any form of fever reducer, be sure to ask your Pediatrician to teach you how to calculate the dosage required.

Lastly, every mom should invest in a thermometer. it should be one of the first things you buy while preparing for the baby's arrival. You will need it not only when they are babies, but as they grow too. Check out our accessory section soon for varieties of baby needs coming.