It is hard to know exactly what to do when your little one is sick. All you know is that they have a high temperature, look miserable and it is your job to help them. Responsibility much?
 
That's why we wanted to come up with the #FeverFighter checklist that you can follow the minute you realise your child has a fever. Interestingly, a study by Nurofen for Children has found that 27% of first-time mums lack understanding about what they should do when their baby is sick. They questioned 400 mums between the ages of 18 and 49 years in Ireland and discovered that nearly HALF of them didn't know the temperature a fever begins. Becoming a parent for the first time is a huge learning curve, but hopefully, these tips should give you most of the information you need to take control when your child is unwell. These little ones really do keep you guessing....for about the next 18 years or so!
 
1. Know your numbers: Your baby’s normal temperature range is between 36°C – 36.8°C. A fever is seen as a temperature of over 38°C on more than one consecutive reading.
 
2. Know how to dress them if their temperature is too high: Children with high temperatures should not be under dressed or over wrapped. Do not use a cool cloth or sponge to get their temperature down.
 
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3. Give them some medicine when they need it to help bring their temperature down. Ibuprofen can be given to babies over 3 months and weighing over 5kg and can be given every 6-8 hours up to 3 times a day. Paracetamol can be used from 2 months and can be given every 4-6 hours up to 4 times a day. Parents should always read the label of any medicine before giving it to their children.
 
4. Give them drinks. It is important to keep your baby really well hydrated with fluids. If they have been vomiting you need to rehydrate slowly. Sometimes ice pops can be helpful too as well as ice cream!
 
5. Keep them cool when they do fall asleep. Use a baby sleep bag and keep an eye they are not too hot overnight.
 
6. Make sure you have someone with you or at the end of the phone line for moral support. Being worried about a sick baby can be really upsetting. The survey by Nurofen for Children also found that almost a third of respondents (28%) go to their own mother for advice about a sick child, while 18% look for recommendations from either their GP or online sources and 12% seek the advice of a pharmacist.
 
7. Know when to seek medical advice. The #FeverFighter campaign worked closely with Dr Sinead Beirne, a family GP. She said parents shouldn't panic but should contact a doctor if they are worried:
 
"If your baby is under 3 months and has a definite temperature you should make arrangements to see a doctor. If baby is over 3 months and their temperature stays above 38.5°C despite treatment; or rises to 39°C-40°C and if a fever lasts longer than 2 days, you should make arrangements to see your doctor. Remember, most temperatures can be managed safely at home. However, your child should see a doctor if they have a spreading rash, headache, poor colour, limping, stiff neck or a reaction to bright light."
 
8. Know how long the medicine lasts. Nurofen for Children starts to work in 15 minutes to reduce fever and can last up to eight hours, helping baby and mum get relief during the day or night when baby is unwell. Paracetamol based medications can be used in infants 2 months and over.
 
9. Remember, this can pass in a few days.
 
10. Use this time for some extra snuggles all round!
 
Brought to you by
This article is kindly sponsored by Nurofen for Children.
Nurofen for Children Strawberry/Orange 100mg/5ml Oral Suspension. Contains ibuprofen. Suitable from 3 months and weighing over 5 kg. Nurofen for Children is indicated for the short-term symptomatic treatment of pain and fever.
If your child’s symptoms persist for more than 3 days, if pain or fever worsen or if new symptoms occur, consult your doctor/pharmacist straight away.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL.

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