Last Updated on May 22, 2023
Should I Put Socks On Baby With Fever? No, you should not put socks on a baby with a fever. It will trap the heat and make the fever worse.
When your baby has a fever, it can be difficult to know what to do. Do you put socks on them? Do you give them medicine? How to dress baby with fever at night? How do you make sure they get better? In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to care for a fever baby. We will also provide tips on making them feel more comfortable. So, keep reading for more information!
Should I put socks on a baby with a fever?
The answer we have mentioned above is that you should not put socks on a baby with a fever. The reason is that socks might trap the heat and worsen the fever. It can be uncomfortable for the baby. They may not like the feeling of socks on their feet during a fever. On top of this, it can make it difficult to monitor the baby’s temperature.
However, many people don’t know this, but both babies and adults tend to experience chills when they have a fever, regardless of the temperature around them. That’s why you can dress your little one in lightweight clothing to help them keep warm.
“I recommend using light cotton layers for a feverish child instead of socks,” says Dr. Leah Alexander, a board-certified general pediatrician in New Jersey. “A light cotton onesie or pajamas with a lightweight blanket is usually all that is needed to keep a feverish child comfortable.”
If your baby has a fever, there are other things you can do to help them feel better. You can give them a lukewarm bath, use a cool compress on their forehead, and offer them lots of fluids. These things will help to lower their body temperature and make them feel more comfortable, Dr. Leah added.
How should I dress my infant when they have a fever?
Never bundle a child in blankets or extra clothes, even if they’re feeling cold. This will make it harder to lower their fever or potentially make it worsen. Instead, have them wear one layer of lightweight clothing and use a single lightweight blanket for sleep. The room should be comfortable too, not too hot nor too cool.
Dr. Leah also said, “I usually tell parents to use the ‘comfortable for you’ guideline. If you are comfortable in the room wearing a short-sleeved shirt, that is likely the temperature that is best for your feverish child.”
Also read: Why my baby cries so much?
Tips To Comfort Your Children When They Have A Fever
There are some things you can do to make your children more comfortable when they have a fever:
Fluids: Make sure they’re drinking lots of fluids, like water, clear broth, or Pedialyte. This will help prevent dehydration.
Lukewarm bath: A lukewarm bath can help lower their body temperature.
Cool compress: Use a cool, damp cloth on their forehead or neck. This will help them feel more comfortable.
Comfortable clothing: Dress them in lightweight and comfortable clothing. This will help regulate their body temperature.
Room temperature: Keep the room temperature comfortable for you. This is usually the best temperature for a feverish child.
Lightweight blanket: Use a single lightweight blanket for sleep. Do not use multiple blankets or heavier fabrics.
Medicine: You can give them acetaminophen (Children’s Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Children’s Motrin) to help lower their fever. Make sure you follow the dosage instructions on the package. Infants under 6 months of age should not take ibuprofen. Aspirin should not be given to children 18 or younger.
These are just a few tips to help you care for a feverish child. If you have any concerns, be sure to speak with your child’s doctor. They can provide you with more specific instructions based on your child’s individual needs.
At what temperature should you start to worry about a fever?
Fever is a symptom of an underlying illness, not a condition itself. So, it’s important to look at the big picture when your child has a fever. “If your child looks and feels sick and has other symptoms like a cough, diarrhea, or vomiting, then you should be concerned,” says Dr. Alexander.
If your child experiences any of the following, call their primary care physician:
- If your infant is under 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4℉ (38 °C) or higher, this is considered a medical emergency and you should call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room.
- For children 3 months and older, she recommends calling the doctor if the rectal temperature is above 102.2℉ (39 °C).
- If your child is older than 6 months and has a fever lasting more than 24 hours, you should also call your doctor.
Keep in mind that fevers can spike in the evening, so it’s often best to wait until morning to see if the fever has gone down before calling the doctor.
If you’re ever unsure about whether or not to seek medical attention, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and give your child’s doctor a call. They can help you determine if your child needs to be seen or if they can be treated at home.
When is it necessary to take your child to the ER for a fever?
Each child’s body can react differently to a fever, so there is no one set temperature that parents should worry about. However, there are other symptoms you should watch for in addition to the high fever. If your child has any of the following symptoms accompanied by a high fever, you should visit the ER:
- Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours
- Dry lips or sunken eyes
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Seizures
- Fever that lasts more than 3 days
- Unresponsiveness
- Dehydration with increased urination
Wrapping up
Thanks for reading! I hope you’ve got your answer to “Should I put socks on baby with fever?” and other related questions. To wrap things up, I just want to mention that choosing whether or not to put socks on your baby during a fever is a personal decision that should be based on comfort and professional medical advice.
If you’re ever unsure about what to do, it’s always best to call your child’s doctor for guidance.
Children’s Tylenol and ibuprofen can help lower a fever, but make sure you follow the dosage instructions carefully. If your child is experiencing any other symptoms along with their fever, be sure to call your doctor or take them to the ER if necessary. Thanks for reading once again!
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Dr. Leah Alexander is a board-certified general pediatrician and has been practicing pediatrics at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000. Since 2005, she has been working as an independently contracted pediatrician with Medical Doctors Associates at Pediatricare Associates of New Jersey. She also enjoys cooking outside of the medical profession. Read more