Chitika

Chitika

fredag 15 januari 2010

How To Deal With Your Sick Newborn

By Edie Mindell

Dealing with a sick baby is often the most scary and stressful moment a parent can ever faced. If you could only take away the pain that your baby is experiencing, you will in no doubt do it; but we all know that a baby getting sick is unavoidable, and the least that we can do is to do everything within our capabilities to help make our babies feel better.

If your baby develops a fever, is not interested in feeding,is vomiting, has watery diarrhea, and develops a skin rash, the best thing to do is to contact your pediatrician. It is strongly advisable that you should be alert at all times for these symptoms because your baby is still not capable of speaking and muttering of what he is feeling; you should observe your baby at all times for any physical and behavioral changes. You should always be prepared in case of an emergency.

How to know if it's a fever already?

A temperature of 37.5 degrees celcius is considered a slight fever, but body temperature typically varies during the day. It is usually lowest in the morning, and highest in the afternoon. Normal temperature also differ from one person to another. Babies usually have a higher normal temperature than adults.

Observe your baby's temperature daily. If he has persistent high temperature, or if his temperature is erratic (rising and dropping for 3 consecutive days), you should consult your pediatrician because your baby has a fever.

How to safely treat a fever?

After consulting your pediatrician, there are some steps you can do to hep bring the fever down:

Medication: Follow promptly your pediatrician's advice concerning fever medications. Do not alter or change it for it would result to prolonged infection.

Fluids: Make sure your baby gets enough water and fluids (milk) everyday. This will help prevent dehydration and cool the body.

Warm him up: Most of the times, babies with fever also get the chills. Use a baby blanket for warmth and hold your baby for extra warmth and comfort. Remember not to put your baby in the crib with a blanket, for it could lead to suffocation.

Cool off: Keep your baby at rest in loose, light cotton clothing, and give him a lukewarm sponge bath to help lower his body temperature.

It is always important to monitor your baby closely. Never disregard even a slight change in your baby. Whenever in doubt, it is always best to call your pediatrician immediately.

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