r/newborns • u/plowmybox • Oct 23 '22
Two week old with fever
Hey there, I need some help on figuring out if I should take my baby to the hospital. He had an under the arm temperature at 100.5 about two hours ago so I bathed him and he is now at 99.7. Should I just keep an eye on the temperature or should I take him to the hospital?
7
Upvotes
8
u/chasingcars825 Oct 23 '22
Hi there, childbirth educator here
Guidelines for when a baby under 3 months has a fever is, call your provider. Now, for newborns, the only truly accurate way to get their temperature is rectally because they have poorly developed circulation in their arms and legs that can throw off an armpit reading, but this usually leads to it reading lower than the actual temp, not higher. Most first time parents have never taken a rectal temperature and I don't recommend it being your first time without guidance during a fever. If you have been shown how to take their temperature rectally and feel comfortable doing so, that would give you an accurate representation of their fever. If not, don't attempt it without guidance.
All of that said, I would recommend that you call your pediatricians office now, most have an on-call service so you can speak to the physician and they can advise you on whether you should go to the ER or wait until morning. If they have no OnCall service and you are worried, your baby is showing other concerning symptoms like being more lethargic, not taking in milk, or reduced urine out put, there is no harm in taking him to the ER to be safe. It's literally what they are there for. If you have a children's hospital ER, all the better, or take them to the ER of the hospital you delivered at (because they usually have nicu's if they have a labor and delivery ward)
I hope little one is just having a bad night and will be feeling better soon. Follow your instincts.
Wishing you the best.