Baby's first real fever and worried -- is this normal?

bobbydsgirl

Hi --

Jack had his first high fever yesterday evening (topped out at 103.4). I called the pedi and talked to the advice nurse then. She said if it goes down by tomorrow afternoon not to worry.

He still woke up this AM running a temp (about 101ish), but after a dose of tylenol and a nap, he was back down to 99. Now, he's back up to 101.5. Is it normal to fluctuate like that (depending on when the last dose of tylenol was)?

Also, we went out to meet Daddy for lunch since he was feeling better, where he acted fairly normal except for spitting out every bite we gave him of pears and raspberries. 

The thing that worries me the most is he completely refused to nurse when we got home (it was past his naptime, but he usually will still at least nurse himself to sleep). he never refuses to nurse, especially after almost a 4 hour interval.

Am I overreacting or would you be worried enough to call the pedi again even though the temp has come down a few degrees?

THANKS!!

erinb31

The only thing that seems alarming to me is that your little one refused to nurse.  My son had his first real fever last week-- it turns out he had roseola or another virus that presents the same way (fever/diarrhea/rash at the end).  My son's fever fluctuated depending on when he got acetaminophen, and he would not eat any solids other than oatmeal, even his favorite homemade pears.  He did nurse though, and I know the nurses and doctor kept telling me to make sure he stays hydrated and to offer pedialyte as a supplement to nursing to combat his diarrhea.

In other words, I would try nursing again soon, and if he won't, call the doctor.  I wouldn't freak out, but hydration is key in combating a virus/fever.

 

Edit: Just wanted to add that he took about 2 oz. pedialyte between a few feedings instead of me offering him any water for added hydration.  I didn't give him pedialyte instead of nursing.

JaiKriBaby

It can't hurt to call the pedi again or ask to have him seen.  Although a fever can be indicative of so many different things, my son had a suddenly high fever followed by lower temps (but still fevers) last month.  After that he broke out in red dots all over his body that didn't itch or bother him.  He also wasn't nursing and was refusing solids.  It turns out he had roseola, which is a relatively harmless and common virus (except of course for the one high fever).  One of the symptoms of roseola is a sudden high fever followed by lower temps.  Of course I'm not a doctor, but maybe that could be it - just speculating.

In any event, I would call for your peace of mind.  GL!  Hope your LO feels better soon.

bobbydsgirl

Thanks, ladies! And I will keep an eye out for a rash.

kle+spd

Definitely call!

My pedi always said "if she is eating, then she is fine".....