by Frank | Jul 13, 2011 | Dadhood, First Response
Recently our son had a long bout of soaring temperatures ranging from 39 – 41C (102-106 Fahrenheit). Normally the body runs at around 37C/98.6F, dangerously high is considered anything over 40C/104F – this is where febrile convulsions happen, organs fail, and worse.
So if your baby’s temperature is 39C/102F or above you should already be on the phone to the emergency services in your country. In the UK that’s 999 (or 112 from a mobile).
After four scary visits to A&E we found it was a urine infection with possible renal reflux (it was eventually diagnosed dual RR, I’ll write more on this) and a course of antibiotics was prescribed which we will now have to keep him on for 3-5 years.
We were taught how to manage his temperature for ourselves when it reaches these extremes. Here’s how:
- Take temperature, use a timpanic (in-ear) gauge for preference.
In-Ear Thermometer
- Remove outer clothing, leave on vest and underwear. This allows air to circulate across the body and cool it down while keeping the core organs stable so that shivering doesn’t start and raise the body temperature further. NOTE: I found cradling my boy on my lap with my arms either side a good way of keeping the extremities warm if they cooled too much. Also very calming for the little man.
- Dose with baby paracetemol. 2.5ml under six months/5ml after that.
- Wait for these actions to start lowering the temperature. If no response after 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours or the temperature continues to rise dose with ibuprofen (2.5ml up to 1 year, 5ml for 1-3 years).
From here on in your doctor needs to give you the correct dosing regimen. So if you’re reading this and have an overheating child you need to call emergency services, your doctor, or NHS Direct (0845 4647) NOW. This post may help you in a jam but it is no excuse for not calling. I’m not medically trained and the doctors will be able to tell you how to maintain appropriate treatment for your child and your child’s specific illness.
Still reading? Pick up the phone already.
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by Frank | Dec 8, 2010 | Dadhood
Suddenly your newborn has given up its one week of sleeping through the night. They are grouchy, won’t go down at lunchtimes, drool constantly, cry for no reason, but also have the rosiest of rosy red cheeks.
All these could be signs your newborn is teething.
The aches and pains can start months before the teeth start breaking through and finish just in time for them to leave home (by which point they’ll be medicating with alco-pops and recreational drugs anyway, so no worries).
If you’re stuck try these simple remedies:
Calpol: Paracetemol for babies. It’s safe to use up to two times a day before three months and four times a day after (you can use baby ibuprofen for up to 24 hours but GPs recommend paracetamol as it is less harmful to young kidneys). Reviews.
Ashton & Parsons powders: Give one powder an hour. A simple herbal camomile, non-toxic, can be used repeatedly, some swear by it. Reviews.
Calgel/Bonjela /Anbesol: Rub a little on a clean finger, a dummy/pacifier, teething ring and apply to troubled area. Avoid any that contain choline salicylate as this has been linked to Reyes Syndrome.
Cold Compress:
- Put a teething ring or dummy in the fridge or freezer and let them chew on it. The cold helps numb the pain.
- If you live in a wintry environment you could try taking them out in a carrier and letting them breathe in the cool air too.
- Another home remedy some father’s swear by is to place a flannel in pre-boiled water that’s cooled in the fridge. The coolness helps the pain and the liquid replaces the fluid from drooling so much.
Movement and distraction: sometimes your baby just won’t settle and you may need to walk them in a carrier, push them in a pram or stroller, or take them for a drive. Hanging out with other people, singing songs, playing games can all help to distract them too.
I find all of the above work to a greater or lesser degree and the pain – as well as the crying – should subside within an hour to a few hours, if not try ear defenders.
If they can take the edge off a pneumatic drill they might just work on your bundle of joy too.
Let me know what works for you.
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by Frank | Dec 2, 2010 | Dadhood
With the new addition to the family I’ll be adding some dadhood posts to complement this chapter. First out the bag are three essential purchases for a new family:
Number 1: Miracle Blanket – White – Swaddling Wrap – no poppers or Velcro that could scratch baby 
Make it easy for them to sleep in the first three months by controlling the moro reflex.
Number 2: The New Contented Little Baby Book: The Secret to Calm and Confident Parenting A baby has to be taught how to shake a rattle, feed and to use a potty. They also need to be taught how to sleep. None of this feed on demand gibberish. Gina is the business. Her sensible plan will help your feel calmer and in control and lets your baby get the sleep and food it needs.
Number 3: My Brest Friend. If you’re breast feeding (or your mrs is) and your other half is well endowed this will save her months of back breaking pain. This is just the first of many on this subject. Obviously I’m just waiting for normal life to resume…
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