My 2 week old baby has a temp of 99.6 (rectal) and has been very fussy. He won't let me put him down. Is this normal or should I call the doctor?
2007-10-03 09:28:35 · 18 answers · asked by camdensmommy07 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Thats actually a normal temp! Rectal is always higher than the mouth by about 1 degree! Its probably just gas (newborns are ALWAYS fussy because of gas!) Its a brand new world and you are his only comfort!
I mean go ahead and call the doc, but your baby DOES NOT have a temp. Try some mylecon to settle the gas!
2007-10-03 09:44:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Rectal temperature is about a degree higher than a temperature taken orally, so 99.6 is not a fever. Babies go through fussy times. If he is nursing, having wet diapers, and sleeping OK than he may be having some excess gas. Try burping him a little more often during nursing. He may also need a little more sucking so try a pacifier. Also, try swaddling him, that worked wonders for my grandson. He slept much better and was happier when swaddled. I bought a swaddling blanket for him, but a receiving blanket works just as well since he is still little. By all means call your doctor if you have any concerns, that is what they are there for. However, it does not sound as if you son is behaving unusually for a newborn.
2007-10-03 09:50:09 · answer #2 · answered by sevenofus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Newborns actually have higher base temps than adults. 99.6 is normal for that age. A fever of over 100.4 is cause for concern. But if you are worried, call your doctor.
2007-10-03 11:43:07 · answer #3 · answered by brit1017 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
99.6 is classified as a low grade fever. First call doctor and advise him of the situation. He will probably instruct you to administer Infant Tylenol to bring down the fever. If the fever persists he will probably ask you to come in if the fever doesn't break or increases after 24hrs. PER TYLENOL'S WEBSITE: Contact doctor for children from 0-3 months.
2007-10-03 09:35:50 · answer #4 · answered by waterbug3689 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A rectal temperature of 99.6 is actually normal. because it would be 98.6 if taken by mouth.. Maybe he or she has colic. some babies just are fussy until they get older..As long as the baby is eating you should be fine..
2007-10-03 09:32:14 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
actually that temp is normal, a rectal temp will be a degree warmer. it may be gas, thats typical in that age, try laying him on his tummy and rub and pat his back to see if that helps. if he continues to be fussy and you cant comfort him i would call the doctor.
2007-10-03 09:49:03 · answer #6 · answered by krystal 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would call out a doctor. Most of them don't mind at all for very tiny babies. If you have a sling, put baby in that so that you can get about your normal business. But yes, just in case, call doctor.
2007-10-03 09:38:44 · answer #7 · answered by AUNTY EM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son got ear infections early on at that age...and the only way I ever knew was his temp and fussiness. It's worth taking him/her in if it lasts more than 48 hours. Sorry to hear and good luck!
2007-10-03 09:31:11 · answer #8 · answered by illinoismommy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If I remember it correctly the normal body temperature is 98.4 degrees. I feel sick when temperature is above 97.8 degrees.
I don't want to have you spend money unnecessarily. But you should know what his normal temperature is. If it's higher see the doctor. If it is not no need to see the doctor.
2007-10-03 09:36:08 · answer #9 · answered by glt025 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If he is only 2 weeks old u should take him to the Emergency room.. he might have an infection.. and @ this stage of age the best way to get treated is thru Emergency.. Wish u the best!
2007-10-03 09:31:40 · answer #10 · answered by Sweetness 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋