{"id":21709,"date":"2025-03-03T09:59:07","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T07:59:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/?p=19135"},"modified":"2025-03-03T10:41:17","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T08:41:17","slug":"why-do-baby-fevers-tend-to-spike-at-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/joburg-west\/blog\/2025\/03\/03\/why-do-baby-fevers-tend-to-spike-at-night\/","title":{"rendered":"Why do baby fevers tend to spike at night?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Monthly safety guide brought to you by Panado<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

Fevers are no fun for anyone, and when your baby has one, it\u2019s enough to make any parent sweat!<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Somehow, fevers always seem to strike in the middle of the night, just as you\u2019re half-asleep, fumbling for the thermometer with one eye open and trying not to panic. Understanding why fevers spike at nighttime can help you stay calm and care for your baby with confidence3<\/sup><\/span>.<\/p>\n

The Winter link: Why babies catch more colds and fevers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Colds, flu, and other viruses circulate all year round, but they really hit their stride in winter. That\u2019s because we\u2019re all spending more time indoors.1a<\/sup><\/span> with fewer windows open and more cuddling on the couch, germs can spread easily and the cold, dry air may weaken resistance.1b<\/sup><\/span> Since babies\u2019 immune systems are still developing, they\u2019re more vulnerable to these seasonal challenges, with an average baby catching six to eight colds in their first year.2<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

The reason fevers often get worse at night<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve ever noticed your baby\u2019s fever climbing after dark, you\u2019re not imagining things. At night, stress hormones like cortisol decrease, and healing hormones like melatonin increase.3a<\/sup><\/span> The immune system becomes more active, releasing cells and signals to fight off invaders. This can raise body temperature, which is why fevers are more likely to happen – or worsen – while we\u2019re asleep.3b<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

How to take your baby\u2019s temperature<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s instinctive to touch your baby\u2019s forehead or neck when you think they might have a fever, but your hand is not the most accurate method. Your baby’s skin can feel warm or sweaty after being in a heated room or wearing too many layers of clothing, but this doesn\u2019t always mean they have a fever. The fastest and most accurate option for taking your child\u2019s temperature is a digital thermometer.4a<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

There are various thermometers on the market, but a rectal thermometer is the gold standard for accuracy and works well during a quick diaper change.5a<\/sup><\/span> Forehead or temporal thermometers are another reliable option. These devices measure the heat coming off the artery on your baby\u2019s forehead.5b<\/sup><\/span> Follow the instructions on your specific thermometer and check the display for the results.<\/p>\n

Top tip:<\/strong> Try to avoid taking your child\u2019s temperature right after a bath or if they\u2019ve been bundled up in blankets or layers (or swaddled, for infants). It can throw off the reading.4b<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

Signs of fever in babies and what causes them<\/strong><\/p>\n

Normal body temperature for newborn babies is around 37.5 \u00b0C and 36.4 \u00b0C for older children8<\/sup><\/span>. If your digital thermometer shows a reading of 38 \u00b0C or higher, it means your baby has a fever.5a<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

Fevers are often the result of a harmless viral infection.6a<\/sup><\/span> Sometimes, they can occur as a side effect of vaccinations, showing that the immune system is actively building antibodies to protect against the germs the vaccine is designed to target.6b<\/sup><\/span> In some cases, teething might also cause a slight increase in temperature.6c<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>When to call the doctor<\/strong><\/p>\n

While we know fevers are often part of your baby\u2019s natural response to fighting off bugs, there are times when professional advice is necessary. Call your paediatrician if:5b<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n