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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Concerned Mum!

158 replies

LouBlue1507 · 02/01/2017 19:58

Hi Ladies

Not strictly AIBU but I don't know what to do Sad

My DD is 5 months and not very well. She's very teary and hot. She has a temp of 38.4C which hasn't gone done after 2 doses of calpol!

What do I do? She's hasn't been sick and there's no obvious illness e.g. Rash, ear pulling etc.

She's in a sleeping bag in bed now with just a long sleeve vest on underneath, no blanket. Is that too much? Too little?

I'm at a loss and feel like crying Sad

OP posts:
MeetTheMartian · 02/01/2017 20:40

What I had been told by my GP was to use calpol and then ibuprofène as sometimes a fever doesn't go down with one but does with the other (I found it true by experience).
At the time he also to,d me to give them both at the same time (as long as too close to the previous dose) but I am pretty sure that advice has changed since then. Someone might be able to confirm this.

YoHoHoandabottleofTequila · 02/01/2017 20:41

Have you tried nurofen? She's old enough to have it. Strip her off and make sure she's drinking and having wet nappies.

downwardfacingdog · 02/01/2017 20:42

It's not an outrageously high temp. I wouldn't be overly worried tbh, but definitely get her checked out if YOU'RE worried. None of us can tell you the right thing to do (except don't bathe with tepid water, put in a cold bath as PP have said)

Ohdearducks · 02/01/2017 20:44

Please get proper medical advice OP call 111, you will get so many different opinions here what you really need is to speak to a nurse or doctor over the phone at least. It's really not safe to follow advice from here (though obviously well meant) Hope your baby feels better soon.Flowers

BakeOffBiscuits · 02/01/2017 20:45

This is from the NHS website.....

Get medical advice if.......
your baby is three to six months old and has a temperature of 39C (102F) or higher
you think your child may be dehydrated
your child develops a red rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it
your child has a fit (convulsion)
they are crying constantly and you can't console or distract them, or the cry doesn't sound like their normal cry
has a high-pitched or unusual sound when crying
the fever lasts for more than five days
your child's health is getting worse
you have any concerns about looking after your child at home

WyfOfBathe · 02/01/2017 20:46

Call 111 as others have said.

Try and give her more milk, but if she refuses it I would give her some water (just a sips) to make sure she's getting fluids.

LionRichie · 02/01/2017 20:48

Yep, same again. Calpol and nurofen if you have it, keep her cool and call 111 if temp doesn't drop after an hour. The temp itself isn't a bad thing though, just a sign she's fighting something. Not dropping is slightly worrying but without other symptoms, still not a massive deal. She's little so worth being overly cautious but I know from experience that often a high temp is nothing more than a mild cold!

Bambamrubblesmum · 02/01/2017 20:48

Nurofen ibuprofen and calpol paracetamol. Work very well together as recommended by the doctor.

They work on different systems so you're not at risk of overdosing.

Brought both my babies temperature down in no time.

Sips of cold boiled water help with hydration too.

Sorry if repeating advice.

BakeOffBiscuits · 02/01/2017 20:48

Going from what you've posted OP, I dont think you need to panic.

RhodaBorrocks · 02/01/2017 20:49

Little groans? Are they high pitched, or higher pitched than normal?

If yes, call 111 immediately.

Original poster
LouBlue1507 · 02/01/2017 20:49

Hi all thanks so much for your advice! I feel so much better already!

I have taken her sleeping bag off and given her an extra bottle. She had 6oz. Her temp is now 37.9! Which is better! She's fast asleep now! She's had plenty of wet nappies and had plenty of milk throughout the day!

Will keep a close eye on her and she how she is. If she gets any worse I'll call 111.

Thank you!

OP posts:
Sweets101 · 02/01/2017 20:51

Hope you've called 111 at that age it's best to.

BakeOffBiscuits · 02/01/2017 20:51

Glad the temp is coming down. It's horrible when they get ill and are so tiny.x

Bambamrubblesmum · 02/01/2017 20:51

Obviously don't give both at the same time.

Call NHS line to make sure YOU are happy before you admister rather than just taking our word for it.

I would pop out and get some so it's on hand though.

BakeOffBiscuits · 02/01/2017 20:52

I wish people would stop telling the OP she needs to phone 111.

It's not necessary in this instance.

icelollycraving · 02/01/2017 20:53

Keep a close eye on her (I'm sure you will!)

Bambamrubblesmum · 02/01/2017 20:54

That's great. It's horrible when they're ill.

Get some rest yourself now!

Justaboy · 02/01/2017 20:54

BakeOffBiscuits can you tell us how you come to that conclusion?

Sweets101 · 02/01/2017 20:55

Says who Bake you?
It's 111 not 999 it's what it's there for, better than asking on a anonymous online forum really.

Sweets101 · 02/01/2017 20:56

Ah I see Bake you copied and pasted something of the Internet and now you're an expert Hmm

KayTee87 · 02/01/2017 20:57

How are you taking her temp? Is it underarm? Underarm temp should sit around 36 I think.
18degrees room will be fine to sleep in vest until her temp comes down.

Ohdearducks · 02/01/2017 20:57

The advice on doubling up on calpol and nurofen does change so I think seeking proper advice before doing so is the correct thing to do, same for sponging and tepid baths. OP is getting conflicting advice so it's important to get the proper advice in this instance. It's what 111 is for so she would not be unreasonable to call them.

BakeOffBiscuits · 02/01/2017 20:58

If you read the OPs posts, it's obvious she doesn't need to phone 111, unless she wants to that is. It's the "you should phone 111" posts which will just panic anyone.

A temp of 38.4 is not overly concerning when there are no other symptoms.

BakeOffBiscuits · 02/01/2017 21:00

Sweets I posted the NHS guidelines to reassure the OP.

I'm not an expert, just a mum whose dds are older and have had many temperatures over the years.