High temp in baby

[CatLady1987]

My LO is 9 months old and teething like crazy. Last night I gave him some calpol and it didn’t settle him so I took his temperature (I normally take it pre-calpol but didn’t on this occasion) and his temperature was 38.6. He seemed quite upset and looked a bit pale. Stripped him down to basic clothes and he had some extra water. Nappies were soiled as normal.

Called 111 immediately and advised not to take him anywhere. We have to self isolate and call back if he got any worse. Re took temperature and it had come down to 37.2. Was all over the place for a while, back up to 38 and he was restless. It then went down to 36.9 and he managed to get some sleep. It stayed stable below 37 and he had some more calpol at about 22:00.

This morning he’s like a different child, temp dropped below 36 so we put some more layers on and now it’s 36.5 and he hasn’t had any more calpol since last night. He’s happy and gurgling away.

Has anyone else ever experienced this? He’s never had a temperature before and I’m a first time mum so it was scary. Monitoring him closely and will keep taking temperature. I doubt it’s Covid but I guess isolation is better safe than sorry!

Thanks in advance!

Yes, several times my boy had a temperature overnight, with no sign of it during the day. I generally put it down to teething. Definitely better safe than sorry though, so ringing 111 (and ringing back if you have further concerns) is the right thing to do.

They say teething isnt associated with a temp but everytime my LO is teething he gets a temp. I'd probably put it down to that.

Yes my DS is 10 months old and can get a temperature with teething. His worse temp was after his 16 weeks jabs but do keep an eye on his temp and phone 111 again if you need to.

Dd2 had this with her back ones pushing through, one night of a high temp and really unsettled, much better in the morning.

Keep an eye, but I really suspect it's that-

Thanks all. So worrying but glad he seems better today! Everything I’ve read says teething doesn’t cause big temperature spikes but he’s cutting his front teeth so I think there’s some link somewhere. If it was an infection I can’t imagine it would just disappear overnight when he’s not had calpol for hours! Pesky teeth 🙄

Everything I’ve read says teething doesn’t cause big temperature spikes

Both of my Dds did while cutting teeth at some point, Dd1 with her front top two, Dd2 with her back ones...Sometimes the guidelines will push you to get things like high temperatures properly checked just in case it's something more serious instead of people just automatically thinking 'teeth'- sensible in one way, but scary if your not sure.

Glad he's better this morning Op!

Everything I’ve read says teething doesn’t cause big temperature spikes

I think this is one of those things where no expert will say there's a link because it's not been studied. However there is overwhelming anecdotal evidence to the contrary.

Totally agree with the last two posters, there is definitely an unproved link somewhere!

My LO is better in himself but temp still between 37-37.8 post-calpol. Anyone ever had this? I know it’s a low grade temperature but not sure whether to call 111 again, he seems fine in himself but temperature is back :(

If your ever worried Op it's always best to get him checked- can you call your HV?

Thank you - called 111 as it spiked again but higher. The doctor wasn’t too concerned and said they worry more about how a child looks physically and how they’re acting rather than a temperature! He’s settled now but keeping a close eye on him overnight.

This Covid situation is so frustrating because 111 just hear the words ‘temperature’ and put you through to a Covid-type triage. Plus, there’s no out of hours doctors it’s just risking a trip to A&E. The doctor recommended keeping an eye on him and what I’ve already been doing. Such a worry as it’s the first time he’s ever been ill.

It is horrible when your little one is poorly! Especially when you feel like medical professionals aren’t taking you seriously and/or you don’t know what to do.

They do say treat the child not the temp. If baby seems well in themselves this is usually a good sign

However, if you are worried at all about their wellbeing or anything changes I would get them checked out.

Oh bless him. Hope he's feeling better today OP.

Hope everythings okay OP x

Thanks all!

He’s so much better today, no temp at all! Finally settled and sleeping soundly. Didn’t even finish his milk before falling asleep!

One relieved mama! Thank you all so much for your advice ❤️

Oh I'm so glad @CatLady1987 ! Been thinking bout you today hoping it wasnt anything else, everything said 'teeth' to me but it's so difficult giving advice online, especially about Lo's!

Hope you both get a good night sleep!

Aw, thank you @Taddda, that’s so lovely of you to think of us! I completely agree, in the back of my mind I knew it was probably teething but like you say, it’s so hard to advise when it could be something else entirely!

Thanks so much, have a lovely evening 😊