Is this the first time your baby is sick? How are you feeling?
Panadol is an effective treatment for babies with high fever and/or pain.
Panadol is a product that can be used for babies from 1 month old onwards. Panadol states it works fast, is effective, and gives temporary pain relief as well as being gentle on your baby’s tummy.
Does youR baby have a fever?
A baby’s normal temperature is 36.5 -37.5 degrees Celsius. Not much room for fluctuations, so if your baby’s temperature is close to 38 degrees and they have other symptoms (see below) then you need to go to hospital.
A baby having a high temperature
When giving a baby Panadol it is important to follow the instructions on the bottle. Only give it every 4 hours, so make a note of the time when you give it, so you know when you can give the next dose. Put on your alarm overnight for the next dose, so you can check on your child and observe them. If they’re still sleeping, don’t wake them, wait for them to wake and then give them their next dose.
Also give the EXACT amount that is written on the bottle for your baby’s weight. This is so important, so you don’t over dose them or give them too little, thinking it will be better for them. In this case you might as well not give anything at all as a lesser dose of Panadol will not work as well. The scientists have investigated the correct dosage for effectiveness, so don’t go above or under this.
Young child having Panadol
Now that you have measured the correct amount of Panadol in the syringe, squirt this into your baby’s mouth with the syringe pointing towards the back of their cheek. Don’t point it straight to the back of their throat as this will make your baby have the gag reflex which will upset them making them cough and choke. This will traumatise them and will make it harder for you to give Panadol in the future. Squirt a bit and wait for them to swallow before giving them more, continue like this until you have given the full dose needed. Then put the syringe back in the box with the bottle so you’ll always have the correct way to measure the Panadol. Don’t be tempted to put the Panadol into a bottle of milk or juice etc. This is because if your baby doesn’t finish the drink you have no idea how much Panadol they’ve had.
Panadol usually takes around 20 minutes for you to see any effects. Wait for this to happen.
Watching your baby’s behaviour when they are sick is crucial when you are deciding what you need to do to make them feel better. Three factors that are important to watch out for and to go to the Emergency Department if they are under 1 year old and also have a fever;
1) Loss of appetite. Your baby doesn’t want to take any milk, water, breastfeed or have solids. You offer but they turn their head away or don’t open their mouth. The number of wet nappies have also dropped (normal is around 6x wet nappies a day).
2) Lethargic. This means your baby is sleepier than normal. What will normally disturb them, doesn’t, like a loud noise, the dog barking or a door slamming. When cuddling them they feel more relaxed than usual and when they open their eyes they look tired.
3) Rashes. Keep an eye out for any changes in their skin. If you notice a rash starting to appear and they have been sick already or have had a fever and any of the above points, you need to go to the hospital.
Sick baby coughing
Remember, always listen to your gut instincts! If you are feeling unsure about the health of your baby, go and get them checked out.
Where to get advice?
Healthdirect 1800 022 222
- a 24hr Helpline for free health advice
Perth Home GP 1300 815 321
- an after hours GP home visiting service
Perth Children’s Hospital Emergency Department
- 15 Hospital Ave, Nedlands WA 6009
Ambulance 000
