How To Control A Baby's Fever
How To Reduce A Young Infant's Body Temperature
A high temperature can be dangerous for a young baby. Learn of ways to control a fever should you be unable to contact your family doctor.
A fever can be dangerous for a young infant and sometimes even fatal. Invest in a baby-friendly thermometer to allow you to ascertain the onset of a fever. If your baby's temperature is above 37.5 degree Celsius, contact your family doctor immediately. If by any chance, it is impossible to speak to or visit your family clinic, here are a few ways to help control your baby's temperature and ultimately bring it down.
Use a cold compress to bring the fever down
Undo your baby's clothes and submerge a clean towel into a basin of water. Squeeze the towel dry and place it across your baby's forehead and/or abdomen, depending on where the heat is centralised. Use more than one towel if necessary. You will find that after a few minutes, the towel resting on your baby's body may become warm due to his body heat. Continue with this process until your baby's temperature reduces.
During fevers, babies tend to be restless and fretful, allow your baby to refuse the cold compress should he feel uncomfortable and take time to cuddle him instead. You can continue to dab his back and the back of his neck with a wet towel.
If your baby's fever comes during the day or a warm night, run a bath and allow her to be paddle in the water. The coolness will help her to calm down and enjoy a good swim; it will also bring her temperature down. Monitor her carefully that she does not suddenly become too cold and begin shivering.
Keep the environment cool and allow your baby's room to be well ventilated
Open a window and try to keep a healthy circulation of air. If the weather allows, take your baby out in the garden. Not only is the ventilation good for him, he will also be distracted by the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
Dress him appropriately too - loose, cotton outfits are the most comfortable during a fever. If the weather is warm, allow him to go without clothing for a short while.
Encourage your baby to drink plenty of fluids
Having your baby drink a lot of liquids will help combat a fever. Plain water will help her pass out urine and other toxins in her body. Traditionally, many Asian cultures prescribe barley to reduce fever. Add rock sugar when boiling the barley - it is more appetizing for young children.
Control the fever with prescribed medication
Once you have had the opportunity to visit your baby's doctor, abide by the prescription to control the fever - if antibiotics have been prescribed, remember to complete the term of treatment. Some doctors may prescribe pessaries (a tablet that is inserted into your baby's bottom) should the fever rise to high. If you are nervous about treating your baby yourself, inform your doctor. He or she would be able to walk through the steps of treating your baby with the different medicine prescriptions.
