Safe ways to reduce a baby’s fever at home

[AD] The moment your little one gets a fever, it’s enough to make any parent’s heart race. However, luckily not every fever is a reason to panic right away. Sometimes, your baby’s body is just doing its job, fighting off an infection.

If you’re looking for some ways to reduce a baby’s fever that you can do at home, here is a handy guide, so you can tackle those fever blues with ease.

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Understanding fever in babies

Fever in babies occurs when a baby’s body gets hotter than usual, which can often happen if they’re fighting off some kind of infection.

In general, a baby has a fever if their body’s temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

There are different ways to measure your baby’s temperature, which include rectal, armpit, ear, forehead, or orally.

If your baby has a temperature and they are three months old or younger, get in touch with your doctor right away.

Keep your baby hydrated

When your baby’s got a fever, they can become thirsty, which can lead to dehydration.

To avoid this, ensure that you keep giving them fluids, which means breast milk or formula for babies, and small sips of water, or a special drink for older children.

Dress them light, and keep the room comfortable

Don’t overdress your baby when they have a fever, dress them in light, breathable clothes, and keep the room temperature not too hot, not too cold, just comfortable.

Use the right baby bedding, which means a light blanket if necessary, and ensure their room is well-ventilated, but not too cold.

This helps their body do what’s needed to fight off the fever without getting hotter.

Lukewarm baths

A bath that’s not too cold, not too hot, and is lukewarm, can help bring down a fever.

Consider giving your baby a gentle sponge bath with a wet cloth on their forehead, neck, and under the arms to help them feel better.

Using medicine safely

If your baby’s fever is making them unhappy, you can try giving them medicine to help.

Over-the-counter (OTC) kids medicine can be a convenient solution for treating minor illnesses in babies and children.

That said, stick to medicine like Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Motrin, but always check with your doctor before issuing any medication to your baby, especially for young babies, and always make sure you read the label, and give them the right amount.

Keep an eye and hand on them

When your baby’s got a fever don’t just rely on the thermometer. Watch how they’re acting.

Is your baby playing? Is your baby sleeping okay? Are they eating and drinking? These are all clues as to how they’re doing.

Comforting your baby is also really important. Hold them, cuddle them, and offer plenty of affection. The comfort of a parent’s touch can be incredibly soothing and reassuring for a sick baby.

Gentle rocking, singing, or simply being close by can go a long way in helping reduce your baby’s discomfort and stress.

When to seek medical attention

Sometimes you just have to contact your doctor on the phone, so contact a doctor if:

• Your baby is under three months old and has a fever
• Your baby’s fever persists for more than three days
• Your baby shows signs of dehydration, which is a dry mouth, no tears when crying, and fewer wet nappies
• There are additional symptoms such as a rash, difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting
• Your baby is extremely irritable, lethargic, or unresponsive

Going the natural route, but safely

Some mums like to use natural remedies to help with fevers, like a chamomile or peppermint sponge bath, but discuss any natural remedy you’d like to use to deal with your baby’s fever with a doctor before doing so, as you don’t want to do anything that could make things worse.

And remember, no aspirin for baby’s, always stick to baby safe medications.

Ways to reduce a baby’s fever – a recap

Dealing with your baby’s fever can be stressful, but if you know what to do, it can feel less overwhelming.

Some ways you can reduce a baby’s fever include:

• Keeping your baby hydrated
• Not overdressing them, and making sure their room temperature is comfortable
• Giving them a lukewarm bath, and gently sponging their forehead with a wet cloth
• Using medicine safely, and always consulting a doctor before giving your baby medication
• Keeping an eye on them
• Seeking medical attention immediately if your baby has a fever and is under 3 months old, their fever persists for more than 3 days, they’re showing signs of dehydration, or they also have a rash, difficulty breathing, vomiting, are irritable, lethargic or unresponsive
• Only consider natural remedies after talking to a doctor
• Never give a baby aspirin

It’s also important to remember that what may work for one child when dealing with any health concern, may not work for another. So it’s always worth visiting your GP or health practitioner if you ever have any concerns about your child’s health.

Do you have any tips for reducing fevers?

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