How to Cure the Fever in an Infant Baby

Fevers are common among infants and young children. Fevers may be a symptom of an illness; they also may be caused by teething or immunizations. Most of the time they are nothing to be concerned about, but it is very important to monitor your baby's symptoms closely and get medical help and advice if high temperatures persist. There are a number of steps you can take to safely and effectively treat an infant's fever.

Things You'll Need

• Digital ear thermometer
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Lukewarm bath
• Light clothing

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Instructions

• 1

  Take your baby's temperature with a digital ear thermometer. This device will give you an accurate and quick read-out without adding to your baby's discomfort. A temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius (or about 100 degrees Fahrenheit) is considered a fever for infants.

• 2

  Give your child an over-the-counter fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen formulated for babies. This medication provides effective and immediate relief from fever and pain. Read the label for the correct dosage for your baby's weight. Do not use aspirin, which increases the risk of Reye's syndrome, an illness that can damage your baby's brain and liver.

• 3

  Bathe your baby in lukewarm water to reduce his fever. Make sure you give him fever-reducing medication like acetaminophen before giving him a bath. If you bathe him first, his body may start to shiver as it tries to raise its temperature. This could worsen his discomfort. Avoid using alcohol or cold water to bring his fever down.

• 4

  Give your baby plenty of fluids to drink. Always offer her a bottle of pure drinking water whenever you have the chance to do so. Drinking water will help cool her body and prevent her from becoming dehydrated. If your baby is exclusively breastfeeding, offer your breast more frequently than usual to encourage fluid intake.

• 5

  Dress your baby in light, thin cotton clothing. This will make him more comfortable and will allow body heat to escape. Make sure to change his clothes if you see that he is sweating. However, if your infant is experiencing chills, cover him with a warm blanket. Remove this heavier covering when the chills abate.