Cooling Your Baby Down from Baby Fever in 3 Steps

“Why is my baby’s forehead so hot?”
For first-time parents, few things are scarier than witnessing their baby’s first fever. However, there are various reasons why babies may develop a fever or a high temperature, so there’s no need to panic immediately when they suddenly feel hotter than usual. Here are three steps you should take to cool your baby down from a fever.

Step 1: Take Your Baby’s Temperature!

Baby’s temperature tends to be slightly higher than adults’, and it can vary from morning to evening. Our body temperatures are usually lower when we wake up and higher during midday and night. It is recommended to take your baby’s temperature using a thermometer in the armpit, and here is how you can do so:

1. Place your baby on the bed or on your knees.
2. Put the thermometer in their armpit.
3. Gently hold their arms against their body so the thermometer is kept in place throughout the measurement.
4. Check the thermometer instructions – usually, you click START and wait 15 seconds for the results to come out.
5. Check if the temperature is higher than 38°C or 100°F.

Step 2: Try to Reduce a Fever at Home

If your baby’s temperature is higher than 38°C or 100°F and indeed has a fever, you should try some home care techniques to help reduce the fever before giving your baby medication recommended by the doctor.

• Drink plenty of water: Keep your baby hydrated! They should drink lots of water to keep their body from dehydration. You can also give them breast milk or formula milk, but remember not to give your baby any fruit juices! Also, breast milk contains antibodies that are good for fighting the infection!
• Don’t overdress them: Keeping your baby warm is important, but overdressing may cause overheating and worsen their fever. Dress them in light layers (or use Mamaway’s Temperature Regulating Sleeping Bag!) and provide blankets or snuggles to keep them comfortable.
• Wash their hands thoroughly: Fevers are often caused by bacterial or viral infections, and you wouldn’t want it to spread. Wash your baby’s hands and feet thoroughly to prevent the infection from spreading.
• Offer them a lukewarm bath: Bathing your baby can help cool them down as water evaporates from their skin. Avoid using cold water, as it may cause your baby to shiver or catch a cold, potentially raising their temperature again. Similarly, hot water should be avoided as it can overheat your baby. Opt for lukewarm water that feels temperature-neutral to the inner side of your arm.
• Cool your baby’s surfaces: Avoid using bedding that is non-breathable or too heavy, as it can cause your baby to overheat. Consider cooling the baby pillow and mattress, which have a substantial surface area, to help your baby cool down more evenly. To do this, place your Mamaway Baby Pillow in the freezer (ensure it’s in a clean plastic bag to avoid getting wet) and wait for 20 minutes. The cotton fabric will become slightly cooled, providing gentle cooling effects for your baby.

Step 3: Know When You Should Call the Doctor

If your baby’s condition hasn’t improved since the start of the fever, you should consider contacting your doctor and applying medication under recommendation. Seek out your doctor’s opinion when:

• Your baby’s temperature isn’t lowering but rising.
• Your 3 – 6-month-old baby has a fever of over 39°C or 102°F.
• If your 6 – 24-month-old baby has a fever of over 39°C or 102°F for more than 1 day.
• Your baby’s fever has lasted for more than 24 hours.
• Your baby’s fever occurs regularly.
• Your baby appears tired, lacks energy, or is irritable.
• Your baby develops other symptoms like vomiting, a rash, or lack of appetite.
• Your baby is sweating excessively and appears dehydrated.

Fevers can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, vaccinations, or other illnesses. It is very important to monitor your baby’s temperature and condition to prevent complications from worsening. You should also bring your baby to your doctor at the right time when the symptoms above arise. Lastly, always check with your doctor before giving any medication to your baby!