There are several ways to deal with baby fever at night that parents can try to lower their little one’s body temperature. In addition to giving medicine, you can also adjust the environmental conditions to be more comfortable for the baby.
An infant is considered to have a fever if the temperature is 38°C or higher if taken rectally and 37.2°C or higher if taken by other methods. Babies older than 3 months who have a low-grade fever should not always be taken to the doctor. You can try to do yourself some ways to deal with baby fever at night.
However, infants aged less than 3 months with fever require immediate attention to get appropriate treatment.
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How to handle baby fever at night
Fever in infants can occur at any time, including at night. Here are some ways to deal with baby fever at night.
1. Give medicine if needed
If the child is fussy and uncomfortable due to the fever he feels, you can give paracetamol or other fever medicine specifically for babies based on the recommended dose.
If your child is less than 2 years old or you don’t know the exact recommended dose, contact your doctor immediately to get the right dose. If the baby is less than 2 months old, it should not be given any fever medicine without being checked by a doctor.
2. Sufficient fluid needs
To overcome a baby’s fever at night, you also have to meet the fluid needs of your little one. A fever can cause your baby to lose fluids quickly and put them at risk of becoming dehydrated.
To prevent your baby’s condition from getting worse, make sure your little one is well hydrated. If your baby shows signs of dehydration, you can give an oral rehydration solution or ORS. If the baby is still breastfeeding, then you should give breast milk more often.
3. Adjust the clothes you wear
If the baby has a fever, it is best to wear light and light clothing. Likewise, only use thin and light sheets and blankets to keep baby cool and comfortable. Clothing that is too thick can inhibit the release of excess heat and can make the body temperature rise.
4. Lower the room temperature
The next way to deal with a baby’s fever at night is to lower the room temperature so it doesn’t get too hot. This can prevent the baby from overheating. But also make sure the room temperature is not too cold so that the baby does not shiver.
5. Take a warm bath
Wiping the baby with warm water can also be one way to deal with baby fever at night. This method will make the baby more comfortable and can sleep more soundly.
Make sure the temperature of the water used for wiping is not too hot to the touch with the inner arm. Also avoid cold water because it can cause the baby to shiver and his body temperature to rise. Dry the baby immediately after the bath and wear light clothing.
When should a baby with a fever go to the doctor?
Babies need to be checked by a doctor if they have a fever accompanied by:
- Bad mood, lethargic, unconsolable and looking very sick.
- Babies less than 3 months old.
- Infants under 2 years of age and fever lasting 24 hours.
- Fever rises to above 40°C.
- He has been given medicine and his condition is not improving
- Babies show signs of dehydration including dry lips or a soft pit on the crown of their head.
- Babies have weak immune systems.
That’s how to deal with baby fever at night. Take the baby to the emergency room immediately if the newborn has a fever, is accompanied by a seizure for the first time, has a seizure that lasts more than 15 minutes and has a fever of 41.6°C or higher.