In pediatric outpatient clinics, many anxious parents can be seen waiting with listless children wearing cooling gel patches on their foreheads. It is understandable that parents feel worried when their babies have a fever, yet they should avoid impulsive decisions. In most mild fever cases, hospital visits are unnecessary.

If the baby’s body temperature is below 38.5°C, physical cooling plus extra fluid intake is recommended. When the temperature rises above 38.5°C, oral antipyretics such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are required. A minimum interval of 4 to 6 hours must be kept between doses of fever medicine. Antipyretics only relieve symptoms temporarily and cannot eliminate the root cause of fever. Seek immediate medical care if the fever lasts more than three days, recurs repeatedly, or is accompanied by lethargy, poor appetite, or sudden convulsions.

Parents of infants should master the following safe physical cooling methods:

1. Warm water sponge bath

Maintain water temperature between 32°C and 34°C. Avoid wiping cold-sensitive areas including the chest, abdomen, nape and soles of the feet. Extend wiping time on heat-dissipating zones: armpits, elbow creases, popliteal fossae and groin. The whole sponge bath should not exceed 30 minutes.

Important reminder: Never use alcohol sponge baths for infants. Their delicate skin may trigger alcohol allergies, and excessive alcohol absorption through the skin can lead to alcohol poisoning. Perform the sponge bath in a wind-free environment and keep the baby warm throughout.

2. Sufficient fluid replenishment

Fever accelerates breathing and perspiration, causing massive water loss. Offer plenty of liquids to boost urine output and flush toxins out of the body. Diluted fruit juice can be provided if the baby refuses plain boiled water.

3. Do not force feed milk or solid food

Fever usually suppresses appetite. Avoid forcing meals. Mix fresh fruit juice with warm water and feed small amounts frequently. Rich in vitamin C with a mild sour-sweet taste, it stimulates appetite and suits feverish babies well.

While conducting physical cooling, closely monitor the baby’s mental state, facial complexion and breathing. Rush to hospital immediately if the baby develops pale skin, vomiting, diarrhea or other abnormal symptoms.