FOLLOW THESE TIPS

Keep pushing fluids

Make sure your baby gets enough fluids, so that he doesn’t get dehydrated. “Clear fluids or milk (either breast milk or formula if your baby is on formula) should suffice, and if your baby is eating solids, encourage him to eat too,” says paediatrician Dr Deliwe Ngwezi. You can also offer your baby an electrolyte solution mixed with water.

Sponge him down with lukewarm water

Undress your baby, and use a sponge dipped in lukewarm water to pat him down. This will help him feel more comfortable and may even help bring the fever down a bit. Don’t put your baby in a cold bath, as this could be quite a shock to his system.

Keep the environment cool

Don’t overdress your baby – keep him comfortable, but don’t overdo it. Dr Ngwezi also recommends nursing your baby in a cool room with adequate ventilation. You can also use a fan to keep your baby cool.

Paracetamol can help

If all other measures of bringing the fever down don’t work, you can give your baby a dose of paracetamol (Panado or Calpol) according to the dosage instructions on the package insert, says Dr Ngwezi. “Remember that the correct dosing of paracetamol should be given according to weight and not to age, as there is frequent overdosing of babies between one and three months of age. Use this with caution,” she adds.

See the doctor

If you have done all of the above, and your baby’s fever continues, take him to a doctor. If your baby is younger than 28 days and has a fever, take him to the doctor immediately. Dr Ngwezi says that this requires hospital admission. The same goes for babies whose fevers are coupled with lethargy and refusal to eat, as well as babies who vomit persistently after feeding. If your baby has a febrile convulsion as a result of a fever, take him to the hospital.