Introducing several physical cooling methods for infants with fever

Here are some physical methods to reduce fever in babies. I believe that all parents have had this experience. Newborn babies have an imperfect immune system and low resistance, so they are prone to catching a cold or fever if they are not careful. Physical cooling of a baby’s fever is the safest and healthiest method. So is there any physical cooling method for a baby’s fever? Here are some physical methods to reduce fever in babies.

It is best to use appropriate physical cooling measures first to treat fever caused by general infections in infants and young children. However, it is not advisable to use cold compresses and alcohol baths to cool down children with rash diseases such as measles, so as to avoid irritating the skin and affecting the outbreak of the rash.

If you use medication to reduce fever, be careful not to use too large a dose, so as to avoid causing the baby to sweat too much and cause collapse or electrolyte imbalance. There are many types of antipyretic drugs commonly used in pediatrics. No matter which antipyretic agent is used, it must be done under the guidance of a doctor.

Physical cooling method for infant fever: 35% alcohol bath

Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and take away a lot of heat when it evaporates, which can help cool down infants and young children when they have a fever. Prepare 100 ml of 75% alcohol, add an equal amount of warm water, and keep the temperature at around 27-37 degrees Celsius. Do not let it be too cold, otherwise it will cause muscle contraction, causing the temperature to rise again. When taking a sponge bath, dip a towel or handkerchief in the prepared solution, start from one side of the neck, wipe from top to bottom along the outside of the arm to the back of the hand, then wipe from the armpit along the inside of the upper arm down to the palm, and after wiping one side, wipe the other side in the same way. When wiping the lower limbs, wipe from the outside of the thigh to the instep, and then from the groin along the inside of the thigh to the sole of the foot. When applying alcohol bath, it is best to use a little force and rub until the skin turns red. Be careful not to rub the baby's chest, abdomen, or soles of the feet to avoid causing adverse reactions. This method is not suitable for newborns.

Physical cooling method for infants with fever: bathing with warm water

Taking a bath can help dissipate heat. If your baby is in good spirits when he has a fever, you can give him more baths and adjust the water temperature between 27 and 37 degrees Celsius. Be careful not to give your baby a hot bath, otherwise it will easily cause vasodilation throughout the body, increase oxygen consumption, easily lead to ischemia and hypoxia, and aggravate the condition.

Physical cooling method for infant fever: hot water foot bath

Soaking your feet can promote blood circulation and relieve discomfort. Another benefit of soaking your baby's feet when he has a fever is that it can help reduce the temperature. You can use a large basin or a small bucket for foot soaking. Pour 2/3 of the basin with water. The water temperature should be slightly higher than usual, around 40 degrees Celsius, and it should be based on what the baby can adapt to. When soaking the baby's feet, the mother can rub the baby's two little feet, which can not only dilate the blood vessels but also relieve the discomfort caused by fever.

Physical cooling method for infant fever 4: ice pack cold compress

You can go to the store to buy chemical ice packs, put them in the refrigerator when using, take them out after they turn from gel to solid, wrap them in a towel and apply them to the top of the baby's head, forehead, neck, armpits, groin, etc., and they can be used repeatedly. You can also make your own ice packs at home: take some ice from the refrigerator and smash it into walnut-sized pieces and put them in a box. Rinse it with water to dissolve the sharp edges, then put it into a plastic bag (double-layered to prevent leaks). Fill the bag halfway with ice and then inject an appropriate amount of cold water to fill the gaps between the ice cubes. Then squeeze out the air, tie the bag tightly, and wrap it with an old cloth or towel. Place ice packs on the forehead and both sides of the neck of a child with high fever to lower the temperature of the head as quickly as possible and avoid the effects of high fever on the brain. Ice packs can also be placed in the child's armpits, groin, etc.

Physical cooling method for infant fever 5: ice pillow

When your baby has a high fever, you can make an ice pillow for him to use as a pillow, which is both comfortable and effective. Go to the hospital and buy an ice pack (not a hot water bottle). Pour the ice into a basin, break it into small pieces, rinse off the edges with water, put them into an ice bag, add 50 to 100 ml of water (do not fill it up, 2/3 full will be enough), expel the air, clamp the bag, wrap it with cloth or towel and place it under the baby's head and neck as a pillow. When the ice cubes melt, you can replace them and the baby's body temperature will drop soon.

The above are several physical cooling methods for babies with fever introduced to you. Many parents lack scientific knowledge about children's colds and fevers, and always want to give their babies antipyretics. In fact, this may affect the baby's condition. It is generally not advisable to use drugs to reduce fever in neonates. I hope that the above-mentioned physical cooling methods for infants with fever can be helpful to you.