Fever in babies is one of the most common reasons parents rush to a pediatric clinic. While not every fever is dangerous, knowing when to worry and how to manage it at home is very important.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS 

Low appetite is normal → You just need to be Reassured by pediatrician. During illness your child may eat less than 50% of usual intake.

Activity may be decrease, but if baby is passing urine ≥5 times/day means hydration is fine. If not , then please increase hydration. Still No improvement, then visit doctor.

Temporary weight loss during illness is expected and reversible. 

1. Babies Below 3 Months

If your baby is less than 3 months old and develops a fever, please see a pediatrician at the earliest. At this age, even a small rise in temperature can signal a serious infection.

2. Do Not Start Antibiotics Blindly

Parents sometimes start antibiotics without consulting a doctor. ❌ This can be harmful. Antibiotics should only be started after a pediatrician’s advice.

3. Watch for Red Flag Signs

Please consult a doctor urgently if your baby has: 

  1. Very high fever 
  2. Difficulty in breathing
  3. Ear discharge
  4. Rash on body
  5. Loose motions
  6. Pain or crying while passing urine
  7. Continuous vomiting
  8. Decrease in activity
  9. Abnormal or unusual behavior

4. General Fever Care at Home

  1. Always monitor your baby’s temperature every 4-6 hours. And not every 30 min .
  2. Give fever medicine Paracetamol as advied by your doctor accoding to weight of baby.
  3. Wipe the baby with normal tap water during every fever episode (avoid cold water/ice). video attached below.
  4. Keep your baby well-hydrated: offer lukewarm rice water, dal water, barley water, tender coconut water, soups, and ORS.
  5. Avoid over-clothing and keep room temperature comfortable with AC and FAN

5. Home Remedies to Soothe Fever & Sore Throat

(To be given in small amounts, only after checking with your pediatrician if baby is too young. Can be used for babies more than 2 years )

Herbal Soothing Water

1 glass hot water ,½ lemon juice + 6–8 mint leaves3–4 dates (or 3–4 tsp honey if >1 year)1 tsp fennel seeds + ½ tsp grated ginger.  (store this  in Thermas flask ) Give 2 teaspoons every 2 hours to soothe the throat. 

Immunity Booster Tablets

Jaggery + ghee + pepper + dry ginger, pounded together Make small tablets and give every 3–4 hours.

Comforting Bedtime Drink

Roast 1 tsp besan in ½ tsp gheeAdd ¼ cup milk + sugar/jaggery + a pinch of turmeric. Give lukewarm 15–30 mins before sleep

✨ WISHING YOUR BABY A SPEEDY RECOVERY AND GOOD HEALTH! ✨

Watch this videos for more information on cooling measures 

For video on full fever management information 

Dr. Poonam Sambhaji

MBBS, DCH, PGPN (Boston) MIYC

Child Specialist