Some mothers feel hesitant to bathe their babies who have a fever. The reason is because the baby is afraid that the baby will shiver with cold or the fever will get higher. Actually, can babies bathe when they have a fever?
Fever is a condition when the body temperature rises to more than 380C. Fever itself is not a disease, but a symptom of certain health problems, such as infection. When the baby has a fever, this indicates that his body is trying to fight off the germs or viruses that cause infection.
In addition to infection, fever can sometimes be caused by a reaction after immunization, the temperature is too hot, or teething.
Is it safe for babies to bathe when they have a fever?
Actually bathing when you have a fever is not forbidden. However, bathing a fevered baby should not be done carelessly, Bun.
Babies who have a fever can be bathed provided the water used is warm water, not hot or cold water.
The safe water temperature for bathing a fever baby is around 37–380C. This is because the warm water temperature can make a fevered baby feel more comfortable and also help lower his body temperature.
Mothers are not recommended to bathe the Little One with hotter water because it can make his body temperature hotter. In addition, because the skin is still thin and sensitive, water that is too hot can also hurt your little one's skin.
Meanwhile, cold water should not be used when bathing the baby because it can make him shiver. This can then cause the body temperature of a baby who is having a fever is difficult to come down.
Although a baby with a fever can be bathed, the bath should not be too long, okay? Just bathe your little one for 5-10 minutes.
If your little one is shivering even though he has been bathed in warm water, you should immediately pick him up and dry his body with a soft towel. After that, put your little one in clothes that easily absorb sweat and are not too thick, so that your little one doesn't overheat.
How to Overcome Baby Fever
In addition to bathing him, Mother can also overcome the fever experienced by the Little One by trying the following tips:
- Meet your baby's fluid needs by giving him breast milk or milk, so he doesn't become dehydrated.
- Always keep the room temperature cool and comfortable.
- Give your little one MPASI regularly, if he can eat solid food or when he is 6 months or older. Give food in smaller portions, but more often.
- If your little one is over 1 month old, you can give him paracetamol fever-reducing medicine. To determine the right dose of medication, you can first consult with your doctor.
It is okay to bathe a baby who has a fever, but if you are in doubt, just wipe your little one's skin with a washcloth and warm water to clean his body.
If your little one looks weak after being bathed, is more fussy, has chills, or his fever doesn't improve, you should immediately take him to the doctor for an examination and treatment.
