Treating A Baby's Fever

Treat a fever as follows:

• give a normal dose for age of baby paracetamol.

• while waiting for it to work, undress your baby down to his singlet and nappy. Keep him under a light sheet in a cool room.

Usually this is sufficient, but if he is still very hot after 30 minutes, sponge him with tepid - not cold - water, then pat him dry. Don't allow him to shiver as shivering sends the body temperature up.

If you feel uneasy and the cause for the fever is not obvious, don't wait too long. If your baby is under three months, take him to a doctor promptly.

Read more on common baby illnesses: Ear infections, Fever