Should I wake up my baby to give fever-reducing medicine if they have a high fever at night?

If your baby has a high fever at night and the temperature is approaching 39°C, you should wake the baby to administer fever-reducing medication. However, if the temperature is below 38.5°C and no other discomfort is present, it is not necessary to wake the baby for fever medication.

When a baby develops a high fever at night with a temperature nearing 39°C, this is considered a high fever. In such cases, it's important to wake the baby to give fever-reducing medicine. Ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be taken as directed by a physician. This medication is an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent that provides fever reduction, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, effectively lowering body temperature.

If the baby’s temperature remains below 38.5°C, fever medication is not required. Cooling methods such as cold compresses with ice packs can be used instead. Wrap ice in a towel and place it on areas like the forehead to help dissipate heat and reduce body temperature. Alternatively, use lukewarm water compresses—wipe the entire body with a warm, damp towel to dilate blood vessels and lower skin temperature. Additionally, drinking plenty of fluids promotes sweating and aids in cooling. Increased fluid intake also increases urine output, helping eliminate toxins through urine, which further contributes to reducing fever.

Furthermore, after the baby wakes up, seek medical attention promptly to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Ensure the baby drinks sufficient fluids and gets adequate rest.