What to do if a one-year-old baby has a fever
Jul 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, a one-year-old child's fever may be caused by factors such as high environmental temperature, excessive clothing, acute upper respiratory tract infection, infantile emergency rash, or acute gastroenteritis. Parents can choose general care and medication to help alleviate the condition. In daily life, it is important to maintain the child's dietary hygiene and encourage frequent hand washing. Adjust the child's clothing promptly according to changes in temperature.
Generally, a one-year-old baby's fever may be caused by factors such as excessively high environmental temperature, overdressing, acute upper respiratory tract infection, infantile emergency rash (roseola), or acute gastroenteritis. Parents can choose general care or medication to help alleviate the situation. Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Excessively High Environmental Temperature
When the environmental temperature is too high, a baby's weak thermoregulatory capacity makes it difficult for the body to dissipate heat promptly, possibly leading to fever. Adjust the indoor temperature to 22-24°C and use air conditioners or fans to maintain good air circulation, avoiding excessively high room temperatures.
2. Overdressing
Dressing a baby in too many clothes can prevent heat dissipation and elevate body temperature. Reduce clothing promptly and choose loose, breathable cotton garments. A warm and dry neck area indicates an appropriate level of clothing.
3. Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Viral infections can cause upper respiratory tract inflammation, stimulating the immune system and leading to fever due to dysfunction of the body's temperature regulation center. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, medications such as paracetamol suspension drops, children's paracetamol and chlorpheniramine granules, or pediatric Chai Gui antipyretic oral liquid can be used under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, provide more warm water and maintain indoor humidity.
4. Infantile Emergency Rash (Roseola)
Caused by human herpesvirus 6 infection, the virus releases toxins that trigger fever. Fever can be managed with ibuprofen suspension, children's Shukou Qingre granules, or Lanqin oral liquid as directed by a physician. Ensure adequate rest and avoid cross-infection.
5. Acute Gastroenteritis
Bacterial or viral infections of the intestines cause inflammation, with inflammatory factors leading to fever, often accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting. Treatment may involve medications such as smectite powder, oral rehydration salts III, and cefixime granules under medical supervision. Temporarily reduce complementary foods, relying mainly on breast milk or rice water.
In daily life, ensure the baby's dietary hygiene and frequent handwashing. Adjust clothing according to temperature changes. Monitor the baby's body temperature closely during fever; if the fever persists or the baby's mental state deteriorates, seek medical attention promptly.
