How to Manage a Baby's Low-Grade Fever

The normal body temperature range for infants typically falls between 36.5°C and 37.5°C. A low-grade fever refers to a slight increase in body temperature above this range but not yet reaching the level of a high fever. If an infant develops a low-grade fever, the following management methods may be helpful: 1. **Dress appropriately**: If the room temperature is too high or the baby is overdressed, body temperature may rise. Parents can adjust the baby's clothing according to the indoor temperature to help the baby release heat and cool down. 2. **Encourage fluid intake**: Fever can cause fluid loss from the body, and the baby may feel thirsty. Parents should offer the baby warm water frequently to replenish fluids and relieve discomfort caused by dehydration. Increased fluid intake also helps promote metabolism, which may aid in reducing the fever. 3. **Physical cooling**: Parents can use a towel dampened with warm water to wipe areas of the baby's body with dense blood vessels, such as the forehead, armpits, and groin, to promote vasodilation and heat dissipation. Additionally, low-concentration alcohol can be used to wipe the palms of the hands and soles of the feet to achieve a physical cooling effect. 4. **Maintain good indoor ventilation**: Ensure proper ventilation in the room and maintain a suitable indoor temperature and humidity. A recommended room temperature is between 22°C and 24°C, with a humidity level of 50% to 60%. This is especially important in summer when high indoor temperatures may easily lead to low-grade fever in babies. 5. **Use of fever-reducing medications**: If the baby is very uncomfortable, pediatric fever-reducing medications may be used under a doctor's guidance, such as acetaminophen tablets, ibuprofen suspension, or children's antipyretic granules. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer or advised by the doctor.