Question
During winter, how should one balance warmth and cooling for a 18-month-old baby with a fever at night? Concerns arise if the baby is dressed too warmly, which may hinder cooling, or too warmly, which might lead to the baby catching a cold. What are suitable suggestions?
Answer
Infants’ thermoregulatory centers are not fully matured, so when they encounter conditions such as respiratory infections, allergic reactions, or vaccinations, they may experience a rise in body temperature. In such cases, it is advisable to avoid medication without consultation and instead adopt the following physical cooling methods:
- 35% Alcohol Bathing: Alcohol has the effect of dilating blood vessels, and as it evaporates, it can carry away a large amount of heat, which is suitable for helping infants cool down. Prepare 100 milliliters of 75% alcohol mixed with an equal amount of warm water, adjusting the temperature to 27-37 degrees Celsius. Avoid excessive coldness that could cause muscle contraction and lead to a rise in body temperature. Use a small towel to wipe the baby from the neck down along the body, especially in areas such as armpits and inguinal grooves.