Question
Why do babies sometimes have normal temperatures and sometimes fever? This afternoon, the baby’s body temperature was slightly high at 37.7 degrees, and after physical cooling methods and a nap, the temperature was the same at night. Besides that, physical cooling methods were also used (washing hair, applying alcohol to the palms and soles), and it seemed that the forehead was not hot when sleeping.
Answer
Babies have a higher basic body temperature than adults, so 37.6 degrees is not considered a low fever. If the baby has no other symptoms of fever or inflammation, it is normal. The baby’s thermoregulatory center is not fully developed, which is why there are fluctuations in body temperature. The thermoregulatory center in adults is well-developed, which is why body temperature is more stable. If the baby’s temperature is below 37.7 degrees and there are no other discomforting symptoms, there is no problem. This temperature change is not caused by organic diseases but rather because the baby’s thermoregulatory center has not fully developed. Regarding how to reduce fever at home, physical cooling can be used. The most effective method is using ice packs for cooling. If you don’t have ice packs at home, you can freeze a bottle filled with water in the refrigerator to make ice, then wrap it in a towel and place it under the baby’s armpits, inguinal area, and forehead for cooling. You have already used alcohol rubs; it is recommended to use high-concentration alcohol to take advantage of its solubility and heat conduction effects for cooling. Apply it every half hour on the baby’s upper and lower limbs. I hope this helps, and I wish your child good health.