Question
Should a 1-year-old baby use a rectal suppository to reduce fever?
Answer
When a baby’s body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, you can consider using fever-reducing medications under a doctor’s guidance, such as ibuprofen (Merck) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Before administering the medication, you can first try giving the baby warm water and using physical cooling methods, such as placing a damp cold cloth on the baby’s head and regularly replacing it, using a warm cloth to wipe the neck, armpits, and groin areas where there are large blood vessels. Continue until the skin is slightly red, which helps dissipate heat. If the body temperature continues to rise and exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, then, in addition to physical cooling, you should appropriately use fever-reducing medications according to the doctor’s instructions.