A baby is considered to have a fever when his or her temperature is 38 ºC or above. You can take your baby's temperature by inserting a digital thermometer under his armpit and leaving it there for a few minutes. Since the temperature in the armpit is lower than that inside the body add 0,6 °C to the reading for an accurate result.
1 Lowering your baby's temperature will allow him to feel more comfortable as well as reduce the risk of a febrile convulsion. The following measures can be taken to bring the fever down:
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- Remove your baby's outer clothes
- Place your baby in a cool room with a free flow of fresh air or use a fan to circulate cool air over his skin
- Try to get your baby to drink as much fluid as possible (Don't worry about solids)
- Administering paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose for the age of your child may help to lower the fever1
REFERENCE:
The British Medical Association Family Doctor Home Adviser 4th Edition 2006:50,72.