Can your little one take a bath when he has a fever?

Fever is a condition when the body temperature rises to more than 380C. Fever itself is not a disease, but a symptom of certain health problems, such as infection. When a child has a fever, this indicates that their body is trying to fight off bacteria or viruses that cause infection.

Sometimes, parents are so worried when they find out their little ones have fever that they choose not to give their little one bath. Actually, can baby with fever take a bath? Which one is true: that bathing can reduce fever or make it worse? Check out the following explanation.

Safe bathing rules when your baby is having fever

Actually, bathing when having fever is not prohibited. However, bathing a baby having a fever should be done with some precautions. Little children having fever may be given bath provided the water used is warm water, not cold water.

Cold water should not be used when giving a child a bath because it can make them shiver. This may cause difficulty in lowering the body temperature of the baby having fever.

Although a child who has a fever can be given a bath, it should not be too long. Just bathe your little one for 5-10 minutes. After that, put your them in clothes that easily absorb sweat and are not too thick, so that your little one doesn't overheat.

Tips for caring for your little one who has a fever

In addition to give bath to your little one in warm water, you can give a fever medication that contains paracetamol to relieve the symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions or read the package label for the correct dosage.

If your little one looks weak after bathing, is fussier, has chills, or the fever doesn't subside, you should immediately take them to the doctor for an examination and treatment.

Reference: https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/safety/bath-water-safety/bath-safety