Physical cooling of babies includes taking warm baths, wiping the neck, armpits and thigh roots with warm towels, and using fever-reducing patches.
Fever is one of the common symptoms in childhood. Physical methods can be used to lower the temperature when the baby has fever but the temperature is <38.5℃, such as using warm towels to apply external compresses on the forehead of the child, warm baths, decreasing the amount of clothing worn, antipyretic patches, antipyretic blankets, fans, and lowering the indoor temperature, etc. All of these methods can carry away the body's heat through conduction, convection, and evaporation to make the baby feel comfortable.
However, it is not recommended to use physical cooling methods such as alcohol or rubbing with warm or cold water, so as to avoid chills, goose bumps and crying, which may increase the baby's discomfort.
If the child is ≥2 months of age, has an axillary temperature of ≥38.5°C, or is uncomfortable and depressed due to fever (when accompanied by significant discomfort), antipyretic medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be given under the direction of a physician, with an interval of at least 6 hours between doses.
Physical hypothermia is for infants with a temperature below 38.5°C. If it is higher than 38.5°C, treatment with antipyretic medication is needed. There are many causes of fever in babies it is recommended to seek prompt medical attention and be evaluated and treated by a specialist. All of the above medications should be used under doctor's supervision, avoid self-medication.