6 Oct 2022 | 3 min Read
Reema Shah
Author | 740 Articles
As a parent, you may find yourself in the dilemma of whether or not to massage your baby with a fever. Some experts suggest that if your baby has a mild fever, a massage might offer some relief as babies too experience body aches when they have a cold or viral infection. Hence, a gentle massage might help to ease discomfort.
While some doctors are in the favour of massage during a fever, others feel that massage should be avoided during a fever. In fact, it should be avoided even during a viral illness such as the flu or cold.
This is because during an infection, the baby’s body works hard to fight it off and recover. In such a situation, a massage can be stimulating to the body when rest is more important.
It’s better to ask your doctor first before massaging if your baby has a fever. Use gentle strokes to massage your baby if your doctor gives a go-ahead.
You can massage your baby without using any oil and on top of his/her clothes in case they have a fever. This will prevent them from feeling cold. It can also be more convenient for you as you can stop when you want. Plus, you need not bathe your baby or change his clothes.
When massaging your baby, pay attention to your baby’s response as your baby will let you know when the massage needs to end. Plus, he/she will also send cues as to which strokes they like or dislike. So if your baby starts to cry during the massage, understand that they have had enough. It might also indicate that he/she doesn’t want to be massaged.
Massage only the soles of the baby’s feet or the palms of his hands if your baby doesn’t seem to enjoy a full body massage. Use gentle strokes to relax and soothe his head and forehead.
If you give your baby an oil massage, choose an oil that suits your baby’s delicate skin. Go for natural baby-friendly massage oil which has ingredients like moringa oil, avocado oil, almond oil, sesame oil and saffron oil. BabyChakra’s Nourishing Baby Massage Oil is made with the all-natural ingredients mentioned above and is excellent in soothing the baby.
Remember that if your baby has a fever and a rash, take them to the doctor. Avoid applying any product on their skin without first consulting the doctor.
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Suggestions offered by doctors on BabyChakra are of advisory nature i.e., for educational and informational purposes only. Content posted on, created for, or compiled by BabyChakra is not intended or designed to replace your doctor's independent judgment about any symptom, condition, or the appropriateness or risks of a procedure or treatment for a given person.