Tepid sponging or bathing is a simple way of lowering a high body temperature by utilizing warm or tepid water. It is used when a child’s temperature is 37.8 degrees Celsius or above. The normal body temperature is between 36.3 and 37.3 degrees Celsius.
WHAT TYPE OF WATER SHOULD BE APPLIED?
- USE LUKEWARM WATER, NOT COLD WATER. Using cold water or ice can cause the child’s body temperature to drop too rapidly, causing rigidity.
WHO SHOULD USE A TEPID BATHROOM?
- Babies above the age of 3/4months can have a bath.
- Neonates (babies aged 0 to 28 days) should not be sponged with tepid water. It is not a viable therapeutic choice.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO TEPID BATH A BABY?
- Thermometer for the baby.
- A little towel
HOW TO ADMINISTER A TEPID SPONGE
- In a mixing dish, combine hot and cold water until it reaches lukewarm room temperature.
- Place a few drops on the back of your palms to test for hotness or coolness.
- Soak your washcloth or small towel in water.
- Take a towel and squeeze it. Please do not oversqueeze it.
- Clean your baby. Allow some of the towel’s water to remain on the baby’s body… It aids in the reduction of temperature.
- When finished, drain the water.
- Use a tepid sponge for 5-10 minutes at a time.
- When finished, recheck the baby’s temperature.
You should also give your child the required paracetamol according to his or her weight, and please have a thermometer at home at all times; it is critical. Also, keep in mind that a tepid bath is not a fever-relieving treatment.
