If your baby has a temperature above 39°C (38.4°C under the arm), call the doctor immediately. In the meantime, you can help bring it down by removing his clothes and sponging him gently with tepid water. If he is over three months, you can give the recommended dose of children's paracetamol suspension. Babies under three months should only be given paracetamol on the doctor's advice.

There are other treatments that can help bring your child's fever down:

• Give your child plenty of drinks, such as cooled boiled water. Do not worry if they refuse milk or their normal food, they will eat normally when they feel better.
  
  
• Make sure that the room temperature feels neither too hot nor too cold (around 15°C).
  
  
• Take off most of your child's clothes so he can lose heat through the skin, for example down to vest and nappy. Do not wrap your child in blankets or duvets, a light sheet may be enough.
  
  
• If temperature still continues to rise, all-over sponging with tepid (not cold) water encourages heat loss. Or place your child in a warm bath and add cold water gradually until lukewarm.