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Baby Health

My baby has a fever and won't eat or drink — how do I keep them hydrated and bring it down, and when should I see a doctor?

For feverish babies the community emphasizes hydration (ORS/Electral, coconut water, breastfeeding) and giving paracetamol only as prescribed, while strongly cautioning that a persistent fever, trouble swallowing, or a very young baby needs prompt medical evaluation rather than home management alone.

💡Quick Answer

  • •Push fluids: ORS/Electral, coconut water, salt-sugar-lemon solution, breast milk
  • •Mix paracetamol into expressed milk or give via a bottle teat if baby refuses it
  • •Give paracetamol/Crocin/Calpol only at prescribed doses and intervals
  • •Trouble swallowing + stubborn fever can mean a bacterial throat infection — see a doctor
  • •Don't self-medicate repeatedly; a young baby or persistent fever needs the pediatrician

⚠️ Caution:Do not give or repeat fever medicine without a pediatrician's guidance. See a doctor promptly if fever persists beyond a day or two, doesn't respond to paracetamol/Crocin, the baby has trouble swallowing, is very young, won't keep fluids down, or shows reduced wet diapers (dehydration). High fever every few hours with painful swallowing may need a throat exam and antibiotics.

🤔What Parents Worry About

When a feverish baby refuses both food and water, parents panic about dehydration and feel powerless watching their child suffer. The community offers gentle, practical ways to coax fluids in (coconut water, ORS, salt-sugar-lemon, expressed milk) and tricks for giving medicine to a baby who spits it out, which restores some sense of control. At the same time, experienced moms are firm that fever in babies isn't something to ride out alone — persistent fever, painful swallowing, or a very young baby means it's time to call the pediatrician rather than rely on home remedies.

Community Answers from Moms(5)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

  1. 1

    Keep the baby hydrated: ORS or Electral, coconut water (sweet, well-liked, mineral-rich so small amounts suffice), namak-cheeni ka ghol (salt-sugar solution) with lemon for taste, and continued breastfeeding.

  2. 2

    For a baby who refuses paracetamol and throws it up, mix it into expressed breast milk, or give it using a bottle teat/nipple.

  3. 3

    Home remedy shared: rub jaiphal (nutmeg) into a thin paste with a few drops of baby oil (not exceeding ~3ml) and apply on the baby's feet before sleep, up to three times a day for 3 days; if no relief, see a doctor.

  4. 4

    If a child has trouble swallowing along with a fever that won't come down even after Crocin/Calpol, it may be a bacterial throat infection needing antibiotics — get a throat examination by the doctor.

  5. 5

    Don't medicate (especially repeatedly) without consulting a doctor; if fever persists beyond a day or two or the baby is very young, contact the pediatrician.

About These Answers

The information shared on this page comes from real experiences of mothers in our community. While we strive to provide helpful insights, this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician, healthcare provider, or other qualified medical professional for any questions regarding your child's health or development.

Last reviewed: June 17, 2026

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My baby has a fever and won't eat or drink — how do I keep them hydrated and bring it down, and when should I see a doctor? | Real Mom Answers | Mom Insider