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Seizures
Call 911
During a seizure a baby may go stiff, jerk, roll the eyes back or stop responding. Febrile seizures (from fever) happen between 6 months and 5 years, are usually short and almost never cause harm, but they are very frightening.
What to do
- Stay calm and check the clock: time how long it lasts.
- Lay the child on their side on the floor or a flat, safe surface, away from hard objects.
- Loosen clothing around the neck. Remove anything in the mouth only if it's easy.
- Stay with the child. If you can, record a short video for the doctor.
- When it ends, keep the child on their side. It's normal to be sleepy or confused for a while.
What not to do
- Don't put anything in the mouth, including your fingers.
- Don't hold the child down or try to stop the movements.
- Don't put the child in water or give medicine during the seizure.
- Don't give food or drink until the child is fully awake.
