A fever in a child is often a sign of an infection, but it can indicate other illnesses or health conditions. Caregivers should consult a physician before attempting to treat the fever at home. A low-grade fever is dangerous in young infants and requires medical treatment, as does a temperature over 102 degrees in older children. Fever-reducing medicines are not safe for children of all ages, but many home remedies are.
Undress
A child with a fever should be dressed lightly or undressed. Clothing can trap body heat and keep a child's temperature elevated. When a child has the chills with the fever, she may feel too cold to get undressed. When this is the case, FamilyDoctor.org, an online publication of the American Academy of Family Physicians, recommends covering the child with blankets until the chills subside and then reducing clothing or covers.
Cool Baths
A cool bath can be intolerable for some children, especially when the fever is well above 101 degrees, but it can be effective in reducing body temperature. The water does not need to be cool to the touch. Instead, fill the tub with lukewarm water. The bath will likely feel cooler than what is normally desired. Should a child find this too uncomfortable, a sponge bath is an effective alternative.
Monitor Room Temperature
Keep the child's bedroom at a comfortable temperature of 70 to 74 degrees, suggests FamilyDoctor.org. A cool room can increase chilling and shivering. Shivering can actually elevate body temperature so it is best to help a child avoid this symptom of the fever. It is a good idea to encourage a child to rest until the fever has broken because playing or moving about can increase the body temperature. A fever can also drop for a while and spike suddenly, making it important that a child take it easy for a while after the fever has broken.
Cool Drink
Fluid intake is important with a fever to reduce the risk of dehydration. Cool drinks, if they are comfortable to the child, should be offered frequently. The liquid's temperature can help lower the body temperature. Popsicles or flavored gelatin are good choices, as recommended by FamilyDoctor.org.
