A fever results when your body raises its base body temperature to fight off bacteria, viruses and infections. This can cause discomfort in young children, but you can do several things to make them more comfortable. Contact your doctor immediately if a child 3 months or younger has a fever over 100.4; a child 3 to 6 months old has a fever over 101; or a child older than 6 months has a fever over 103, recommends the American Academy of Family Physicians. In all other instances, call your doctor if a fever persists beyond three days.
Step 1
Administer anti-fever medication for fevers greater than 102.2 degrees, recommends New York Presbyterian Hospital. Appropriate medications include acetaminophen or ibuprofen; do not give aspirin to children. The appropriate type of medicine and dosage depends on the age of the child; consult your doctor before administering treatment.
Step 2
Provide your child cold liquids like water, popsicles and jello to replace fluids lost through sweating and to cool the body.
Step 3
Set the temperature of the room to between 70 and 74 degrees.
Step 4
Dress your child in lightweight clothes like cotton pajamas; excess clothing traps heat in the body.
Step 5
Give your child a bath or sponge him with lukewarm water.
Step 6
Place cold washcloths over areas of the body where blood vessels lie close to the skin, such as the groin, wrists and forehead.
