A feverish child can put your parental worry on high alert. In most cases, an elevated body temperature just means your kid's immune system is fighting a bug, and is doing its job properly. A child with a fever does not always need to be medicated; his body can deal with fever by itself in most cases. Usually, natural ways to treat a child's fever can bring the body temperature down as well as fever-reducing medications. Contact your child's doctor if fevers spike above 102 F; medication may be required.
Step 1
Settle your child in front of a fan or an open window -- in the cool weather, not the humid summer -- so the cooler air can help reduce the fever. Dress your child in light layers of cotton clothing to make him more comfortable.
Step 2
Give your child cold beverages throughout the day as a natural treatment for fever. Drinking cool water, diluted juice -- the sugar content of full-strength juice can sometimes upset the stomach -- or a kid's oral rehydration solution prevents dehydration and can bring down the body temperature. Nurse or bottle-feed feverish infants as often as possible to help break a fever.
Step 3
Give your kid a lukewarm bath to bring down a fever without the need for medication. Run a tub filled with water measuring about 85 F or dip a washcloth into a basin for a sponge bath. Cover your child's body with a layer of water; the water will evaporate quickly depending on how high a fever she is running. Continue to bathe your child for several minutes, but stop if she begins to shiver.
