When your child has a fever, it can make you feel miserable, too. However, before rushing to treat your child's fever, determine whether it is better to leave it alone. Fever is the body's way of fighting disease, so as long as it isn't too high, it could be better to let it run its course and fight off whatever infection your child contracted.
Step 1
Take your child's temperature to determine whether you should attempt to treat the fever or let it go down on its own. A child between 3 months and 3 years old may do better without medicine if he has a fever below 100.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Children over age 3 don't need fever medication unless the fever is above 102 degrees Fahrenheit and the child is uncomfortable. Avoid giving children under 3 months old medication unless a pediatrician advises otherwise.
Step 2
Give your child a children's dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, checking the package for the correct dose, which depends on your child's weight. Only give acetaminophen, as needed, every four to six hours and ibuprofen every six to eight hours.
Step 3
Sponge your child with lukewarm water between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit if he has a fever that exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit 30 minutes after taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Step 4
Provide plenty of liquids so your child does not become dehydrated. Choices include water, clear soup and popsicles.
Step 5
Dress your child lightly, since overheating can raise his body temperature and keep a fever high. He can wear light cotton pajamas or other comfortable and lightweight clothing.
Step 6
Keep the temperature in your child's room between 70 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
Things You'll Need
- Thermometer
- Children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Sponge
- Water
- Popsicles
- Clear soup
