A fever occurs when the body's thermostat rises above the normal range. Typically your body's temperature is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. A fever is the body's natural response when it's fighting an infection. A fever usually gets better within a few days. However, making your child more comfortable during a fever and knowing when to seek medical attention will help.
Step 1
Give your child fluids. A fever puts your child at risk for dehydration, MayoClinic.com warns. For a child age 1 or younger, discuss using an electrolyte replacement drink with your pediatrician. Give older children water, juice or chicken broth to prevent dehydration.
Step 2
Encourage your child to lie down and rest. Physical activity raises a child's body temperature. Resting will allow your child's body an opportunity to heal. Cover your child with a light blanket or sheet while she's resting. Avoid heavy blankets, which might raise her body temperature and make a fever worse.
Step 3
Give your child a lukewarm bath for about 5 to 10 minutes. This can help reduce his fever. Dry your child off afterward and dress her in light pajamas to keep the body cool.
Step 4
Discuss the use of fever-reducing medications with your child's doctor. For a fever below 102 F, your doctor might recommend not using a fever-reducing medication. If your doctor recommends a fever-reducing medication, use as directed. Common fever reducers for children include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Step 5
Contact your child's pediatrician if your newborn or young infant has a fever higher than 100.4 degrees F. For older children, contact the doctor for a fever that is 102 F or higher. This might indicate a more serious infection that needs medical treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- If your child starts to shiver in the bath, remove her immediately. Shivering can increase your child's fever. If your child's fever is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic to fight the infection. Common bacterial infections in children include pneumonia and strep throat, according to MayoClinic.com.
- Never use aspirin in children. This medication can trigger Reye's syndrome; although this condition is rare, it's potentially fatal.
Things You'll Need
- Thermometer
- Electrolyte replacement solution
- Juice
- Chicken broth
- Fever-reducing medication, with doctor's approval
