How to Comfort a Child with Fever

A fever is generally defined as an oral temperature above 99.4 degrees F or a rectal temperature above 100.4 degrees F. It is simply a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Parents tend to get worried but it is actually very common in children. Because a child's immune system is less developed than that of an adult, they tend to get more infections. Take heart in knowing that the frequency rate of infections in children tends to decrease as they get older. The main reason to treat your child's fever is to make him feel more comfortable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Infants or Children's acetaminophen
• Washcloth
• Water
• Blanket
• Fluids
• Child's light cotton pajamas or comfortable clothing
• Thermometer

1. To help bring down the fever you can give your child acetaminophen, following the recommended dosage on the package. The medicine should begin working in 30 to 60 minutes.
2. After giving the child the medicine, you can also place a cool washcloth on her forehead or give her a sponge bath with tepid water - make sure the water is not cold. Take her out of the bath immediately if she begins to shiver.
3. If your child is shivering, use a warm blanket to cover him until the shivering stops. It is not uncommon for a child to become irritable when he's under the weather. Feel free to indulge him a bit offering those things that bring him comfort and accommodating his requests within reason.
4. Give your child plenty of fluids to keep him hydrated and to help the body cool itself.
5. Dress your child in light cotton so that heat can escape from the body.
6. Keep your child still and quiet in a comfortably cool room – between 70 and 74 degrees F.
7. Check your child's temperature, appearance, and behavior regularly—keeping an eye out for signs of a more serious condition—until she seems back to normal.

Tips & Warnings

• Children can also be given ibuprofen to bring down a fever. Speak with your doctor first and she will tell you the correct dose for your child.
• Do not use rubbing alcohol to cool your child's skin—the vapors are toxic.
• It's best not to use aspirin to bring down a child's fever. Aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome in children with the flu or chickenpox. Reye's syndrome is a serious sickness that can lead to death.
• If your child is less than four months check with your doctor before administering any medication.
• Signs of a more serious illness include vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, high-pitched crying, stiff neck, sore throat, swollen joints and changes in behavior.