How to Treat a Child's Low-Grade Fever
When your toddler comes down with a fever, you always wonder what you should do in order to bring the fever down or make it go away. When a mommy sees her toddler not feeling well, she goes into overdrive to find ways to make her baby better.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Thermometer
- Warm bath
- Cool wash cloth
- Over-the-counter medications
- Prescription medications
- Homeopathic remedies
Instructions
-
-
1
Use a thermometer. When you suspect your toddler has a fever, take your toddler's temperature. A normal body temperature range for a healthy toddler is between 97 and 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. If your toddler's temperature is higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, he has a fever. Most children begin to show signs of not feeling well once their fever hits around 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures less than 103 degrees Fahrenheit are generally considered low-grade fevers.
-
2
Use a cool compress and/or wash cloth. When you see your toddler is not feeling well and is warm or hot to the touch, place a cold compress on his forehead, behind his neck and on his wrists. This will help to cool his body temperature down.
-
-
3
Place your toddler in a lukewarm bath. Another way to cool down your toddler's low grade fever is by sitting your toddler in a lukewarm bath. This will indeed lower his temperature and get his mind off his discomfort.
-
4
Give your toddler fever reducing medication. You can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce a fever. It's a good idea to check with your child's doctor prior to giving him any medication. Your child's well visits are good times to discuss the use of these medications and proper dosing instructions.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you have questions about how to treat your toddler's low-grade fever, call your pediatrician. Most doctor's offices have nurses available to answer questions over the phone.
If your toddler become lethargic, call your child's doctor. Do not use aspirin as a fever reducer for children.
Do not put your toddler in a cold bath to cool him down. Doing so can cause the body to cool too quickly and can create medical complications.
References
- Photo Credit sick child image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
More Like This
Comments
View all 20 Comments-
david-qna
Dec 07, 2009
Helpful article. Thanks. -
ktorres2000
Oct 06, 2009
what? 104 or 100.4. From the many times I have been to the hospital with 1 of my 5 children, 104.00 F is seizure stage. 100.4 is considered a fever and should not be taken lightly, specially with small children who may quickly develop a higher fever without warning since they can't really let you know when they are hurting or feel uncomfortable. If you call any hospital, a 101.0 fever on a child is more than high enough to come in. I would never recommend letting your child's fever getting anywhere near 104.0 F. It is extremely dangerous!
-
starlet67
Feb 26, 2009
Good advice for handling a child's fever.Nice article!
-
starlet67
Feb 26, 2009
Good advice for handling a child's fever.Nice article!
-
wizardofodds
Feb 22, 2009
Good article! 5*
