How to Monitor a Child's Fever
When your little one has a fever, periodically checking his or her temperature is the best way to monitor illness.
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Things You'll Need
- Baby Thermometers
- Digital Thermometers
- Washcloths
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Thermometers
Instructions
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Seek medical care for any fever in a baby less than three months old.
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Check temperature about every four hours.
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Medicate your child with a fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the fever is 102 or higher, or your child is uncomfortable - then recheck temperature after one hour.
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Comfort your child with a lukewarm bath - besides making him or her feel better, it might also bring down the fever.
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Call a doctor if fever is 103 oral or 104 rectal and does not respond to medication.
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Make an appointment to see a doctor if fever shows no improvement after three days, or lasts five days or longer.
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Assess other symptoms. Seek medical care if child is crying inconsolably, is very lethargic or difficult to arouse, complains of a stiff neck, or has red or purple spots on skin.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid giving aspirin to children under the age of 18, due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
It is important to monitor a child's temperature, as a high fever can lead to seizures.
