Comforting a Fever

For a parent, it’s understandable to be concerned when your child has a fever.  Usually, a fever is just a symptom of an infection or other condition.  In most cases, a fever will go away on its own in 2 or 3 days.

If your child has a fever, but is playing, eating, and behaving as usual, you may not need to do anything.  However, if your child doesn’t feel well, your treatment goal should be to help him or her feel more comfortable. Your goal doesn’t have to be getting a temperature back to normal levels: just remember that any decrease can help bring your little love some relief.

What you can do

Fever reducers such as acetaminophen (found in Children’s TYLENOL®) or ibuprofen (found in Children’s MOTRIN®) may help make your child more comfortable. They usually work in 30 to 60 minutes.  Ask your doctor for his or her recommendation.

Comfort Tip: A sleeping child is a comfortable child.  Most pediatricians recommend that you not wake a sleeping child to give fever medicine.

Other steps to consider:

• Sponge your child’s body with slightly warm water (only if child finds it comforting and stop if child begins to shiver)
• Keep your child cool with light clothing and a lower room temperature
• Make sure your child drinks lots of liquids