How to Reduce Fever for Children
Give your child the proper medication., Use only one type of fever reduction medication., Cool your child off with water., Keep your child well hydrated., Make sure your child rests.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Give your child the proper medication.
Administer a dose of children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen.The Mayo Clinic says to only use fever-reducing medications when the fever is above 102 °F (38.9 °C).Most pediatricians recommend treating a fever above 102 °F (38.9 °C), or if the child is uncomfortable with any degree of fever.
Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen products are available over the counter and are effective at reducing fever.
It is safe to give acetaminophen to children who are over 2 months old, and it is safe to give ibuprofen to children who are more than 6 months old.
Refer to the dosing guide on the product package or ask your doctor or pharmacist to measure an appropriate dose based on a child's weight.Acetaminophen will keep the fever down for four to six hours, and ibuprofen will lower the fever for six to eight hours. -
Step 2: Use only one type of fever reduction medication.
Do not alternate doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen unless instructed to by a physician.
This method may be used in rare cases when the fever is above 104 °F (40 °C) and does not decrease after administering one type of medication., Sponge the child in lukewarm water if the temperature remains above 104 °F (40 °C) 30 minutes after you have administered medication.Sit the child in 2 inches (5.1 cm) of water that is 85 to 90 °F (29 to 32 °C).
Use a sponge or washcloth to continuously moisten his bare skin.Shivering will cause the child’s body temperature to rise, so slightly increase the water temperature if necessary.Alternatively, you can apply a lukewarm, wet cloth on forehead, hands, and feet to reduce the temperature., Keep children hydrated with water, juice, popsicles, clear broth or drinks containing electrolytes that are intended to rehydrate the body.Have the child take small sips of water every 15 to 20 minutes.
Juice and sports drinks, like Gatorade or Powerade, are not recommended for infants under one year old, as they don't provide the proper balance of electrolytes in young children.Pedialyte, or other electrolyte replacement drinks designed for children, are ideal for ensuring proper hydration., When combatting a fever, it is of the utmost importance that your child gets plenty of rest. -
Step 3: Cool your child off with water.
-
Step 4: Keep your child well hydrated.
-
Step 5: Make sure your child rests.
Detailed Guide
Administer a dose of children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen.The Mayo Clinic says to only use fever-reducing medications when the fever is above 102 °F (38.9 °C).Most pediatricians recommend treating a fever above 102 °F (38.9 °C), or if the child is uncomfortable with any degree of fever.
Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen products are available over the counter and are effective at reducing fever.
It is safe to give acetaminophen to children who are over 2 months old, and it is safe to give ibuprofen to children who are more than 6 months old.
Refer to the dosing guide on the product package or ask your doctor or pharmacist to measure an appropriate dose based on a child's weight.Acetaminophen will keep the fever down for four to six hours, and ibuprofen will lower the fever for six to eight hours.
Do not alternate doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen unless instructed to by a physician.
This method may be used in rare cases when the fever is above 104 °F (40 °C) and does not decrease after administering one type of medication., Sponge the child in lukewarm water if the temperature remains above 104 °F (40 °C) 30 minutes after you have administered medication.Sit the child in 2 inches (5.1 cm) of water that is 85 to 90 °F (29 to 32 °C).
Use a sponge or washcloth to continuously moisten his bare skin.Shivering will cause the child’s body temperature to rise, so slightly increase the water temperature if necessary.Alternatively, you can apply a lukewarm, wet cloth on forehead, hands, and feet to reduce the temperature., Keep children hydrated with water, juice, popsicles, clear broth or drinks containing electrolytes that are intended to rehydrate the body.Have the child take small sips of water every 15 to 20 minutes.
Juice and sports drinks, like Gatorade or Powerade, are not recommended for infants under one year old, as they don't provide the proper balance of electrolytes in young children.Pedialyte, or other electrolyte replacement drinks designed for children, are ideal for ensuring proper hydration., When combatting a fever, it is of the utmost importance that your child gets plenty of rest.
About the Author
Carol Hayes
Enthusiastic about teaching lifestyle techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: