by Wendy Morgan

Created on: September 09, 2009

Parents know immediately when a child's temperature is not quite right. Thank goodness for thermometers that will either confirm the suspicion of a fever or alert the parent that they may be over-analyzing. Once the fever is confirmed, it is important to try and find out why a child is fevering and determine the best course of action.

First Steps

When an infant has a fever, it is best not to medicate immediately. When a baby under six months old is feverish, contact your doctor immediately. The fever can be a sign of a serious illness that requires urgent medical attention. A baby or child older than 6 months, should be evaluated by a parent or other adult care giver before giving medication or trying another method. After a thorough evaluation, If the child has excessive vomiting, is extremely lethargic or if you really just don't feel right about the way the child is acting, contact a doctor right away. If a fevering child can be comforted or soothed, you can try one of the following methods to reduce the fever and to give relief.

Medication

There are two main medications on the market to treat fever in children, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen can be found in liquid, suppository or melt away tablet form. Acetaminophen is gentler on the stomach and can be given every 4 to 6 hours. Ibuprofen lasts for 6 to 8 hours. Ibuprofen is available in liquid or melt away tablet form. Either option will begin working within 20 to 30 minutes and will also help control any aches and pains associated with the illness.

Lotion Massage

When younger children are suffering through a fever, they tend to need the delicate touch of the mommy or daddy. If you are hesitant to give medication, a lotion massage gives comfort to both child and caregiver. Strip the child down to a diaper and create a comfortable place to lay on the floor or on a bed. If you have a ceiling fan, try and place the bed directly underneath. If you do not have a ceiling fan, a desktop fan will work just fine. Turn the fan on low and direct it toward the child. Using a gentle lotion, begin stroking the child in long motions making sure to cover the torso (front and back), legs, arms and face. As the lotion is applied, the fan cools it and brings down the body temperature of the child. This can be done for long periods of time and is particularly soothing due to the constant contact between parent and child. If you choose to medicate, a lotion massage is a great way to pass the time while waiting for the medication to begin working.

Cool Bath

Parents often hear other parents tout the benefits of tepid baths. A tepid bath is a lukewarm, slightly cool bath. Not so cool that it is cold. Remember, this is for a child and you don't want to overdo it. Placing a fevering child in a tepid bath will help cool their body temperature as well as giving some comfort for aches and pains. Water in general is very soothing and can help to calm a fussing child. Take care to stay with the child while they soak, ESPECIALLY babies. The only drawback to this method is the effects are short term. Once getting out of the bath, the fever and accompanying symptoms will return rather quickly.

These methods will help make illnesses more tolerable for parent and child. If your child is running a fever over 102, it is always a good idea to at least contact the nurse at your doctors office. And if you child has consistently run a fever for three or more days, schedule an appointment to rule out any serious illnesses or infections. Fevers are miserable for anyone, but with a little extra attention and diligence it is possible to provide the necessary comfort to weather the illness.

Learn more about this author, Wendy Morgan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.