A fever is any high temperature and usually in the case of children this is considered anything over 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 degrees Celsius). When your child has a fever, it is understandable to be worried but you should remember that it is incredibly common for kids to have fevers and in many cases it will even clear up without any treatment. The best way to tell whether your baby has a fever is with a thermometer and after this you can explore some of the treatment options to reduce a fever in babies.
How to Reduce a Fever in Babies
1. Eat Right and Drink Right
When your child has a fever, you should make sure that he consumes plenty of fluids. Never give him too much apple juice or other fruit juices; instead dilute them using the same amount of water as juice. You can also opt to give your child gelatin or popsicles for hydration and this works especially well if he is vomiting.
Although your child can eat despite having a fever, you should never force him to eat. It is usually best to focus on bland foods that are low in fiber and not very spicy. The best options include pasta, crackers and breads that are made using refined white flour and refined hot cereals (like cream of wheat or oatmeal).
2. Don’t Bundle Up
Never bundle your child with extra clothing or blankets when he has a fever and this is even true if he has chills. This can prevent the fever from reducing or even make it worse. Instead, opt for dressing your child in a single layer of lightweight clothes and use a lightweight blanket at night. Also keep his bedroom at a comfortable temperature and consider using a fan for stuffy or hot rooms.
3. Give Proper Medications
Both ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help you reduce a fever in your child and in some cases your doctor will recommend using both medications. If your child is under three months old, always talk to your doctor before giving him any medication.
To determine dosing information look at the back of the package and find the dosage based on your child’s weight. Acetaminophen should be taken every 4 to 6 hours while ibuprofen should be taken every 6 to 8 hours but never given to children under six months old. Be sure not to give your child aspirin without talking to your doctor. Keep in mind that your child’s temperature doesn’t need to return to normal for him to be comfortable.
4. Bathe Him/ Her
How to reduce a fever iin babies the fast way? You can try reducing your child’s fever by giving him a lukewarm bath in the tub. When the water evaporates off of his skin, it will cool him down and reduce fever. Never use cold water as it can lead to shivering which will increase the fever. You should also avoid using rubbing alcohol as it can cause either a temperature spike or alcohol poisoning.
5. Deal with the Shivering
It is possible for your child to get cold while he has a fever and if this occurs, be sure to cover him with a lightweight blanket. This is an ideal option because it is simple to remove and easy to adjust. A good sign that you need to cover your child is if he is shivering but remember to avoid using heavy blankets.
6. Make the Environment Cool
When your baby has a fever, it is crucial to keep him cool, especially if the area is warm. Always be sure to dress your child appropriately for his surroundings and if he needs to be covered, be sure to use a light blanket. You should aim to keep your child’s bedroom at around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) when they are sick as the cool temperature can help reduce a fever. Consider opening a window if it is necessary to reduce the temperature.
7. Reduce Activity Levels
Although it is good if your child still wants to play despite being sick, you should try to reduce his activity level to some extent. That is because when your child physically exerts himself (even with something as simple as playing) it will increase his body’s internal temperature. Similarly, you should be sure to keep your child indoors when he has a fever.
Watch the video to learn more measures on how to reduce a fever in babies:
Reduce a Fever in Babies: When to See a Doctor
Most of the time a fever in babies is not a serious concern but you should be on the lookout for symptoms that indicate it is necessary to see a doctor.
You should either visit the doctor or go to the emergency room if your child doesn’t seem more comfortable or alert after his fever reduces, the fever symptoms return after disappearing, they don’t have tears while crying or they have not urinated in 8 hours or more.
You should also seek medical attention if your child under three months old has a rectal temperature reading of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), your child is between three and twelve months and has a temperature of 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) or is under two years old and his fever lasts for more than a day or two. Additionally anytime the fever is over 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius) and doesn’t quickly reduce with treatment (and the child isn’t comfortable), you should contact a medical professional.
Additional symptoms that should indicate a visit to the doctor is necessary is fevers of any temperature that come and go for a week, cough, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, earache or sore throat as these indicate the possibility of another illness. If your child recently received an immunization or has a serious medical condition, you should also contact his doctor immediately.
You should call 911 right away if your child has a fever and new bruises or rashes, a seizure, refuses to move, has a stiff neck, a bad headache, blue nails (or tongue or lips), difficulty breathing after clearing his nose, can’t walk, is confused, can’t be easily awakened or is crying and unable to calm down.
The following video can provide more information on how to reduce a fever in babies:
