Caring For Your Feverish Child Through The Night (2024)

FAQs

How can I help my child's fever at night? ›

Another option is ibuprofen if your child is at least 6 months old. There's a lot you can do to make them feel better. Put a cool compress on their head and keep their room at a moderate temperature -- not too hot and not too cold. Dress them in one layer of light clothing and offer a light blanket.

Rest. You need rest to recover, and activity can raise your body temperature. Stay cool. If you aren't shivering, dress in light clothing, keep the room temperature cool, and sleep with only a sheet or light blanket.

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if the fever is accompanied by a severe headache, stiff neck, shortness of breath, or other unusual signs or symptoms. If you're uncomfortable, take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin.

Should I let my child sleep when they're not feeling well? The best way for you to help your child recover is to let them to rest, allowing their immune system to fight the illness. Don't be concerned if your child is sleeping more than usual or eating less for a few days.

Fever is a warning sign that your child may have an illness that needs attention. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stresses that fever itself is usually not a problem. In fact, it can be beneficial. “Fever is a sign that your child's body is combating an infection.

Placing a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead and the back of your neck can help your fever symptoms feel better. You might also want to give yourself a sponge bath with cool water, focusing on high-heat areas like your armpits and groin. Normally, this method, known as tepid sponging, is done for about 5 minutes.

The bottom line. Whether or not you choose to break a fever is up to you. While a fever can make you feel low, there might be good reasons to let a fever run its course. If you do choose to break your fever, antipyretic medications are effective — but remember, they won't treat the infection that's to blame.

How to reduce fever at home for a child? ›

Offer plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on the doctor's recommendations. Do not give aspirin to your child or teen as it's linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome. Never use rubbing alcohol or cold baths to bring the fever down.

Fevers are a sign that your child's body is fighting an infection and the best way to treat your child is to keep them hydrated and comfortable. Most children will get better on their own in 3 to 5 days. Fevers help the body fight an infection and does not need to be treated all the time.

Give them a lukewarm sponge bath (but be sure to stop if your child starts to shiver). Ensure they're drinking lots of liquids so that they stay hydrated. Dress them in lightweight clothing and lower room temperatures. Allow them to rest – in most cases, you shouldn't wake a sleeping child to give them fever medicine.

Listen first, then respond.

The greatest thing you can do to comfort someone you love who isn't feeling well is simply to listen. Oftentimes when a friend or family member is ill, we try so hard to make them feel better, that we push solutions they might not be comfortable with.

It's time to call your doctor if your child has any of these symptoms: extremely sleepy or irritable; trouble breathing; rashes; pain, redness or swelling localized in one area (like a bad sore throat or a red, swollen knee); drinking very little or not at all; severely decreased urination; fever lasting longer than ...

You can break a fever by getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, using blankets if you have shivers or an ice pack if you're too hot, and by taking medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

If your child is prone to them, ask about getting prescription eardrops to numb the pain next time around. Why it's worse at night: Body temperature rises naturally in the evening, so a fever that was slight during the day can easily spike during sleep.

Self-treatment suggestions for fever

Take paracetamol or ibuprofen in appropriate doses to help bring your temperature down. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration. Sponge exposed skin with tepid water.

Any serious symptoms occur such as trouble breathing. Fever goes higher than 104° F (40° C) Any fever occurs if less than 12 weeks old. Fever without other symptoms lasts more than 48 hours if age less than 2 years.