How to Cure a Fever in Children

Fevers in children are typically a sign of an infection or illness. Though a child's temperature will fluctuate throughout the day, extreme temperatures (above 100.4) should be taken seriously. However, the best guideline for determining the health of a child may be his behavior, rather than his temperature. Assess his eating and play habits and look for unusual behavior or lethargy.

Things You'll Need

• Over-the-counter medications
• Beverages
• Warm bath

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medicines may help to bring down the fever and rid your child of the achy symptoms that sometimes accompany a fever.

• 2

  Alternate medications. Switching from one medicine to another every few hours may help relieve the fever. Keep a schedule to be sure you are dosing correctly.

• 3

  Remove heavy clothing. Heavy clothing and blankets can trap heat, preventing the temperature from going down. Dress the child in light apparel, even if he is cold.

• 4

  Offer plenty of fluids, such as water, juice and children's drinks. Staying hydrated will help your child fight the infection more quickly. Avoid overly sugary drinks and sodas, which will only further dehydration.

• 5

  Run a warm bath. A common misconception is that extreme temperatures are best for reducing fevers. Luke warm water may be equally effective, and will be more tolerable than cold water.