What Should I Do if My Toddler Has a Fever?

A fever is the way the body responds to an infection or illness. If your toddler has a fever, there are simple ways to monitor your child’s temperature. According to the National Institute of Health, a child has a fever if the oral temperature is above 99.5 F or 99 F if the temperature is taken under the arm.

Temperature

• If your toddler or child has a fever, it is important to monitor them closely and take your child’s temperature regularly. A temperature for a toddler should be taken under the arm or orally. Avoid having your child eat or drink anything thirty minutes before taking an oral temperature, because it can affect the accuracy of the reading.

Comfort

• Make your toddler as comfortable as possible by removing heavy clothing and having them rest. Encourage your toddler to drink fluids to remain hydrated. A fever can lead to dehydration, so it is important to give your child liquids like ice pops, water and soup when ill. Giving your toddler a sponge bath with lukewarm water can help bring the fever down.

Medication

• Consider giving your child medication that can reduce the fever. Pay attention to the dosage based on a child’s weight and/or age. If you have questions about the proper dose, speak with your physician or pharmacist. Normally, a fever will go away on its own within a few days without treatment, but if it persists, or goes above 102.2 F, contact your child’s pediatrician as it might be a sign of an infection that requires treatment. If your toddler is not uncomfortable or crabby, medication is often unnecessary.

Warning

• If your child has any difficulty breathing, a change in pulse, or if your toddler’s fever does not go down, go to your doctor or nearest emergency room as soon as possible. You should also call your toddler’s pediatrician if your child has an earache, fever, crying, pale appearance, seizure, stomach pain, wheezing, whimpering or constant vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Consideration

• Do not cover your toddler in heavy blankets, as this can keep the fever trapped and cause their body temperature to rise. Do not use a cold bath, ice or alcohol to bring down the fever; it can cause shivering and actually cause a fever to rise. Avoid giving your child an enema, as it can cause dehydration.

Prevention

• Teach your toddler to wash their hands frequently and avoid touching their noses, eyes, or mouths to avoid further infections and transmission of illness.