How Can I Make My Child Feel Better?

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Again, not all fevers need to be treated. And, in most cases, a fever should be treated only if it's causing your child discomfort. Here are some things you can do to alleviate the symptoms that often accompany a fever:If your child is fussy or appears uncomfortable, you can give acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on the package recommendations for age or weight. If you don't know the recommended dose or your child is younger than 2 years, call your child's doctor to find out how much you should give. Remember that fever medication will usually temporarily bring a temperature down, but it will not return it to normal - and it won't treat the underlying reason for the fever. (Never give aspirin to a child under 12 due to its association with Reye syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.) Give your child a sponge bath to make him or her more comfortable and help bring the fever down. Use only lukewarm water; cool water may cause shivering, which actually raises body temperature. Never use rubbing alcohol (it can cause poisoning when absorbed through the skin) or ice packs/cold baths (they can cause chills that may raise body temperature). Dress your child in lightweight clothing and cover him or her with a light sheet or blanket. Overdressing and overbundling can prevent body heat from escaping and can cause a temperature to rise. Make sure your child's room is a comfortable temperature - not too hot or too cold. Offer your child plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration - a fever will cause a child to lose fluids more rapidly. Water, soup, ice pops, and flavored gelatin are all good choices. Avoid drinks containing caffeine, including colas and tea, because they can cause your child to pee more. If your baby or child also has vomiting and/or diarrhea, ask your child's doctor if you should give him or her an electrolyte (rehydration) solution made especially for children. You can find these solutions at pharmacies and supermarkets. Don't offer sports drinks - they're not designed for younger children, and the added sugars may make diarrhea worse. Also, limit your child's intake of fruits and apple juice. In general, let your child eat what he or she wants (in reasonable amounts) but don't force eating if your child doesn't feel like it. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Staying in bed all day isn't necessary, but a sick child should take it easy. It's best to keep your child home from school or child care if he or she has a fever. Most doctors feel that it's safe to return when temperature has been normal for 24 hours.