How to Handle a Child's Fever

Fevers are something that happens every day to anyone. More than almost any other common condition fever causes parents to worry. Especially for first time parents. The first signs of a child or baby having a fever are the discomfort of the child or baby and of course the red-cheeked child. Then it gets the parents wondering if it’s just the fever itself or is it a sign of a more serious illness.

In furthermost cases, fever is not serious and, if anything, is a good sign that the child’s body is working to fight an illness, probably the worst of the illness. While extremely high fevers can be over 104 degrees F then calling for action is the best choice at that point. Between a 100-degree fever and a 102-degree fever is not much of a difference. Since many types of bacteria and viruses don’t like hot temperatures, a fever is a nature’s way of fending off disease.

Now you wonder when you should call a doctor.

Any infant age three months or younger with a fever should be seen by a doctor immediately. After that, the data is less absolute. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parents call the pediatrician within 24 hours for fever in children one year old or less. Also looking at other symptoms is always good too. Such as neck pain, persistent vomiting, and diarrhea.

Should you always jump the conclusions and give your child medication right away? Not necessarily.

When using medications for fever-reducing, we need to remember that we cannot give medication because of the certain temperature or the number. The most important thing is our child’s comfort lever. Fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen often only reduces a child’s fever by one degree, which can often times be just enough to allow our child to sleep comfortable. If you cannot feel like you can make your child comfortable with adequate medication dosing, then consulting a doctor should be the best bet.

If your child is sleeping, wait until your child wakes up to give her medicine. Also make sure we take advantage of this time and give them a drink of clear liquid to make sure that the child stays well hydrated. Often times, the warmth of a mother being close to a child might help. Swaddling the baby in a baby carrier, or just laying next to your child so they feel like they don't have to go through alone.

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