A child’s fever can cause a lot of stress and worry for parents. In an otherwise healthy child, a fever is usually a sign that the body is responding to an infection.
If your child has a high temperature and feels uncomfortable, there are a few simple ways to help them feel better at home. These tips do not replace medication or advice from your pediatrician, so ask your pediatrician first. If the fever lasts more than 3 days, you should definitely visit a pediatrician.
How to Help a Child With a Fever Feel More Comfortable
1. Potatoes (Grated)
This is a traditional folk practice, and there is no scientific evidence behind it. Take a few potatoes and wash them well. After that, grate them and put the mixture in the child’s socks.
2. Water and Brandy
In the past, some families placed gauze soaked in diluted brandy in the child’s socks. Pediatricians today advise against putting alcohol on a child’s skin, because it can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled, so this practice is not recommended.
3. Cool Washcloth on the Forehead
Put a damp, cool washcloth on your child’s forehead while they are taking a nap or resting.
4. A Sponge Bath or Lukewarm Tub Bath
Give your child a sponge bath or a lukewarm tub bath. As the water evaporates from the skin, it helps cool the body and makes the child feel more comfortable. Never use cold water for this purpose. It will only make the child shiver, which can raise the temperature.
5. Chilled Food and Fluids
Make sure that your child takes more fluids and chilled food, such as yogurt and ice pops. This helps cool the body from the inside and keeps your child hydrated.
6. Using a Fan
Feel free to use a fan, but keep in mind that your child should not feel cold. Simply put the fan on a low setting and don’t point it directly at your child.
7. Remove Extra Layers of Clothing
Don’t dress your child in multiple layers, because the body loses heat naturally through the skin. Use only one layer of clothing. If your child starts shivering, cover him or her with a blanket until they feel warm again.
8. Stay in a Cool Place, Indoors
Stay at home in a cool place. If your child must go outside, keep them in the shade.
If your baby is 3 months old or younger and has a fever, call the doctor right away. If your baby is between three and five months old, consult a doctor if the temperature reaches 101 degrees Fahrenheit. For babies 6 months and older, consult a doctor if the temperature reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Via Keep Your Body
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.