When your little one gets a fever, it can be a very upsetting experience and may leave you fearing the worse. However, in most cases, a fever is just a sign that your child’s developing immune system is doing its job. As a parent, it is your job to help them out by keeping them comfortable and knowing the signs that indicate that they might need some medical assistance.
There are some simple steps to follow when your child develops a fever, and most of them can be easily done at home without having to visit the doctor. So, read on to find out some useful tips to treat your child’s fever.
What Is a Fever?
Before we introduce some of the tips, we think it is important to be clear about what fever is. A person develops a fever when their body is trying to fight off an infection. The body gets warmer to try and kill off unwanted germs. Unsurprisingly, babies and young children will develop more fevers because their immune systems are not fully developed yet.
Your little one can also get a fever after immunizations, and babies may develop a fever because they are wearing too many layers of clothing.
Note for Parents with Newborn Babies
You should never put too many layers on your baby, as this can cause them to overheat, which can lead to dehydration. Therefore, you should carefully monitor their temperature and the amount of clothes they wear, as they are unable to regulate their body temperature. If you suspect that your newborn has a fever, you should contact your doctor immediately.
What to Look For
If your child is generally healthy, then the fever can usually be treated at home. This is definitely the case if your kid is eating and playing as usual. Also, you should monitor their general behavior and activity levels. If they are still fairly active, then there should be no cause for concern. However, if they have a high fever and are not taking in a lot of fluids, then you should get them checked up.
How Can I Make My Child More Comfortable?
There are several things you can do at home to help out your little one. The primary objective is to get them as comfortable as possible, which may be tricky if they are achy and have a high temperature.
- Over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can help kids older than two years old. They help to reduce the symptoms of the fever.
- Make sure that your child has lots of fluid to avoid dehydration. Try to avoid drinks with caffeine, as this will not help at all. Water and electrolyte solutions can minimize the risks. Soup and ice pops are good ways to get some nutrients into their little bodies if they are not in the mood for solids.
- Light clothing and bedding is always a good idea when your child has a fever. The goal is to keep your child comfortable and also allow the heat to escape the body. Over-bundling or putting on too many layers can trap heat, which will lead to overheating and dehydration.
Lots of rest is essential so that the immune system can successfully fight off the infection. If your kid has a fever, they should be kept off school and avoid any strenuous activities.