Watching your child battle sickness is difficult for any parent, and it often comes with its own set of worries and challenges. While the instinct might be to reach for medicine immediately, it’s important to pause and assess the situation first.
In this article, we will discuss what to do when your child has a fever and how to reduce fever in a child naturally.
What are the First Steps to Fever Treatment for Children at Home?
Don’t give your kid fever-reducing medicines right away. Wait for a few hours/a day before giving them medicine. Additionally, you must seek medical advice for fevers above 100.4°F (38°C) lasting over 3 days, with severe symptoms like rash, vomiting, lethargy, seizures, or if unresponsive to medication.
Why You Shouldn’t Rush to Give Fever Medicine
When your child has a fever, it’s natural to worry and want to give medicine immediately. But before you do, take a deep breath and remember this: fever is actually your child’s body fighting off an infection naturally. It’s a built-in defence mechanism designed to help them get better.
Here’s how it works: when your child’s body raises its temperature, it creates an environment where germs can’t survive easily. At the same time, their immune system—like little soldiers—is working harder to fight off those germs. If you bring the fever down too quickly with medicine, you might actually slow this process and make it harder for the immune system to do its job.
When the temperature gets high or your kid feels extremely uncomfortable, give them fever-reducing medicines.
How to Reduce Fever in Child Naturally
When your child is unwell, providing thoughtful care is key to helping them recover. If you are looking for how to cure fever naturally, here are some tips:
- Prioritise Rest
- Keep Them Hydrated
- Don’t Force Meals
- Try Gentle Herbal Teas
- Add Immune-Boosting Nutrients
- Sponge or Warm Bath
- Keep Fan’s Speed Low
A fever indicates that your kid’s body is actively fighting off an infection. Therefore, rest is key to recovery. Encourage naps or quiet time during the day, even if they resist staying in bed. Minimise physical activities like running or playing too hard, and opt for calm activities like reading or drawing. Aim to give them 10–12 hours of sleep at night to help their little bodies heal.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. Fever can often cause dehydration. Therefore, give your children warm soups and broths, which are comforting and packed with immune-boosting nutrients to replenish lost fluids. If they refuse to have liquids, offer small sips of water throughout the day to maintain hydration.
It’s okay if your child eats less during illness. The immune system needs energy to fight off infections, and forcing food can divert energy toward digestion. Trust your child’s natural hunger cues, and let their body guide you.
Herbal teas like ginger and peppermint can help reduce fever naturally while supporting the immune system. These teas are also hydrating and soothing for your child.
Incorporate nutrients that support immunity, like vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D, into their diet. These can come from foods, drinks, or supplements (if advised by your paediatrician).
For younger children, a warm sponge bath, and for older ones, a warm tub bath can provide relief during a fever. The warmth helps regulate body temperature, and as the water evaporates, the fever gradually lowers. Avoid cold baths as they can cause shivering, which might raise the body temperature further.
It’s a common misconception that switching off fans is a natural fever treatment for children at home. You don’t need to switch off the fan to treat fever; you can keep the fan on at a low speed to ensure the room stays airy and well-ventilated. This prevents overheating without making your child shiver, creating a comfortable environment for recovery.
Summing Up
In conclusion, these home remedies should be your first response to fever treatment for children at home. These methods are safe and free from harmful side effects, making them ideal for your child’s comfort and recovery. However, if there’s no noticeable improvement or the symptoms seem to worsen, it’s essential to consult a doctor promptly.
Once your little one is back to their energetic self, check out our blog, Natural Solutions For Enhancing Your Child’s Immune System At Home. It’s filled with easy and practical tips to help build their immunity so they can stay healthy. You can also visit EuroKids blog for more insightful articles on your little one’s growth, health, and learning. And don’t forget to explore EuroKids Preschools for the perfect foundation to kickstart your little one’s learning journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How do I lower my child’s fever quickly?
- What are the best foods that reduce fever in kids?
- Is wet cloth a good fever treatment for children at home?
- What is a febrile seizure?
- How to Take My Child’s Temperature?
Give your child a lukewarm sponge bath (stop if they start to shiver), ensure they’re drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, dress them in lightweight clothing, and keep the room cool. Allow them to rest – don’t wake a sleeping child for medication unless necessary.
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, which can reduce inflammation and support immunity. Berries, especially those containing quercetin, may also help fight infections like the common cold.
A cool, damp washcloth placed on the forehead and back of your neck can provide relief.
Febrile seizures are convulsions that can occur in children aged 6 months to 5 years with high fever. Symptoms may include drooling, eye rolling, body jerking, or stiffness. If the seizure lasts more than 3 minutes, contact your paediatrician immediately. You can also comfort your child by turning their head to one side to prevent choking and avoid feeding them during the seizure.
You can use a digital thermometer for accurate readings. Rectal thermometers are the most accurate for babies. Forehead (temporal artery) thermometers are the next best option.
