What to Do When Your Child Has a Fever | Parent's Guide to Calm & Care

Let’s be real: nothing gets a parent’s heart racing faster than a hot forehead at bedtime. One minute your child is bouncing around the living room — the next, they’re flushed, fussy, and burning up.

But here’s the truth: fevers are common, and in most cases, they’re not dangerous. In fact, a fever is usually your child’s body doing exactly what it’s supposed to — fighting off an infection.

Still, it’s hard not to worry. So, let’s break down what a fever really means, when to stay calm, and when to call the doc.

🌡️ What Is a Fever, Really?

A fever is a body temperature higher than normal. For kids, that usually means:

• 100.4°F (38°C) or above when measured rectally

• Slightly lower when measured orally or under the arm

It’s a sign the immune system is in action — not a sickness itself, but a symptom.

🧠 First Things First: Don’t Panic

Fevers are a natural defense mechanism. Viruses and bacteria don’t love heat, so the body turns it up to fight them off.

Most fevers:

• Are caused by viral infections like colds or flu

• Run their course in a few days

• Don’t need antibiotics

• Can be managed safely at home

Your job? Keep your child comfy, hydrated, and closely monitored.

✅ What to Do When Your Child Has a Fever

1. Check the Temperature (But Don’t Obsess)

Use a reliable thermometer — rectal for infants, oral or ear for older kids. Write it down so you can track any changes.

💡 Tip: Don’t check every 5 minutes. Watch your child’s overall behavior instead.

2. Keep Them Comfortable

• Dress them in lightweight clothes

• Offer a lukewarm (not cold!) bath if they’re very warm

• Let them rest as much as they need

No need to bundle them up — overheating can make things worse.

3. Offer Fluids, Fluids, Fluids

Fever can lead to dehydration fast. Offer:

• Water

• Clear soups

• Breast milk or formula for infants

• Electrolyte drinks for older children (think Pedialyte or similar)

If your child is refusing food, don’t stress. Fluids are the priority.

4. Use Medication Only If Needed

If your child is uncomfortable or in pain (not just “hot”), you can give:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for babies 2 months and up

• Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) for babies 6 months and up

Never give aspirin to children — it can cause a rare but serious illness.

And always check the correct dose based on weight, not just age.

5. Watch for These Red Flags

Call your doctor or head to the ER if your child:

• Is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4°F or higher

• Has a fever that lasts more than 3 days

• Is very drowsy, unresponsive, or unusually irritable

• Has trouble breathing, a stiff neck, or persistent vomiting

• Has a seizure (febrile seizures are scary but usually harmless — still call your doctor)

When in doubt, trust your gut — you know your child best.

🧸 Comfort Over Perfection

You don’t have to “fix” the fever right away. Your job is to support your child’s body as it does its work. Offer cuddles. Create a cozy spot with a favorite blanket. Watch movies. Read books. Let them be still.

Fevers aren’t fun — but with love, rest, and some calm guidance, your child will get through it just fine. And so will you.

💡 Final Thought: You’ve Got This

Parenting through sickness is tough. It’s exhausting, a little scary, and often messy. But every time you soothe a sweaty forehead or hold a hand through the night, you’re doing something amazing: you’re being their safe place.

Fever or no fever — that matters more than anything.