Are you ready for cold and flu season? Be prepared with your Parent Guide to Treating Fever in Kids. This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Parent Guide to Treating Fever in Kids
Can you hear the sniffles yet? Cold and flu season is back and with it, fever. I don’t know about you, but when my kids spike a fever, I get worried…even with my background as a pediatric nurse. Remember my viral Theme Park Nightmare post? But being informed, knowing what to look for, and knowing how to treat your kids quickly and safely can make a difference in an emergency situation.
So today I’m sharing my Parent Guide to Treating Fever in Kids, answering your common questions for medicine dosing, when to treat, when to call the doctor and alternative treatment options.
Should I treat every fever?
Treat your child’s symptoms – are they acting playful even with fever – or do they seem tired and unwell? According to Dr. Swanson “Fever is a natural response of the immune system – it’s a response to illness, not illness itself.”
Fever isn’t enough. Look at the whole picture.
When should I take my child to the pediatrician?
Dr. Swanson recommends seeing the pediatrician if the fever persists after 3 days in infants and children, in any fever in a baby 3 months or younger, or any fever over 104.
What is the right fever medicine dose for my child?
Before offering your child an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, remember to always read the Drug Facts label first, to ensure correct dosage and to make sure you aren’t double dosing because some cold and flu OTCs contain acetaminophen.
According to a study conducted by the National Institute for Health (NIH), 8 out of 10 parents have given the wrong dose of liquid medicine by accident. Only use the dosing device that comes with the medicine to ensure proper dosing. Never ever use a kitchen spoon – it is never appropriate to substitute for the dosing device that comes with the medicine. Find more tips on safe dosing here. And remember to dose your child based on their weight, not their age.
Should I alternate between ibuprofen and acetaminophen?
If you decide to alternate between these two medicines, make sure you are keeping track of dosage and time. Make sure you start with one medicine and then offer the other medicine next, about 3-4 hours later. Dr. Swanson wants to remind parents that neither medicine should be used for more than 72 hours without consulting a physician. Click here for a helpful dosing chart based on child’s weight, for ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
What else can I do?
As a mama bear, I know how it feels when your child has a fever. We can’t sit around and wait. We have to do. What else can we do to help our child’s fever? Here are a few things us fellow mama bears can do to help:
- Offer plenty of fluids to keep your child hydrated
- Give chilled foods such as ice pops, yogurt, ice
- Apply a damp, cool washcloth to your child’s forehead and back of neck
- Give your child a lukewarm bath or sponge bath
- Keep child cool – avoid heat/intense sunlight, remove extra layers of clothing, use a fan
- Encourage rest
Fevers are a real concern when it comes to parenting our kids. We feel for kids and want to protect them from any and all sickness. Pay attention to all of your child’s symptoms, not just the fever. Know your child’s weight. Keep track of any and all medicine administration. Have alternative fever reducing actions standing by. Bookmark KnowYourOTCs.org. Having the right tips and tools can mean the difference in getting our kids healthier sooner.
What tips do you have for treating fever in kids?
I am a #KnowYourOTCs blogging ambassador, compensated by the CHPA’s Educational Foundation in support of KnowYourOTCs.org. All opinions are my own. No little hands touched the OTC medicines (I’m a pediatric nurse, remember?) and teeth were promptly brushed following these pictures. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube for more family travel tips, delicious recipes, and kid crafts.
robin rue says
I remember that my oldest had a 103 degree fever when he was about a year old and I was freaking out. I spoke with the pediatrician and he laughed at me and told me not to freak unless it got to 106!!! It was horrifying LOL, but I learned a good lesson.
Stacie says
These are great tips. I make double sure of my dosages and time tables when I alternate ibuprofen and acetominaphen.
Liz Mays says
It’s definitely the time to watch out for those symptoms! This is good advice. I like having medicine stocked up just in case!
Marissa Zurfluhm says
This is wonderful and thorough information for parents. It’s definitely that time of the year to be aware of this knowledge.
Sara Welch says
I know as a younger parent, this information would have been like gold to me. So many of these things for your kids you don’t think about!
Our Family World says
All my kids suffered from febrile convulsions when they were younger than one year old. It was so scary! Good thing I had my mom with me when it happened. She moved so fast, stripped the clothes off the baby and gave them a sponge bath. That brought the fever down quick. Thank you for these tips. I will share this with friends who have young children in the house.
travel blogger says
This is so helpful! I have a 3 year old and a two month old, and I am pretty terrified about this cold and flu season. I had no idea that I could alternate between medicines. Good to know!
Joyce Brewer says
Our son has asthma. Cold & flu season is such a vulnerable time for us. Even the slightest runny nose can send us the doctor and even the hospital.
Claudia Krusch says
These are great tips for treating your child’s fever. I like to give my Son a bath with a little vinegar in it. Mixed with fever medicine it seems to work well.
Pam says
I was just reading about this last night. I had no idea that misdosing was so common!
belinda bell says
great tips. The flu is running wild here
Amber Ludwig says
These are really great tips!! Super important to not treat a fever unless absolutely necessary!! Its our body’s way of fighting off sickness. we just aim for hydrated and comfortable!
Rita Spratlen says
This is some wonderful information! I am glad my kids are grown but I am dosing some kittens now!!
Veronica Solomon says
It really sucks when the little ones get sick. Glad there is some good medicine to help out
Estelle Erasmus says
This is the time of year that we need to know this info as parents. I’ve been stocking up on over the counter remedies for just this reason.
shelly peterson says
Thanks for sharing this great info. With it being cold/flu season this is good to know.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
These are really great points to remember when treating fever. Thank you so much for sharing these! Really helpful!
Carol Cassara says
Getting a fever during the holidays is a total bummer and it would be nice to make it go away as quick as possible. I think this is a great guide for parents!
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
This is such a helpful post especially this season. It’s really important that we know what to do when the kids get sick!
Rosey says
Fevers are definitely worrisome. We keep medicine stocked in case we need it (for us and the kids).