It can be hard to know what to do when your child has a fever. Often a trip to the doctor yields a “go home and push fluids” verdict. If the doctor says that your child has a bug and it will pass, there are a few things that you will want to do to help the bug pass a bit more quickly.
First, sports drinks are a great way to push fluids without fighting your child to drink more water, which is sometimes a challenge with children. If the child’s stomach seems iffy, a BRAT diet is the way to go. This consists of bananas, rice, apples, and toast that is dry. These items are good for a child’s stomach and will not be as likely to cause nausea.
Check with your doctor to make sure that your child is able to take both Motrin and Tylenol. Alternating doses of these every four hours is one way to keep the fever down without over medicating. Tepid baths can help as well, although children usually do not want to take one because it feels so cold when they are trying to deal with a fever.
While a child may feel that they are cold, it is important not to let them bundle themselves up or wear clothing that is too warm. Blankets and warm clothes can trap body heat and keep a child’s body overheated for longer. This can prolong the illness or cause overheating problems.
If the fever last more than a couple of days, you should call the child’s doctor again and schedule a second appointment. Most of all it is important that you are there for your child, give him or her a hug, and remind them that they will feel better soon. Letting them know you are there is important to them.