Fever, Age 11 and Younger

It can be hard to know whether you should call your doctor when your child has a Reference fever Opens New Window, especially during the cold and flu season. The degree of the fever may not be related to the seriousness of the illness. The way your child looks and acts is a better guide than the thermometer. Most children will be less active when they have a fever.

If your child is comfortable and alert, is eating well, is drinking enough fluids, is urinating normal amounts, and seems to be improving, home treatment without medicine is all that is needed for a fever. Dress your child lightly, and do not wrap him or her in blankets. Dressing lightly will help your child's body cool down.

Try these home treatment measures to make sure your child is drinking enough fluids and does not get dehydrated while he or she has a fever.

Newborns and babies younger than 1 year of age

Don't wait until Reference dehydration Opens New Window develops to replace lost fluids. Offer fluids to your baby often.

• If you breast-feed your baby, nurse him or her more often.
• If you use a bottle to feed your baby, the amount of fluid you normally use in the formula should be enough to replace lost fluids. Check with your child's doctor if you think you need to feed your baby more often.
• Use an Reference oral rehydration solution (ORS) if mild or moderate dehydration develops. The amount of ORS your baby needs depends on his or her weight and how dehydrated he or she is. You can give the ORS in a dropper, spoon, or bottle.
• If your baby has started eating cereal, you may replace lost fluids with cereal. You also may feed your baby strained bananas and mashed potatoes if your child has had these foods before.

Children ages 1 through 11

• Make sure your child is drinking often. Frequent, small amounts work best.
• For children with dehydration, an Reference oral rehydration solution (ORS) or plain water (if the child is eating food) may be used to replace lost fluids.
• Allow your child to drink as much fluid as he or she wants. Encourage your child to Reference drink extra fluids or suck on flavored ice pops, such as Popsicles. Children ages 4 to 10 should drink at least 6 to 10 glasses of liquids to replace lost fluids.
• Cereal mixed with milk or water may also be used to replace lost fluids.

Keep your child comfortable

Lowering your child's temperature is important when the fever is causing discomfort. If your child is uncomfortable:

• Try giving your child a Reference sponge bath with lukewarm water. Do not use cold water, ice, or rubbing alcohol.
• Encourage quiet activities.
• Watch for Reference signs of dehydration Opens New Window. These include your child being thirstier than usual and having darker urine than usual.

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

Reference Call your child's doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• Reference Level of consciousness Opens New Window changes.
• Your child has Reference signs of dehydration Opens New Window and is not able to drink enough to replace lost fluids. Signs of dehydration include being thirstier than usual and having darker urine than usual.
• Other symptoms develop, such as pain in one area of the body, shortness of breath, or urinary symptoms.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.