It can be scary when a child or young baby comes down with even a slight fever. Parents are usually quick to overreact, and reach for some kind of fever reducer in the medicine cabinet immediately. What many parents are forgetting is that a fever is the body’s way of battling something that is wrong, and unless a fever becomes dangerously high, medication may not be the right solution.
Here are some more natural and alternative ways to treat your child’s fever. Of course, if your child’s fever becomes dangerously high, or your child exhibits other concerning symptoms, such as confusion or loss of consciousness, call your health care provider or visit an emergency room as quickly as possible.
Give your child fluids
When a child has a fever, he’s likely sweating and losing moisture. It can be very easy for a child to become dehydrated when he has a fever. If your child has a fever, offer clear fluids as often as possible. Fluids like tea, broth and some 100% juices are a great way to keep your child hydrated. Avoid offering sugary fluids like sports drinks, or fluids high in sodium as they may worsen dehydration.
Popsicles
A favorite among sick and feverish kids everywhere is popsicles. Giving your child a popsicle can help lower their fever because of the coldness of the popsicle as it passes through their throat and stomach. Always make sure to give your child 100% juice posicles and avoid any kind of ice cream based popsicles, as milk and dairy products aren’t a good idea for feverish children.
Give your child a lukewarm or cool bath
One of the most tried and true methods of keeping a fever down is to give your child a lukewarm or cool bath. Your child might feel very uncomfortable taking a lukewarm bath. This is likely because when a child has a fever, their body is hotter than it normally is, making even warm water feel colder than it really is.
Wet sock treatment
Another option for bringing down your child’s fever is a wet sock treatment. You can give your child a wet sock treatment by having them take a warm bath, then soaking a pair of thin socks in ice water, wringing them out and putting them on your child’s dried feet. Put a second pair of thick wool socks over the thin wet socks and have your child go to bed, dressed in warm pajamas. This treatment can be very helpful with higher fevers.
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