How to Reduce Fever in Children Naturally

Nothing can make a parent panic more than the thought of their child coming down with a fever. Young children are prone to falling ill because their immune systems are still developing to fight toxic air and seasonal allergies. While seeing your child’s discomfort can be difficult, parents must remember that fever in children is not necessarily a reason to worry. A temperature below 100 degrees means your child’s immune system works hard to fight off an infection. Instead of rushing your child to a doctor, you can use the following tips: How to Reduce Fever in Children Naturally to ease your child’s discomfort and prevent their temperature from rising.

Why you shouldn’t give fever-reducing medicine right away

If your child is warm, it is natural for you to get tensed and rush to the medicine cabinet immediately. But next time before doing that, pause for a moment and understand that fever is a sign that your child’s body is fighting off an infection naturally. It is a natural defense mechanism and sometimes it is the best approach to let nature take its course.

Fever means your child’s body has increased its temperature to create an environment that is not germ-friendly. When the body temperature rises, germs become weaker and the white blood cells or the body’s soldiers can fight them better. So, if you bring down the body temperature with medication, you can weaken your little one’s immune system.

There are times when fever-reducing medications may be necessary. If the temperature is too high and your child is too uncomfortable you may have to use medication. If the problem continues, it is best to consult your doctor and take their advice.

How to Reduce Fever in Child Naturally

Feed Them Nourishing Soup

The real danger of a child running a temperature isn’t the fever in itself, but dehydration – a common side-effect. Your child’s fever might make them sweat excessively and lose important minerals. This is why you need to ensure your child drinks enough fluids throughout the day to compensate for the electrolytes (s)he is losing. A hot bowl of soup is one of the best natural fever remedies. Not only is soup full of essential vitamins and minerals, but is easier for your child to digest. Try avoiding instant soups as homemade is always the healthiest option. There are plenty of easy and healthy soup recipes that you can make in no time at all.

Apple Cider Bath

While ice-cold baths are a popular remedy to bring down fever in children, they might not be helpful. Cold showers can shock your child’s internal temperature and do little to bring down their fever. A lukewarm bath, on the other hand, is gentle on the body and can bring down a high temperature almost immediately. To make a warm bath even more effective add a cup of apple cider vinegar to it. This is one of the most popular natural fever remedies and has been used for decades to treat fever in children. You can even add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to a warm compress pack and lay it over your child’s forehead.

Herbal Teas

If your child refuses to drink water when they’re down with a fever, try giving him/her some herbal tea instead. As long as it doesn’t contain caffeine, herbal teas are perfectly safe for children. They are one of the best natural fever remedies and will keep your child hydrated. Herbal teas also have many health benefits that can treat your child’s fever. Chamomile tea is a very popular remedy for fever and is even safe for babies. Peppermint tea can help settle a bad tummy and ease congested airways. You can also add a teaspoon of honey to the tea for better taste and extra antibacterial powers.

Essential Oils

Essentials oils like the Eucalyptus oil may not be able to bring down the fever, but they definitely help with soothing. If you child has the flu and fever, essential oils may be able to help comfort them. You can use essential oils in a diffuser or as a chest rub. Oils that have peppermint and menthol may work better as a chest rub, to open up the nose block. Other like lavender may be better in a diffuser to create a calm environment around your baby. You could also dab a little eucalyptus oil on your child’s pillow as they sleep to help them breathe better through the night if they have fever and the flu.

Probiotics

When your child’s immune system is working hard to fight an infection, probiotics can lend a helping hand. Almost 80% of your immune system lies in the tiny microbes that live in your gut. To help strengthen your child’s gut microbiota when they’re sick, give them a dose of probiotic supplements every day. You can also feed your child probiotic supplements if they’re on a course of antibiotics to prevent an upset tummy. Making your child take a daily dose of probiotics can even prevent them from falling sick in the future.

Fruit Popsicles

If there’s one thing that children love regardless of whether they are sick or not, it’s popsicles. When your child is sick, don’t feel guilty about feeding them fruit popsicles. Iced popsicles can cool down your child’s temperature from the inside and hydrate them at the same time. You can make your fruit popsicles by freezing pureed fruit in popsicle cones. While natural fruit sugars are fine, we recommend you say no to refined sugars in your child’s popsicles.

These tips can help ease your child’s discomfort when they’re down with a fever. However, if their temperature rises beyond 100 degrees with any other significant symptoms, make sure you visit a doctor immediately.

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FAQs

1. Why does my child have a fever?

   It is pretty common for children to get a fever, especially when they are fighting an infection. You need to track other symptoms and keep track of the fever pattern. The fever curve can give you an idea about what is going on but if you are still worried about it, you must visit the pediatrician to guide you better.

2. What temp is a fever for my child?

   Here’s a quick guide for you:

   • Rectal, forehead, or ear: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
   • Oral: 100°F (37.8°C) or higher
   • Under the arm: 99°F (37.2°C) or higher

   A normal body temperature for a child can range from 97°F to 100°F, but it’s usually around 98.6°F.

3. What is high fever in children?

   A high fever in a child is considered to be 104°F (40°C) or higher. It’s always a good idea to monitor your child closely and consider visiting the doctor and giving fever-reducing medication at this temperature as per the doctor’s guidance.

4. What should I do if the fever doesn’t go down with medication?

   If the fever does not go down with medication for over 24 hours, you must visit your pediatrician. Meantime, encourage your child to drink a lot of fluids and remember not all fevers require medication.

5. When should I admit my child with a fever?

   It is important to seek medical help if your child is looking very sick, has trouble breathing, has a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher, or is under 12 weeks of age and has a fever.

6. How long does a viral fever last in a child?

   Viral fevers usually improve within 2-3 days. If the fever lasts longer than 5 days, despite medication it’s a good idea to consult your doctor.

7. Can I put a cold towel to help the fever?

   A cool, damp cloth on your child’s forehead or neck can help them feel more comfortable. You could also give them a lukewarm bath or sponge bath, focusing on areas like the armpits and groin.

8. Is it a cause for concern?

   Fevers are often a normal response to infection. However, it’s important to pay attention to other symptoms and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

9. Am I allowed to bathe my child?

   While it’s generally okay to bathe your child, avoid doing so if they’re uncomfortable or if their temperature is rising. A lukewarm bath or sponge bath might be soothing, especially when the fever starts to subside.

10. When can I bring my child to kindergarten/school again after a fever?

    Most doctors suggest keeping your baby indoors at least 24 hours after the fever has subsided. it’s always best to check with your child’s specific school or daycare for their specific policies.

11. Could my child get a febrile seizure?

    While it’s not very common, some children can experience febrile seizures, especially those under 6 years old. Most of the time, these seizures are harmless. However, if your child experiences a seizure, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

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