17/03/2026
What to Do When Your Kid Has a Fever
If you're a parent, it's a scene that's all too familiar. You put your hand on your sick child's forehead and it feels warm. Then the thermometer confirms your suspicion: They've got a fever. But if you follow some simple rules you'll make them more comfortable and keep them safe.
Fever is a defense against infection. Your child's body is raising its temperature to kill the germs. In most cases it's harmless and goes away on its own in 3 days.
What You Should Do
Acetaminophen can lower your child's temperature. If they're older than 2, the dose will be listed on the label. If they're younger, ask your doctor how much to give them.
Another option is ibuprofen if your child is at least 6 months old.
There's a lot you can do to make them feel better. Put a cool compress on their head and keep their room at a moderate temperature -- not too hot and not too cold. Dress them in one layer of light clothing and offer a light blanket. You can also cool them off with a lukewarm sponge bath.
And don't forget -- make sure they drink a lot of fluids.
What You Shouldn't Do
Never give your child aspirin. It can cause a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
Avoid combination cold and flu remedies in young kids. They shouldn't be used in children under age 4. In older kids, it’s unclear how well they work.
If you decide to use a cold medicine, check with your pediatrician to be sure your child is old enough for the type of medicine you’re considering. According to the FDA, no child under the age of 2 should be given any kind of cough or cold product that contains a decongestant or antihistamine, and caution should be used even in children who are older than 2. In addition, no child under 4 years of age should be given a product that combines cough and cold medicines. The possible side-effects can be serious and even life-threatening.
If the doctor says it’s OK to use a cough or cold medicine, then read the label before you buy and pick the one that most closely matches your child’s symptoms. Don't switch back and forth between different medications without your pediatrician's OK.
Don't use an icy cold bath or rub your child's skin with alcohol. Either can actually drive a fever up.
And even if your child has the chills, don't bundle them up with thick blankets or clothes.
When Should You Call the Doctor?
Usually, you don't need to take your sick child to the doctor. But sometimes fever can be a serious warning sign. Call your pediatrician if your child:
Has a temperature of 104 F or higher
Is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4 F or higher
Has a fever that lasts for more than 72 hours (or more than 24 hours if your child is under age 2)
Has a fever along with other symptoms such as a stiff neck, extremely sore throat, ear pain, rash, or severe headache
Has a seizure
Seems very sick, upset, or unresponsive
Tips to Take Your Child's Temperature
How often do you need to check? That depends on the situation. Ask your pediatrician. Usually, you don't need to take your child's temperature obsessively or wake them up if they're sleeping peacefully. But you should do it if their energy seems low or if your child has a history of seizures with fever.
Which thermometer is best for kids? Digital ones are best. They can be used in their mouth, re**ally, or under the arm.
For young children, a re**al temperature is most accurate. If your kids are at least 4 or 5 years old, you can probably get a good reading with a thermometer in the mouth. Under the arm is less reliable but it's easier to do. Remember to add a degree to an underarm reading to get a more accurate number.
Our free Parenting .Why do children get diarrhea more often than adults? How can you treat your child's discomfort? WebMD tells you about the causes of diarrhea and home treatments for it.
Diarrhea in Children: Common Causes and Treatments
Diarrhea is the body's way of ridding itself of germs, and most episodes last a few days to a week. Diarrhea can occur with fever, nausea, vomiting, cramps, dehydration, and even rashes. Some of the most common reasons kids get diarrhea include:
Infection from viruses like rotavirus, bacteria like salmonella and, rarely, parasites like giardia. Viruses are the most common cause of a child's diarrhea. Along with loose or watery stools, symptoms of a viral gastroenteritis infection often include vomiting, stomachache, headache, and fever.
When treating viral gastroenteritis -- which can last 5-14 days -- it's important to prevent fluid loss. Offer additional breast milk or an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to infants and young children. Water alone doesn't have enough sodium, potassium, and other nutrients to safely rehydrate very young children. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the amount of fluids your child needs, how to make sure they get them, when to give them, and how to watch for dehydration.
Older children with diarrhea can drink anything they like to stay hydrated, including ORS and brand-name products (their names usually end in "lyte"). Popsicles can also be a good way to get fluids into a child who's been vomiting and needs to rehydrate slowly.
Be sure to consult with a doctor if you have traveled outside of the country recently; your child may need to have their stool tested. If symptoms last longer than two weeks, also consult a doctor.
Medications like laxatives or antibiotics can also lead to diarrhea in children as well as adults.
For mild diarrhea caused by medication, keep your child safely hydrated. If a course of antibiotics is causing your child's diarrhea, be sure to continue the medication and call your doctor. Your doctor may recommend reducing the dose, changing your diet, adding a probiotic or switching to a different antibiotic.
Studies show that yogurt with live cultures or probiotics can help ease diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Cultures and probiotics help replenish healthy gut bacteria killed by antibiotics.
Food poisoningcan also cause diarrhea in kids. Symptoms usually come on quickly, may include vomiting, and tend to go away within 24 hours.
Treatment for food poisoning-related diarrhea is the same as for the diarrhea caused by infection: Keep your child hydrated and call your doctor with any questions.
Other causes of diarrhea include irritable bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, food allergies, and celiac disease. If you're not sure what's causing your child's diarrhea, give your doctor a call.
Children and Diarrhea: Recognizing Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the most worrisome complications of diarrhea in children. Mild diarrhea usually doesn't cause significant fluid loss, but moderate or severe diarrhea can.
Severe dehydration is dangerous; it can cause seizures, brain damage, even death. Know the signs of dehydration. Call your doctor if your child has:
Dizziness and light-headedness
Dry, sticky mouth
Dark yellow urine, or very little or no urine, you are changing fewer wet diapers than usual
Few or no tears when crying
Cool, dry skin
Lack of energy
When to Call a Doctor About Your Child's Diarrhea
Diarrhea usually goes away in a few days, but it can lead to complications. If your child has any of these symptoms, don't wait, get help.
Call 911 if your child:
Is too weak to stand up
Is confused or dizzy
Call your doctor right away if your child:
Seems very sick
Has had diarrhea more than three days
Is younger than 6 months old
Is vomiting bloody green or yellow fluid
Can't hold down fluids or has vomited more than two times
Has a persistent fever or is under age 6 months with a fever over 100.4° F (determined by a re**al thermometer)
Seems dehydrated
Has bloody stool
Is less than a month old with three or more episodes of diarrhea
Passes more than four diarrhea stools in eight hours and isn't drinking enough
Has a weak immune system
Has a rash
Has stomach pain for more than two hours
Has not urinated in 6 hours if a baby or 12 hours if a child
NOTE: If your infant has a fever of over 100.4 F, do not give them fever medicine.
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