When your child has a fever, it can be a challenging time for both of you. Fever often disrupts sleep, making it difficult for kids to get the rest they need to recover. As a parent, you want to ensure your child is comfortable and able to sleep despite their illness.
There is good news: there are plenty of at-home fever treatments that can help lower your little one’s temperature, letting them rest through the night. Read ahead to understand how to reduce your child’s fever, allowing them a comfortable night’s sleep. As always, talk to your child's pediatrician if you have specific questions or concerns.
Understanding Fever in Children
A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, defined by most healthcare providers as exceeding 100.4°F. A fever is not an illness in and of itself, but rather the body’s natural response to an illness or infection. While watching your child burn up can be alarming, a fever can display that the immune system is at work fighting the infection. A fever is part of the body’s natural defense mechanism.[1]
Still, burning up can be very uncomfortable for a child (or even an adult), and could imply that a serious infection is at play. In most cases, fevers can be managed at home with the use of an over-the-counter fever reducer like Children’s TYLENOL® (acetaminophen). TYLENOL® is the #1 pediatrician recommended brand for pain and fever relief.
When to Consult a Doctor[1,2]
While most fevers can be treated at home with the proper use of fever reducers like Children’s TYLENOL®, some situations require professional medical counsel to ensure the child’s well-being.
Contact a health care provider if the following applies:
Your child is under 3 months of age and has a fever of or above 100.4°F, as this could be a sign of dangerous infection.
Your child is of any age and has repeated fevers above 104°F.
Your child is younger than 2 years of age, and has a fever of or above 100.4°F that lasts longer than 1 day.
Your child is 2 years of age or older, and has a fever of or above 100.4°F for more than 3 days.
Your baby is fussy or cries and cannot be soothed.
Creating a Comfortable Sleep Environment[1,2,3]
Rest is of utmost importance for overcoming an infection, but getting your little one to sleep with a fever can be challenging. Consider these home remedies and fever treatment tips for creating a relaxing environment for your little one. These steps may enable your child to sleep and overcome their ailment:
Reduce your child’s fever with the proper use of Children’s TYLENOL®. This may ease discomfort and promote restful sleep. Children's TYLENOL® can be used as directed for children between the ages of 2 and 11 years old.
Maintain a moderate temperature in your child’s room so they do not get too hot through the night. It is also helpful to use lightweight, breathable fabrics both in their bedding and in their clothes, so that excess heat can escape their bodies as their fever breaks.
Combat dehydration by providing your child with plenty of fluids. Water, juice, soup, and even ice pops can help provide your child with the hydration they need to recover.
Comforting Your Child[1,2,3]
Using a children’s fever reducer like TYLENOL® for kids can be a great aid for breaking a fever at home, but you may have to take additional steps to help your little one sleep through the night.
Emotional support and reassurance from a parent can help a child feel at-ease, even if they still have a temperature when they go to sleep. Here are a few tips and home remedies for fever that will allow your little one to rest comfortably through the night:
Give your child a lukewarm bath, which can relax and prepare your child for slumber. Just be sure to monitor the temperature of the water; if it’s too hot, it can exacerbate the child’s discomfort from fever. At the same time, water that is too cold can cause your child to shiver, which can raise the child’s body temperature.
Maintain a calming bedtime routine that helps your child relax and fall asleep easily. Dim lighting, a soft lullaby or bedtime story, and gentle rocking can all soothe and calm a child to sleep.
Assure your child that a fever is a normal part of the body’s response to infection, and that it will soon pass.
Fever-Reducing Medications
One of the best ways to reduce a fever at home is using an over-the-counter fever reducer, like Children’s TYLENOL® (acetaminophen). Such medications can provide temporary relief for fever, and come in a variety of forms. Be sure to use only as directed, and to consult a physician about what may be right for your child. For detailed TYLENOL® dosing information, refer to our Dosage Guide.
Hydration and Nutrition[1,2,3]
Keeping your child hydrated is a critical part of fever treatment at home. Children can lose more fluids than usual while suffering from a fever, leading to the risk of dehydration. One of the best home remedies for fever management is a healthy serving of fluids.
Tasty and easy-to-digest foods and beverages can be a great comfort to a child fighting illness. Who doesn’t feel better after a delicious cup of chicken noodle soup? Consider feeding your child the following to help maintain hydration:
Water
Electrolyte beverages
Fruit juice
Soup or broth
Ice pops
Flavored gelatin snacks
Rest and Relaxation
When it comes to fever treatment, there is no substitute for rest and relaxation. When your child’s body and mind are at ease, their immune system can get to work combating whatever it is that’s making them feel sick. Proper use of a fever reducer like TYLENOL® for Kids can help bring down your child’s temperature, but sustained rest can enable their immune system to fight what is causing the fever.
Here are some ways to create a calm environment that will enable your child to rest and ultimately sleep with a fever:
Quiet playtime
Reading a book together
Watching age-appropriate television
Listening to calming music
Taking all the naptime they need
Watching your child break a fever can be difficult, but remember that a fever is usually a sign that their immune system is at work fighting an illness or infection. Fevers are temporary, and typically not a sign of major concern, though you should always check with your doctor if you are concerned. You can help your child rest and recover by managing their fever in a number of ways—by using TYLENOL® as directed for fever reduction, encouraging proper hydration, creating a comfortable sleep environment, or any combination of these steps.
Remember, if you are ever in doubt, reach out to the child’s doctor. While you can turn to TYLENOL® to reduce your child's fever, it is still essential to monitor symptoms and be in touch with a health care provider if needed.