Learning how to reduce fever in a child naturally begins with safe, supportive care. Offer fluids regularly, allow plenty of rest, dress your child in light clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

These measures can improve comfort and help prevent dehydration, but they may not bring the temperature back to normal. Fever does not always require treatment if a child is otherwise comfortable and drinking fluids.

What Is a Normal Child’s Temperature?

A normal child’s temperature is usually around 37°C, although it can vary slightly with the time of day, physical activity, warm clothing, hot weather and the measurement method used. A temperature of 38°C or higher is considered a fever.

Touching your child’s forehead may help you notice that they feel warm, but it cannot confirm whether they have a fever. Use a thermometer if your child feels unusually hot or shows signs such as shivering, sweating, flushed skin, irritability or increased sleepiness.

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne recommends checking a child’s temperature under the arm with a digital thermometer, in the ear with an ear thermometer for children aged six months or older, or according to the instructions provided with the thermometer.

Is 38°C a Fever in a Child?

Yes, a temperature of 38°C or higher is a fever in a child. In most children older than three months, this temperature alone does not necessarily indicate a serious illness. A baby under three months with a temperature of 38°C or higher needs urgent medical assessment, even if they otherwise appear well.

How to Reduce Fever in a Child Naturally

The safest approach is to keep your child comfortable and hydrated while monitoring how they look and behave. These measures may not return their temperature to normal, and that does not necessarily mean they are ineffective.

• Offer fluids regularly: Continue breastfeeding or usual formula feeds. Children over six months can be offered water.
• Watch for dehydration: Seek medical advice if your child has a dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears when crying, reduced energy, less urine or fewer wet nappies.
• Choose light clothing: Avoid heavy clothing and blankets. If your child is shivering, use a light sheet or blanket until the shivering settles.
• Keep the room comfortable: Maintain a comfortable temperature and normal airflow. Do not try to make the room excessively cold.
• Allow time to rest: Let your child sleep or rest as needed. Seek urgent medical advice if they are unusually drowsy, difficult to wake or not responding normally.
• Avoid cold baths and unproven remedies: Do not use cold showers, ice packs or alcohol rubs to lower a fever.

Should You Give Paracetamol or Ibuprofen?

Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help if fever is causing pain or discomfort, but medicine is not always needed simply because the temperature is above 38°C. These medicines improve comfort but do not treat the underlying infection.

If medicine is needed, choose an age-appropriate product and follow the dosing instructions. Ibuprofen is generally suitable for babies over three months but may not be appropriate for children with dehydration or certain medical conditions. Do not combine or alternate medicines without professional advice, and never give aspirin unless prescribed.

When Is a Fever Too High for a Child?

A fever above 40°C requires immediate medical assessment. However, temperature is not the only measure of seriousness. Your child’s age, breathing, hydration, alertness and accompanying symptoms may be more important than the number alone.

When Is Fever an Emergency?

A fever is an emergency when your child has signs of breathing difficulty, reduced responsiveness, a seizure or another symptom of serious illness.

Call triple zero (000) immediately if your child:

• Is struggling to breathe
• Cannot be woken or is not responding normally
• Has blue, very pale or blotchy skin
• Has their first seizure or a seizure lasting longer than five minutes
• Becomes very unwell rapidly

Go to the nearest emergency department urgently if your child:

• Has a stiff neck or severe sensitivity to light
• Has a rash that does not fade when pressed
• Is under three months old with a temperature of 38°C or higher
• Has a weakened immune system and a temperature of 38°C or higher

When Should You See a GP for a Child’s Fever?

See a GP if your child’s fever has not improved within 48 hours, they are becoming more unwell or you are concerned about their condition. You can find your nearest Smith Street Medical clinic in Charlestown, Kotara or Gungahlin.