How to Monitor a Child's Fever

When your little one has a fever, periodically checking his or her temperature is the best way to monitor illness.

Things You'll Need

• Baby Thermometers
• Digital Thermometers
• Washcloths
• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Thermometers

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Instructions

• 1

  Seek medical care for any fever in a baby less than three months old.

• 2

  Check temperature about every four hours.

• 3

  Medicate your child with a fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the fever is 102 or higher, or your child is uncomfortable - then recheck temperature after one hour.

• 4

  Comfort your child with a lukewarm bath - besides making him or her feel better, it might also bring down the fever.

• 5

  Call a doctor if fever is 103 oral or 104 rectal and does not respond to medication.

• 6

  Make an appointment to see a doctor if fever shows no improvement after three days, or lasts five days or longer.

• 7

  Assess other symptoms. Seek medical care if child is crying inconsolably, is very lethargic or difficult to arouse, complains of a stiff neck, or has red or purple spots on skin.