Let's Talk About Fevers: A Guide for Parents on Managing Fevers

If you’re a parent, odds are you’ve faced this situation: your little one feels warm, their cheeks are flushed, and the thermometer confirms it—they have a fever.

Take a breath. Let’s walk through what fevers really mean, when to treat them, and when it’s time to give your provider a call.

Managing Fevers in Kids

What Is a Fever, Anyway?

A fever is any body temperature over 100.4°F. It usually shows up when the body’s immune system senses an infection—like a virus or bacteria—and kicks into gear. The higher temperature helps slow down the germs and rev up your child’s immune response.

So here’s the key point: fever itself isn’t the enemy. It’s actually a sign that your child’s body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to. That said, we still treat fevers—but not for the reason you might think.

Why Do We Treat Fevers?

We treat fevers mainly to help your child feel better. When they’re uncomfortable, they’re less likely to eat, drink, or sleep—and hydration is one of the most important things when a child is sick.

So if your child is eating, drinking, playing, and smiling—even with a mild fever—you might not need to treat it at all.

But if they’re cranky, achy, or not drinking enough? That’s when it’s time to jump in.

What’s the Best Way to Treat a Fever?

When to treat:

• Temp over 100.4°F and your child seems uncomfortable or isn’t staying hydrated.

  
  

How to treat:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) are your go-tos.

• Use the dose on the bottle, or:

  • Ibuprofen: 10 mg/kg

  • Acetaminophen: 15 mg/kg

• Dose every 4–6 hours as needed.

• If the fever keeps popping back up early, it’s okay to alternate ibuprofen and acetaminophen—just be careful with timing and don’t double up.

  
  

Fluids, fluids, fluids!

• Think Pedialyte, Gatorade, juice, popsicles—whatever they’ll take.

• Even tiny sips every 10–15 minutes can make a big difference.

  
  

What not to do:

• Don’t overdress them. One light layer is plenty. If they’re shivering, go ahead and give them a blanket—comfort is key.

• Skip the old-school remedies like alcohol baths, ice packs, or cold sponging—those can actually be harmful.

  
  

When to Call Your Primary Care Provider

Fevers are usually harmless, but there are times when a call is the right move:

• Your child isn’t drinking enough and seems dehydrated (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, sunken soft spot in babies).

• Infants under 3 months with any fever—this always needs to be checked out.

• The fever is related to heat exposure, like being in a hot car.

• Temperature rises above 104°F more than once.

• Fever lasts more than 24 hours in a child under 2, or more than 3 days in a child 2 or older.

• Your child has an immune system issue (like sickle cell disease, cancer, or takes immune-suppressing meds).

• Your child has a seizure, even if just for a moment.

Parenting through sickness is tough - we get it. So if you’re unsure whether to treat, or if your gut says something isn’t right, just reach out. That’s what we’re here for.

You’ve got this—and we’ve got your back.