Your child has a fever at night: what to do, and when to see a doctor

It is nearly midnight. Your little one felt warm at dinner, and now their forehead is hot against your cheek. Every parent knows this feeling. Take a breath: most fevers in children are the body fighting a common infection, and they pass in a few days. Here is what helps, and what to watch for.

1. Measure, don’t guess

A hand on the forehead tells you a child is warm, not how warm. Use a digital thermometer under the arm, or an ear or forehead thermometer. A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above is a fever. Write down the reading and the time; the doctor will ask.

2. Keep them comfortable

• Light cotton clothes and a thin sheet. Bundling up a feverish child raises the temperature.
• Small, frequent sips of water, ORS, breast milk or formula. Fluids matter more than food tonight.
• A lukewarm wipe-down can help them feel better. Avoid cold water or ice.

3. Fever medicine: the safe way

• Use a children’s paracetamol syrup or drops. The dose depends on your child’s weight, not age; check the label or ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Check the strength on the bottle. Syrups come in different strengths, such as 120 mg/5 ml and 250 mg/5 ml, so the same number of millilitres can mean a very different dose.
• Use the syringe or cup that comes with the medicine, never a kitchen spoon.
• Never give aspirin to children. Do not give two paracetamol products together.
• Fever medicine is for comfort. You do not have to bring a fever down to normal if your child is otherwise playing and drinking.

Go to a doctor or emergency right away if

• Your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C or more.
• Your child is very drowsy, floppy, hard to wake, or crying in a way that doesn’t sound like them.
• They are breathing fast, struggling to breathe, or the skin between the ribs pulls in.
• There is a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it.
• They have a fit (seizure).
• They are not drinking, have very few wet nappies or no urine for 8 hours, or have a dry mouth and no tears.
• The fever lasts more than 3 days, or keeps coming back.

Keep a small fever kit at home

A digital thermometer, a children’s paracetamol syrup at the right strength with its dosing syringe, ORS sachets, and your paediatrician’s number written on the fridge. Running out at night? Here is what you can do in Bengaluru.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your health or someone else’s, speak to a doctor.