When our little one looks tired, acts feverish and has a hot forehead, we immediately suspect that his temperature must have risen. However, even though a fever in a child can be a little impressive, it is normal! In fact, it’s not an illness in itself, but rather a sign that his body is fighting a viral or bacterial infection. In short, it shows that his immune system is working hard. In addition, it is a very common symptom in childhood illnesses (chicken pox, roseola, hand-to-mouth syndrome…). Nevertheless, it can cause discomfort.
Unfortunately, we cannot apply the same remedies to children’s fevers as we can for adults. Many plants and essential oils that work on you will be contraindicated for your little one. So what to do? Mamie gives you her best advice that is easy to apply.
1. We take care of the clothes we put on him and the temperature of the room
You don’t want to cover him up too much! So, to begin with, remove a layer of clothing to cool the body and disperse the heat. But don’t take off all the clothes to lower his body temperature. He could start to shiver and get cold. We are also very careful about the temperature of the room. A room that is too hot or too cold with the air conditioning turned up is not recommended. On the contrary, keep the room around 64-68°F and air it regularly to renew the air.
2. Direction of the bath
Bath time is a welcome moment of relaxation for the little ones who enjoy it. However, beware of the common mistake of using lukewarm or even cold water! Indeed, a temperature too different from the body temperature can lead to convulsions. In addition, it won’t lower his temperature in the end and will just make him feel worse. To be on the safe side, run the water at one degree below the child’s body temperature (or two degrees at most). For example, choose water at 98°F if he is 100. The temperature of the water and that of the child will then drop naturally. As a result, you should also avoid ice packs, which will do more harm than good! If necessary, use cool water cloths to put on the temperature regulation centers: forehead, nape of the neck, wrists, etc., but also the groin folds.
3. With potato
Still to gently lower the temperature, there is an amazing technique… that goes through the feet! To do this, simply apply slices of raw potato to the soles of a child’s feet while in bed.
4. Think about sunflower infusion
A fever in your child should motivate you even more to keep him/her hydrated! You can make him drink water, but also broths or a thirst-quenching drink that he likes to motivate him. To go further, you can also offer him an infusion made of dried sunflowers. Indeed, it will be ideal to lower the fever. In this case, the whole thing will be infused for 10 minutes before filtering and sweetening the taste with a little honey. Your child can drink a little every eight to ten hours. Other infusions can be useful: thyme (to fight the disease that causes fever), linden (which makes you sweat and reduces fever) or chamomile (antibacterial and helps you sleep). Finally, think of the small slice of anti-inflammatory and febrifuge ginger to add to your herbal teas.
When should we consult?
First of all, do it systematically for a child under three months old or if he or she suffers from a particular illness. Otherwise, even if a fever in a child rarely leads to complications, it is better to monitor him! For example, you can take his temperature regularly between meals after a short rest period (20 minutes). Above 38.5°C, be careful! Also, it is not necessary to try to lower the temperature if the child feels well. But it is necessary to act if it becomes too annoying in his daily life, leads to dehydration or prevents him from eating. If it lasts more than two days for a child under two years old or more than three days beyond that, consult a doctor. Other signs should alert you: convulsions, headaches, neck stiffness, vomiting, profuse diarrhea and other stomach aches as well as breathing difficulties. Finally, listen to your instincts as a parent: if you have the slightest doubt, it’s best to see your pediatrician.