Fever in young children: how can I comfort my baby?

Fever is one of the common symptoms of childhood illnesses. A fever can quickly climb and parents are often worried when their child grows weak and says they don’t feel very well. And that’s completely normal. But don’t panic: it is essential to keep an eye on your child so that you can look after them!


High fever: a worry for parents

The thermometer shoots up in young children. They can go through long episodes of fever that are often terrifying for you. A fever is a symptom of an illness but it is also the sign that the body is fighting the virus.

You should always take your child’s temperature if you are in any doubt, even if you don’t think they are hot. If they are under the age of 5 and their temperature is above 38 °C, they are considered to have a fever.

Add to that a flu symptom such as a sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, earache, shivers, feeling cold, perhaps vomiting or breathing problems, and you should take them to see a doctor.


Fighting fever: how can I comfort my baby?

To help your child feel better, there are a few simple things you can do1:

  • Don’t cover them up too much because their body heat needs to escape, which will lower their fever. But don’t remove all their clothes as they could catch a cold.
  • After 6 months old, hydrate them by regularly giving them water in a bottle, even if they are not thirsty. This is essential for avoiding dehydration.
  • Make sure they rest!

However, if your child has flu symptoms and a temperature above 38.5 °C, consult a doctor if you are in any doubt.

1 Mpedia.fr, Mon enfant a de la fièvre, que faire ?

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Breast milk is the ideal food for infants. WHO recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months and then continuation thereof until the age of 2 alongside the introduction, from 6 months, of safe and appropriate complementary foods. Please consult a healthcare professional if you need any advice about feeding your baby.