tyle or the way you care for your child.
- Your child can safely sleep in his own bed or crib. Be sure to remove extra pillows and soft toys from the bed. For a preschooler, you may want to think about using guardrails on the bed.
- If your child is acting sick and has other signs of illness, follow your doctor's advice as you normally would.
Prevention and Treating a Fever
Talk with your child’s doctor about ways to treat a fever. Treating the fever with medicines may help your child feel more comfortable but it will not prevent a seizure.
Medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used for a fever higher than 101˚F or if your child is uncomfortable. Make sure that you are using the right strength for the age of your child. (Picture 2).
- Follow the directions on the package of all medicines.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be used in children over 2 months.
- Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) may be used in children over 6 months.
- Do NOT give aspirin to children. Aspirin has been linked to a disease called Reye’s syndrome, which can be fatal.
- Give sponge baths after giving medicine. Use water that is lukewarm (85˚F to 90˚F). Sponge the water over the child’s body if he cannot be placed in the bathtub (Picture 3).
- Recheck your child’s temperature 15 minutes after the sponge bath. If the temperature is over 103˚F or is going higher, repeat the sponging.
- Undress your child when indoors. Do not cover him with blankets.
- If your child is having febrile seizures very often, his doctor may prescribe a medicine to use.
HH-I-195 5/98 Revised 3/18 Copyright 1998, Nationwide Children's Hospital