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Sponge Bath for a Child's Fever

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Overview

If your child's fever is over 104°F (40°C), contact your doctor. Before you give a sponge bath to a child who has a fever, give your child an appropriate dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Wait 30 minutes then check your child's temperature. See whether the medicine brings the child's fever down.

If your child's fever is still elevated and your child is uncomfortable, you might try a sponge bath.

Follow these steps to give a sponge bath.

If your child doesn't like the sponge bath or doesn't feel better after the bath, there is no need to give another one.


Credits for Sponge Bath for a Child's Fever

Current as of: August 6, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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