Fever: What It Is and How I Handle It at Home

When fever strikes, it can be easy to panic—but understanding what it is and how it works can make managing it at home a little less daunting. So, let’s break it down in a simple, mom-to-mom, RN-to-parent kind of way.

What IS a Fever?

A fever is your body’s natural defense mechanism against illness or injury. Think of it as the body’s way of cranking up the heat to kill off bacteria or viruses. Pretty great, right?!

However, if a fever pops up after an injury, that can be a different story. Fevers post-injury can signal complications, which might need a closer look. In those cases, I personally wouldn't hesitate to reach out to our PCP, urgent care, or even the ER, depending on the situation. Trust your instincts—you know your child best!

Important: Newborns (0-3 months of age) with a fever of 100.4 or greater need to be seen in the ER.

How I Handle Fevers at Home

When dealing with a fever, I focus on supporting the body naturally and addressing my child’s comfort. Here’s my go-to list:

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Hydration is key. Fevers increase body temperature, which burns more energy and fluid. Keeping your little one hydrated with water and electrolytes is crucial. If the fever isn’t paired with other concerning symptoms, I let it run its course and focus on extra fluids. For infants, frequent nursing or offering small sips of water (if age-appropriate) can help maintain hydration.

2. Treat the Child, Not the Fever

Behavior speaks volumes! Instead of fixating on the number on the thermometer, I pay attention to how my child is acting. Are they still playful? Eating/drinking ok? Or, are they more lethargic? These cues guide my next steps in treatment.

Important: If your child is too lethargic to stay awake, has lower level of consciousness, refusing all fluids, has had a fever for longer than 4-5 days, OR you just feel something bigger is going on, please take your child in for evaluation promptly.

3. Comfort Measures

Sometimes, a little TLC is the best remedy. My go-to comfort options include:

• Cuddles and Calm Activities: Nursing, reading, or just snuggling together watching cartoons.

• Cool Cloths or Lukewarm Baths: A cool wash cloth to the forehead or a warm/cool bath is a gentle way help ease discomforts. I Personally will do these if they request it for comfort reasons. However, I do not typically use these as methods to lower down the fever it self.

When Fever Brings Discomfort

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the fever makes your little one uncomfortable. That’s when I turn to natural supports:

• Essential Oils (EOs): Oils like lavender and peppermint can be diluted and applied to back of the neck, down the spine, and bottoms of feet to help ease discomfort and lower temps.

• Herbs: Elderberry, chamomile, tincture blends or just a cup of herbal tea can go a long way in supporting the body. I personally like to use herbal tinctures for a well rounded immune support!

• Homeopathy: Homeopathic remedies, like Belladonna or Ferrum Phos, can be tailored to you or your child's specific symptoms. Dr. Green mom has a great blog for this Here.

• CBD: A gentle CBD product can help calm and soothe generalized discomfort. I've worked with patients that use this kind in particular: One Farm CBD oil

• Magnesium: This is another great option for discomfort relief related to fevers! I find Magnesium glycinate seems to do well for my kiddos. (Stay away from magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide as these will not have the desired effects!)

Address the Root Cause

Whether it’s teething, a viral bug, or something else; identifying the root cause will help you decide how to support your child best.

Pro Tip: Always trust your gut. Remember, no one knows your child better than you do. When in doubt, it’s totally okay to seek medical advice for peace of mind. Know that fever is a tool, but it’s not the whole picture. By taking a calm and supportive approach, you’re not only helping your child heal—you’re also empowering them (and yourself) with confidence in the process. 🌿

How do you handle fevers at home? Drop your tips below—I’d love to hear them! 💬

— Katelyn

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Disclaimer: This post is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you suspect a medical emergency, contact your doctor or dial emergency services immediately.