How to Comfort a Child with Fever
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If you are a parent, you have probably experienced finding your child flushed and sweaty. You put your hand on your child’s forehead and it feels warm. A quick check with a thermometer confirms a fever. You may be unsure what to do next, and probably a little concerned.
As a mom, I have learned that a fever is usually a symptom of an infection and in most cases, it’s fairly harmless and will go away on its own in about 3 days.
In my experience, you should observe your child rather than rely on just the thermometer before you decide what action to take. If your child is still happily playing and eating, you may not need to take any action and let the fever run its course. However, if your child is uncomfortable and obviously feels unwell, you will want to help them get more comfortable.
You may find that fever reducers such as acetaminophen (found in Children’s Tylenol® ) or ibuprofen (found in Children’s Motrin®) may help to make your child more comfortable. Fever reduction may not be the end goal, but these medications may go far towards relieving the aches and pains that often come with a fever.
Both Children’s Tylenol® and Children’s Motrin® provide the same fast and effective relief from fever and pain, but they work differently to provide relief as they contain different active ingredients.
Children’s Tylenol® is your best first-line treatment for fever and pain as it is gentle on little tummies that may be suffering from an upset tummy and is effective in providing relief for pain and fever.
Children’s Motrin® on the other hand lasts longer, providing relief for up to 8 hours to Children’s Tylenol®’s 4-6 hours. This might make Children’s Motrin® a better choice for keeping your child comfortable overnight. It may irritate your child’s stomach if they are not eating well and already have a sensitive tummy though.
This helpful infographic lays out the differences between Children’s Tylenol® and Children’s Motrin® in an easy-to-understand format.
You may have heard that alternating doses of Children’s Tylenol® and Children’s Motrin® may be an even more effective way to provide relief from pain and fever. This should only be done after consulting with your family doctor for advice on timing and dosage.
It’s a great idea to have both Children’s Tylenol® and Children’s Motrin® in your medicine cabinet so that you always have the medication most appropriate for your child’s needs on hand. You can stock up on both products and save with this coupon (Save $5.00 when you buy any 1 Children’s Tylenol® and 1 Children’s Motrin®.)
There are other actions you can take to make your child more comfortable.
- Lower the room temperature slightly and dress them in light clothing with only a light blanket.
- Be sure to offer plenty of clear fluids.
- You will also want to remember that a sleeping child is a comfortable child, so do not be tempted to wake your child in order to give them their next dose of Children’s Tylenol® or Children’s Motrin®. Wait for them to wake on their own.
What are your tips for providing comfort?
Disclosure: This post has been generously sponsored by the makers of Children’s Tylenol® but the opinions expressed are my own.
It is the most heartbreaking thing as a parent to see your child sick. Thanks for a great post to help others along in dealing with a fever!
This is such a great breakdown and explanation of how they differ from each other. I really appreciate it!
This is really great. There is a difference so this is very helpful.
Thanks for sharing the differences between the two! Perfect timing as we head into sick season!
I always make sure to have Tylenol on hand. Also, lots of fluids to keep them hydrated, that’s all so important! Loved your post!
I have used Children’s Motrin a lot when my daughter would get sick. It got us through many a sick day when she was young.
I like to keep both products in the house for the kids. I have alternated between both when the kids had multiple symptoms going on.
It is so important to know the differences between Tylenol and Ibuprofen. This is a great breakdown of both products.
These are great tips with cold and flu season coming so fast. Hopefully we can get away with no illnesses again this year.
Our granddaughter has just had a little virus and we have been trying to keep her comfortable. It can be hard but having the right medicine helps.
You had a really good point of relieving the aches and pains as one road to reducing the illness. My wife is a nurse, and she always talks about relieving the pain so that the patient can concentrate on healing.
We could never have survived my kids’ childhoods without children’s Tylenol! It is like a trusted friend–always there when you need relief! And thanks for these great tips!
We always used Motrin when my kids were smaller. I love that you have featured the difference between the two.
I had no idea that there was such a difference between the two. Very informative to know 🙂
I always make sure to have Tylenol on hand. Also, lots of fluids to keep them hydrated!
I hate it when my girls get sick. They’re actually sick right now too. It’s that time of year where it seems to hit the most. It’s always nice to be able to comfort them too.
There have been many, many times that I have relied on both Tylenol and Motrin for the kids. Fevers are no fun and the only thing I would add is a ton of Mommy TLC 🙂
My son had a fever last week and it was so sad! Such great ideas to help keep them comfortable when faced with a fever!
I was just talking to my daughter about this yesterday! It is so heartbreaking when you have a sick child. Comforting them can be so hard.
I love the infographic! I saved it to share with my sister. I wish I had this around when my kiddos were younger.
Children’s Tylenol® always works best for us,thanks for the info.
Oh this is great, I honestly never knew when to use which product. I kinda thought they did the same thing and were interchangeable.
Informative!! We rely on Children’s Tylenol® as well 🙂