Fever Treatment

A parent is sitting on a couch, using a thermometer to check their child's temperature while gently placing their hand on the child's forehead. The child is lying down, holding a stuffed animal and looking unwell

Fever Treatment

If your child has a fever, his or her body temperature is above normal. Normal body temperature in children ranges from 96.8F to100.4F depending on the time of day and whether the temperature is taken under the arm, by mouth, rectally or in the ear. The body’s highest temperature usually occurs in the late afternoon or early evening. Fever is a temperature of 100.4 or more rectally or 99.5 or more orally.

This increase in body temperature is a normal response by the body to fight off an infection. Fever in itself is rarely dangerous or harmful, even at high levels for several days. Because fever helps the body fight infection, you might even say it is healthy.

What can I Do – Understanding Fever in Children

Although controlling the fever may make your child more comfortable, no treatment is needed if your child does appear ill.
Give medicine for fever if your child feels uncomfortable. You can use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). Please see the back of this sheet for the correct dosing. FOR INFANTS LESS THAN 6 MONTHS, CHECK WITH THE PHYSICIAN BEFORE GIVING ANY MEDICATION.
Because acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) work differently, they can be alternated for more effective fever management. If particularly uncomfortable with fever or pain, you may alternate Tylenol and Motrin. If your child still has a fever 3 hours after giving acetaminophen you may then use ibuprofen. Remember to stick to the recommended dosing schedule for each medication. For instance, if you give your child acetaminophen and 3 hours later he/she still has a fever, you may then use ibuprofen. You can alternate the two medicines every three hours, but only up to 24 hours. THIS IS FOR SHORT TERM USE ONLY
Give the child additional fluids.
Remove extra clothes and blankets.
Keep the child’s room at a comfortable temperature.
Use only lukewarm water to sponge the child (if this is necessary). NEVER USE COLD WATER OR ALCOHOL

Alternating Children’s Tylenol and Motrin for Fever Management

When managing a child’s fever, parents often wonder about alternating acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin). Here’s what you need to know:

You can alternate Tylenol and Motrin every 3 hours if needed for fever or pain relief.
This alternating schedule can be used for up to 24 hours only.
Always follow proper dosing guidelines based on your child’s weight and age.
Consult your pediatrician before alternating medications for infants under 6 months

When to Call the Doctor:

The infant is under 2 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4F or higher.
The child is 2 months to 6 months old and has a rectal temp of 102F or higher.
The child is 7 months to 2 years and has a temp of 104F or higher.
The child has severe abdominal pain.
The child complains of a severe headache or stiff neck.
The child’s fever begins after prolonged sun exposure.
The child has a chronic medical problem associated with an increased risk of infection, such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, absent spleen, etc.

Call the Office Immediately if:

The child is unusually sleepy, difficult to wake and won’t interact normally.
The child has rapid, difficult or labored breathing.
The child has a dark red or purple rash that doesn’t blanch or disappear briefly after you push on it.
The child has a convulsion.
The child is so irritable that he/she cannot be consoled/quieted.
The child is not drinking and has signs of dehydration, e.g., not urinating, mouth dry and eyes sunken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often can I alternate Tylenol and Motrin for my child’s fever?

A: You can alternate Tylenol and Motrin every 3 hours, but only for up to 24 hours. Always consult your pediatrician for prolonged fever or if you’re unsure about medication schedules.

Q: Is it safe to give my child both Tylenol and Motrin?

Discover More Must-Read Pediatric Tips and Advice

At Monadnock Community Hospital, we are committed to supporting you and your family with reliable information and expert advice. Be sure to check out our other pediatric blog posts for more tips on keeping your child healthy and happy. From newborn care to managing common childhood illnesses, our blog offers a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood.

Why Choose Monadnock Community Hospital’s Pediatrics Department?

Your child’s health is our top priority at Monadnock Regional Pediatrics. From birth through adolescence, our expert team of board-certified pediatricians and nurses provides compassionate, personalized care. We partner with families to create tailored health plans that foster a healthy, happy future. Serving the community since 1923, we’re committed to delivering high-quality, accessible care in a warm and nurturing environment. Trust us to support your child’s well-being every step of the way.

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What can I Do - Understanding Fever in Children

Although controlling the fever may make your child more comfortable, no treatment is needed if your child does appear ill.
Give medicine for fever if your child feels uncomfortable. You can use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). Please see the back of this sheet for the correct dosing. FOR INFANTS LESS THAN 6 MONTHS, CHECK WITH THE PHYSICIAN BEFORE GIVING ANY MEDICATION.
Because acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) work differently, they can be alternated for more effective fever management. If particularly uncomfortable with fever or pain, you may alternate Tylenol and Motrin. If your child still has a fever 3 hours after giving acetaminophen you may then use ibuprofen. Remember to stick to the recommended dosing schedule for each medication. For instance, if you give your child acetaminophen and 3 hours later he/she still has a fever, you may then use ibuprofen. You can alternate the two medicines every three hours, but only up to 24 hours. THIS IS FOR SHORT TERM USE ONLY
Give the child additional fluids.
Remove extra clothes and blankets.
Keep the child’s room at a comfortable temperature.
Use only lukewarm water to sponge the child (if this is necessary). NEVER USE COLD WATER OR ALCOHOL

Alternating Children's Tylenol and Motrin for Fever Management

When managing a child's fever, parents often wonder about alternating acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin). Here's what you need to know:

You can alternate Tylenol and Motrin every 3 hours if needed for fever or pain relief.
This alternating schedule can be used for up to 24 hours only.
Always follow proper dosing guidelines based on your child's weight and age.
Consult your pediatrician before alternating medications for infants under 6 months

When to Call the Doctor:

The infant is under 2 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4F or higher.
The child is 2 months to 6 months old and has a rectal temp of 102F or higher.
The child is 7 months to 2 years and has a temp of 104F or higher.
The child has severe abdominal pain.
The child complains of a severe headache or stiff neck.
The child’s fever begins after prolonged sun exposure.
The child has a chronic medical problem associated with an increased risk of infection, such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, absent spleen, etc.

Call the Office Immediately if:

The child is unusually sleepy, difficult to wake and won’t interact normally.
The child has rapid, difficult or labored breathing.
The child has a dark red or purple rash that doesn’t blanch or disappear briefly after you push on it.
The child has a convulsion.
The child is so irritable that he/she cannot be consoled/quieted.
The child is not drinking and has signs of dehydration, e.g., not urinating, mouth dry and eyes sunken.

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Q: How often can I alternate Tylenol and Motrin for my child's fever?

A: You can alternate Tylenol and Motrin every 3 hours, but only for up to 24 hours. Always consult your pediatrician for prolonged fever or if you're unsure about medication schedules.

Q: Is it safe to give my child both Tylenol and Motrin?