inspiring canadians to live better.

healthing leaf

inspiring canadians to live better.

healthing leaf
get healthing in your inbox with the morning checkup and weekender newsletter!

top of the page

sponge bath for a child's fever

overview

if your child's fever is over 40°c (104°f), 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.

  • use lukewarm water [32.2°c (90°f) to 35°c (95°f)].

    do not use cold water, ice, or rubbing alcohol, which will lower the child's body temperature too quickly.

  • sponge for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • stop if the child starts to shiver.

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

current as of: august 6, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use. learn how we develop our content.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

advertisement