How to Bathe a Toddler With a Fever

When your toddler is sick, your first priority is making him feel better. That can mean reducing his symptoms, giving him medicine or simply comforting him with your presence and helping him sleep. A fever is a common symptom of several illnesses. The fever isn't really a bad thing---it's one of the tools your toddler's body uses to fight off the infection. But if the fever is high or making him uncomfortable, you might want to try lowering it with a bath.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer
  • Water thermometer
  • Bathtub
  • Toddler bath insert (optional)
  • Baby soap (optional)
  • Towel

Instructions

    • 1

      Take your child's temperature. If your child's fever is high, over 105 degrees Farenheit, or if your child has additional symptoms such as extreme vomiting, seizures or chills, call your pediatrician before trying any home treatments.

    • 2

      Assess a low-grade fever. If her fever is under 101 degrees Farenheit, it isn't dangerously high, and you might want to let the fever keep fighting the infection rather than trying to lower it.

    • 3

      Prepare a bath. Draw water into the bathtub. If you have a younger toddler who still usually bathes in a baby tub, put the water there.

    • 4

      Check the temperature of the water with the water thermometer. It should be warm or lukewarm; cold water can cause shivering and raise your child's temperature.

    • 5

      Put your child in the bath. If you want, you can wash him with soap and a washcloth as you usually would. Take your child out of the bath.

    • 6

      Dry your child thoroughly. Make sure your child is completely dry; dry his hair as much as possible with a towel.

    • 7

      Dress your child appropriately. Choose clothes that are warm enough that she feels comfortable, but not so warm that her fever goes up. Depending on the weather, this could be simply a onesie or a long-sleeved pajama top and pants.

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