Sponge Bath for a Child's Fever

Topic Overview

A sponge bath may be given if:

• Your child's fever is 104°F (40°C) or higher and
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen has not lowered the temperature and
• Your child is very uncomfortable.

Give your child an appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen before giving him or her a sponge bath. Wait 30 minutes to see whether the medicine brings the child's fever below 104°F (40°C).

• Acetaminophen can be found in many forms and comes in different doses.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Do not give your child more than the maximum dose recommended on the label.
• Be careful when giving your child over-the-counter cold or flu medicines and acetaminophen (Tylenol) at the same time. Many of these medicines already contain acetaminophen. Too much acetaminophen can be harmful.
• Do not use other nonprescription medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), until you have talked with your health professional.

Give a sponge bath as follows:

• Use lukewarm water [90°F (32.2°C) to 95°F (35°C)] . 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.