Sponge bath for a child's fever

A sponge bath may be given if:

• Your child's fever is 104F or higher and
• Acetaminophen has not lowered the temperature and
• Your child is very uncomfortable.

Give your child an appropriate dose of acetaminophen before giving him or her a sponge bath. Wait 30 minutes to see whether the medication brings the child's fever below 104F.

Give a sponge bath as follows:

• Use lukewarm water [90F to 95F]. 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.