Sponge Bath For A Child's Fever - Kaiser Permanente

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Overview

If your child's fever is over 104°F (40°C), 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 [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.

Related Information

  • Fever or Chills, Age 11 and Younger

Credits

Current as of: July 1, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review BoardAll Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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Current as of: July 1, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review BoardAll Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Topic Contents

Current as of: July 1, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review BoardAll Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.

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