If you have small children at home, then you’ve dealt with at least one late night fever and illness. What is it about kids that makes them spike a fever of 103 just as you are finally ready to tuck yourself in for a precious few hours of sleep?Although high fevers can be frightening and something you’d probably like to avoid, the experts tell us that fever is nature’s way of fighting infection and should only be treated to keep your child comfortable. While I won’t go into all of the details and expert recommendations about which fevers to treat and how (you should consult your pediatrician about your unique situation), I would like to offer up some suggestions to make that at-home treatment faster and less stressful for all involved.
Prepare a Fever Kit
You have a first aid kit, right? Well, your fever kit should be set up similarly. Here is a picture of my family’s fever kit. It is labeled so that it is easy to find on an eye-level shelf in my children’s closet. And it is stocked with only the basics. That way, my husband or I can find the thing in our sleep-deprived stupor and quickly help my child/children without rummaging through a bunch of non-essentials.
So what’s in it?
Most importantly, a good oral and rectal digital thermometer. I label the cover of each so as not to confuse them. I also keep a bottle of isopropyl alcohol and cotton balls to cleanse the thermometers after each use. Some thermometers come with plastic sleeves which should be discarded and replaced after each use.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen (A.K.A. Tylenol and Advil). I keep liquid versions and chewable tablets on hand appropriate to the age of my children. I have discovered that depending on the bug, my kids will either prefer one type or the other. Check expirations dates and double check dosage guidelines with your pediatrician prior to treating your children with these medications.
Dosing spoons and syringes. These are usually free from your pharmacy. Be sure you understand the measurements. Also, clean and air dry completely between uses.
A small log book and pencil. When you give your child any medication, you want to be sure to document it so that any other caregivers will not make the mistake of double-dosing. I document not only the medication, but also the symptoms my child exhibits. That way, I have a specific ledger of facts to discuss with my pediatrician should things worsen. Here is an example of a typical log book entry:
October 9, 2011
1:30 pm
Temp 103, stomach pain, headache
2 tsp ibuprofen
We have found that when our children are taking anti-biotics in addition to pain/fever medications, it can be very confusing and easy to forget what’s been taken and what needs to be taken. This simple log book helps keep us all coordinated and literally on the same page!
Finally, you may want to include a product like Pedialyte in your fever kit. My kids prefer the Pedialyte freezer pops over the basic juice product. Dehydration is real concern when a child develops fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Watch their behavior and fluid input (and output) closely to avoid dehydration.
Last tip! Use daylight savings time changes as a reminder to check all medication expiration dates. Safely discard expired medications and restock first aid and fever kits. And of course, check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors too!
Putting together a fever kit is a great way to begin organizing your medicine cabinet and ensure that your child will safely get the relief they need when they are under the weather.
Call or email me with comments, questions and to set up your free 30 minute organizing consultation. Wishing you a safe and healthy winter!
