Sponge bath for a child's fever
A sponge bath may be given if:
- Your child's fever is 104°F (40°C) 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 104°F (40°C).
Give a sponge bath as follows:
- Use lukewarm water [90°F (32.22°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.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 21, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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