How can i treat my baby or toddler's fever?

Depends: Fever is a symptom and by itself may not need treatment. It is the underlying reason for the fever that is important. Fever in children less than 2-3 months and in very ill acting infants should be evaluated by someone familiar with children's health care. When treating fever Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen are the common medications used in the country. Care should be used not to use too much.

Dress down or meds: If your baby is under 2 months of age, call your pediatrician for any fever over 100.4. For older babies and children, Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen are effective medical treatments for fever. In addition, dressing baby down by removing warm clothes and blankets, or giving a lukewarm (not cold) bath is very helpful. Remember, too, that mild to moderate fever serves a purpose.

Medicine IF needed: Fevers only need to be treated to help a baby or child feel better-- the fever itself will not harm anyone. If your child is less than 2 mos with a fever, call your doctor; after that age, treat a fever if the child isn't feeling well with Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (after 6 mos). After the fever medicine kicks in, if the child is still acting unwell, call the doctor.

Acetaminophen: Babies under age 3 months should be seen by a doctor, if there is fever. Older babies and toddlers can use acetaminophen drops to lower the fever, but should also see the doctor if the fever is higher (more than 102), if the child looks quite ill or in pain, if the fever is more than a couple of days; or if the parent in any way feels uncomfortable or worried about the way the baby looks or behaves.

Agree, but..: While i agree entirely with dr noland, i would like to emphasize her last point. Not all fevers need to be treated. Fever is serving a purpose for your child. Your immune system works better at fighting infection at higher body temperature, and the germs causing the infection, be they viruses, bacteria, etc don't survive as well at higher body temperatures. So unless child very uncomfortable, let them run the temp!