If you feel like your kids have been relentlessly ill for months on end… you’re not alone. In any year, it’s normal for kids under 6 to get sick 7+ times a year (nope, not a typo).
Next time your kid gets sick, avoid the frantic Googling. Here are the three rules to remember:
For Fevers, the 24/3 Rule
It’s not considered an “official” fever until it’s over 100.4 degrees. But doctors care most about the duration of fevers. So don’t freak out until a fever of 104+ lasts 24 hours, OR when a lower fever lasts more than 3 days.
All bets are off for babies, though. If a newborn has any fever at all, call your doctor. If your baby’s 3-6 months, call if a fever reaches 101 degrees.
Rotate to Reduce
Acetaminophen (like Tylenol) and Ibuprofen are two proven fever reducers for kids 12 and under. But if one’s not working to reduce fever and discomfort, you can try rotating between the two.
And here’s a nice dosage table we’re taping to our medicine cabinet. Of course, consult your doctor!
24 Hr Rule for Back-to-school (or daycare)
When can you send your kid back to daycare or school?. One easy rule-of-thumb is that your child shouldn’t return until they’ve gone 24 hours without a fever (and they didn’t need medication to keep it down). But your school or daycare may have stricter guidelines, so double-check those.
