You’ve taken your child’s temperature and given them the correct dose of Nurofen for Children*, and now you’re sitting by their bed wondering how you can keep them comfortable throughout the night.
Like any caring parent, you want to check in on them regularly to make sure they’re not tossing and turning. But how often should you do this, and how can you help them get to sleep?
When to check on them
When and how often to check on your sick kid[1] can vary. It's a good idea to call your paediatrician if you have any questions. That's what Sydney mum Angela Gosnell does. If possible, Gosnell, who's raising a five-year-old little girl, calls her doctor’s surgery during the day, talks to the nurse or doctor about her daughter's symptoms and asks how often she should check on her during the night.
“If she gets a fever during the night when the surgery is closed though, I give her Nurofen for Children*, which my daughter thankfully loves – especially the orange one. And I usually set the alarm on my phone, so I can wake up every two hours and check on her.”
How to make them comfortable
It’s tempting to wrap your child in warm clothes or put extra blankets on their bed when you know they’re ill, but the dressing them in light clothing[2] is actually a better practice.
"I try to stop my daughter from overheating and shivering by stripping her down to next to nothing,” she says. “That way, she’s much more comfortable.”
Gosnell usually opens a window, but if weather conditions are too blustery, she positions a fan on the other side of her daughter's room, so the breeze is gentle and the fan doesn’t blast her with air. "Basically, I make sure her room is at a comfortable temperature[3]," she says.
Lots of fluids
Gosnell tries to encourage her daughter to drink when she’s sick, even though it’s often the last thing her five-year-old wants to do.
“My daughter gets very grumpy when she’s got a fever, which is fair enough – she’s not having a good time, after all. But if I can get her to drink something, then often she’ll be much more settled, which helps her go to sleep, and she won't be dehydrated[4].”
“I try to get her to drink her favourite juice or, if she can sit up, I give her an ice block to help get some fluids into her.”
Help is at hand
“I swear by Nurofen for Children," says Gosnell. "I’ve used it countless times to help bring down my daughter’s temperature. I always keep a bottle in the house – just in case she gets a fever.”
*Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. Consult your healthcare professional if symptoms persist. Do not give to babies under 3 months. Seek medical advice for children less than 1 year.
References
[1] http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/treat-symptoms-12/treat-fever-young-children
[2] http://www.kidspot.com.au/familyhealth/Pain-relief-Fever-The-best-ways-to-soothe-a-fever+5783+558+article.htm
[3] http://www.patient.co.uk/health/feverhigh-temperature-in-children
[4] http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/dehydration.html
This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.
Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.
