Last Updated on February 7, 2025 by Kiersten James, BS, RN
Safe and effective ways to naturally break a fever using home remedies, hydration, and cooling techniques.
When your kid has a fever, it can be hard to sit on your hands and not give them Motrin or Tylenol – especially when they’re uncomfortable, fussy, or not sleeping well.
If it gives any peace, a fever is a sign that your baby’s immune system is doing exactly what it’s supposed to—raise body temperature to fight off infections. In most cases, a fever isn’t dangerous and doesn’t need to be treated with anything beyond comfort measures.
That being said, if your baby seems miserable, restless, or is obviously overheated, there are excellent, gentle ways to help bring their temperature down without giving them medicine. These simple home remedies can provide short-term relief allowing their little body to heal at its own pace.
Fevers in Babies
A fever in babies (12 months or younger) is typically defined as a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
If your baby feels warm, it’s always best to check their actual temperature rather than guessing based on touch. Fevers under 102°F (38.9°C) don’t require intervention from a medical perspective unless your baby is uncomfortable, starting to get dehydrated, or extremely fussy.
While a fever in and of itself isn’t dangerous, these red flags mean it’s time to call your family’s healthcare provider. If it’s outside of office hours, consider taking them to urgent care or the emergency department for evaluation:
- If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F or higher
- If the fever lasts more than three days
- If they’re refusing fluids, seem unusually sleepy, or won’t wake easily
- If the fever reaches 104°F or higher at any age
If your child doesn’t fit the criteria above and just has a typical run of the mill fever, try these safe, natural methods to help them cool down and feel better.
Natural Ways to Break a Fever Without Medicine
Lukewarm Bath or Sponge Bath
The first thing I do if my kids have a fever is to pop them in a bath. If it’s overnight and I’m too tired to draw up a whole bath, I’ll opt for a simple sponge bath instead.
Water naturally helps regulate body temperature. As the water from the bath evaporates from your baby’s skin, it provides a cooling effect. The most important thing with a fever bath is to keep the water warm, not cool (and definitely not cold!).
Using water that is colder than normal body temperature (98°F) can make their body shiver. The extra energy used to cause the shakes will make the fever worse by raising their internal temperature further.
If your baby (or Mama) isn’t up for a bath, a soft washcloth soaked in warm water can be gently wiped across their forehead, chest, or back. This will have the same effect in providing cooling relief.
Skin to Skin Cuddles to Regulate Temperature
Holding your baby against your skin isn’t just for bonding in the newborn period. Skin to skin contact can also help regulate their temperature.
Your body against them acts as a natural thermostat, adjusting to cool them down if they’re too warm. If your baby has a mild fever under 102°F, undress them down to their diaper and hold them directly against your chest with a light blanket over both of you.
Skin to skin regulation is especially useful for infants under 6 months who have a harder time regulating their body temperature on their own. It keeps them calm while allowing their fever to lower naturally in a gentle, comforting way.
This is popular for us when I eventually resort to sleeping on the couch with a baby instead of being woken up every 20 minutes due to their restlessness. With time, I’ve realized that sometimes it’s better to just give than lose sleep for days on end trying to make them comfortable overnight in their own rooms.
Focus on Hydration
One of the biggest concerns (from a nursing perspective) during a fever is dehydration. Babies lose fluids faster when their temperature is elevated. This is even more concerning if diarrhea or vomiting is present alongside a fever as in cases of the flu.
Whether your baby is breastfed or formula fed, offering more frequent feedings can help keep them hydrated.
If your baby is over 6 months old, small sips of water or coconut water can also help replace lost fluids. Babies who are teething or refusing bottles may prefer to suck and chew on a semi-frozen washcloth that has been soaked in breast milk or chamomile tea.
Cool Compress & Wet Socks
A simple cool compress can work wonders for bringing down a fever. A damp washcloth placed on the forehead, neck, or under the arms in the armpit helps draw heat away from the body.
Don’t use cold water, it just needs to be cooler than body temperature – cool or room temperature is enough to provide relief.
If your baby is struggling to sleep due to a fever, gently place a compress on their forehead while they rest to make them more comfortable without disrupting their sleep. (I know this sounds impossible but babies sleep very deeply and tend not to wake once they’ve fallen asleep for a few minutes.)
Natural Fever-Reducing Tea (For Babies Over 6 Months)
For older babies who have started eating solids, there are a few herbs that can support the body’s natural cooling process. Chamomile and peppermint are two gentle options that have been used for generations to ease fever symptoms.
Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects, while peppermint contains natural cooling properties that can help regulate body temperature.
To make it, steep 1 teaspoon dried herb in 8 ounces of hot water for 5 minutes then strain.
Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then offer in small sips using a bottle, sippy cup, or dropper. If your baby refuses to drink the tea, try dipping a washcloth in the cooled tea and letting them suck on it for comfort.
Dress in Lightweight Clothing
When your baby has a fever, it can be tempting to make them comfortable with their favorite blankets and pajamas.
My oldest child is famous for this – she will say she feels cold (because she has the chills) and proceed to pile on 20 layers of whatever is closest to her. It’s a constant battle to cool her down and takes extensive negotiating.
The issue here is that too many layers will trap heat, raise their temperature, and make them feel worse. Instead, grab their lightest, breathable clothing like a cotton onesie. If they feel very warm, let them rest with you in just a diaper with a light muslin blanket.
Avoid thick pajamas, heavy blankets, or synthetic fabrics like polyester that don’t allow airflow. Keeping the room cool and well ventilated can also help promote comfort as their fever naturally subsides.
Sometimes, I turn the heat completely off at night to allow the bedrooms to cool down to 62-63 degrees. It’s not energy efficient but helps everyone sleep better during these short periods of illness.
Cooling Foot Soak
Another old-fashioned but effective fever remedy is a foot soak. This is messy with little babies and more appropriate for toddlers and children who are capable of following simple instructions.
Soaking the feet in a bowl or tupperware of slightly cool water for a couple of minutes helps pull heat away from the core of the body. This will often bring relief without causing any discomfort.
The foot soak works particularly well for kids who feel hot to the touch and have flushed cheeks or sweaty foreheads – these are telltale signs that their body is struggling to cool down.
Keep the foot soak brief (no more than 5 minutes) and and always follow up with a light blanket to prevent chills.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Fevers are a natural part of childhood and often don’t require medication unless your baby is extremely uncomfortable. The goal isn’t always to eliminate the fever entirely but to keep your baby comfortable while their body fights off infection.
Most importantly, just observe your baby—if they’re eating well, alert, and still playing, there’s usually no need to worry.
Always monitor your child’s symptoms and trust your instincts—if something doesn’t seem right, or if you simply feel that something isn’t right, do not hesitate to bring them to the doctor or ER for medical evaluation. Nurses and doctors are always the happiest when we can send home a healthy child within a few hours.
More Natural Remedies for Babies, Toddlers, and Children
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Homemade Elderberry Syrup (Toddlers through Adults)
Herbal Steam Therapy to Ease Nasal & Chest Congestion
Save It For Later!
This information is intended for educational purposes only. The content created for www.naturalhomeapothecary.com has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider for personal healthcare decision-making guidance.
