Everyday Wellness How to Reduce Your Child's Fever By Vincent Iannelli, MD facebook Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Iannelli has cared for children for more than 20 years. Learn about our editorial process Vincent Iannelli, MD Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician Updated on February 03, 2020 Print Eric Audras / Getty Images What can you do for a child with a fever who is irritable and spitting medicine back up? Especially when she used to like medicine. One simple thing might be to just try a different medication or a different flavor of the same fever reducer. While some kids simply don't like to take any medicine, others are just picky. For example, Infants' Tylenol Oral Suspension comes in different flavors, including grape and cherry. There are also different forms of Tylenol, in addition to the oral suspension, including FeverAll suppository form of Acetaminophen, which can be given to infants over 3 months of age. If she is over 6 months old and won't take Tylenol, you might change over to a fever reducer with ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin. How to Lower Your Child's Fever Giving your child plenty of fluids to drink and maybe even trying a lukewarm sponge bath might also help to lower her temperature. Things to avoid include: Using rubbing alcohol or cold water in a sponge bathGiving your child aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndromeOverdressing her or using heavy blankets You should also avoid repeating the doses of Tylenol that your child spits up unless instructed to do so by your pediatrician. Do You Have to Treat Your Child's Fever? While you certainly don't have to always try and reduce your child's fever, it is likely a good idea if your child is irritable and having trouble sleeping due to the fever at night. The fever isn't going to help your child get better any faster, whatever is causing it. And be sure to call your pediatrician if she continues to have a fever or continues to be irritable, even after you get her temperature to come down. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit