Go to a doctor now if: EMERGENCY/urgent: any fever in a baby under 3 months; fever with stiff neck, rash that doesn't fade on pressure, fits/convulsion, breathing difficulty, drowsiness/floppiness, no urine, non-stop crying, or fever >3-5 days — see a doctor immediately.
Food-first comfort
Keep hydrated: frequent breastmilk/fluids/ORS; light foods as wanted (khichdi, dal water, soup, fruit); don't force food; dress lightly; tepid (not cold) sponging if very hot and uncomfortable.
What to nourish
Easy fluids and light nourishing foods; vitamin-C fruit; keep feeding.
Never
NEVER use aspirin in children (Reye's syndrome). Don't cold-sponge or use ice. Don't over-bundle. Don't combine/overdose paracetamol & ibuprofen without medical guidance. No honey under 1y.
Care at home
Fever is a symptom, not a disease — the child's comfort and hydration matter more than the exact number. Food remedies are supportive only; the cause must be watched and, when red flags appear, medically assessed.
Related guides
Dehydration Prevention (Homemade ORS)Tiredness & Low Energy (Nutrition)Newborn Jaundice - Feeding Support (Referral-Forward)Recovery Nutrition After Illness
When to see a doctor. Children are not small adults. This guide offers food-first comfort for a parent to consider; it gives no medicines, doses or supplements for children. A paediatrician decides on treatment. When in doubt, go.
