How do I help a toddler with a temperature?

[babybouncer]

DS has been off nursery most of this week with a temperature and on Thursday a few spots appeared around his mouth. We've been giving him calpol and took him to the docs on Friday who helpfully said he might have hand, foot and mouth (as it's going around nursery) or chickenpox (because the spots looked a bit poxy) or teething, or a really bad cold and sore throat.

DS has been doing alright during the day, not eating as much, but still having a fair amount (as long as it is mainly pasta or biscuits) and drinking, but spending much more time than normal lying on us watching CBeebies. But the last couple of nights he's been waking up a lot and not sleeping in his cot (he's always been a good sleeper before) but in the spare bed with one of us, and getting very distressed - it's taking a good five/ten minutes to stop him crying. Even during the day he can do this.

Does anyone have any good tips about what I could try to soothe him?

how old is he? DS (who is 5) has terrible night terrors when he is unwell, or coming down with something. As long as he is eating, drinking and going to the toilet ok, then you are right not to worry too much.

Make sure he is really hydrated before bedtime, give him some calpol to keep the temp in check whilst he sleeps and make sure his room is cool (and well-aired during the day). Loose jammies, that kind of thing.

Generally, they just need cuddles and reassurance when not well, so it is not unusual to want you during the night, and to snuggle during the day.

Hope he is better soon!

I would very much doubt it's chickenpox as the spots usualy appear on the chest first and look like drops of water on the skin, hand foot and mouth much more likely as spots on mouth, look on palms too, I have never known teething cause spots in all my 24 years of being a Nursery Nurse! Try giving calop every four hours and junior ibuprofen every 8 hours, read instructions for right doseage. The calpol is a pain reliever but the ibuprofen takes down swelling and irritation, it is vital you do not allow child to get too hot as this can lead to febrile convulsions which although harmless are terrifying for a parent to see. Keep room cool but not cold and dress in layers which can be removed or added to as needed. Try rubbing back in circular motions and interspace with gently pats to back - works every time!

Febrile convulstions aren't caused by a high temperature. They're caused by a rapid rise in temperature and can happen at fairly low temperatures actually. Anti-pyretics shouldn't be used for a temperature alone but if he is uncomfortable and in pain, use either Calpol or Ibuprofen depending upon which you have and which you know he responds to and you can always switch to the other one. I wouldn't start off using both at once, there's no evidence to suggest efficacy beyond what you'd get for using just one of them.

As you're aiming to keep the temperature consistent and controlled, a room with a bit of air circulating (if you use a fan, don't concentrate it on him, a rotating one is better), loose cotton clothing, loose covers (no duvets/blankets), plenty to drink. Ice lollies are good with sore mouths/throats too. Try looking at him and not his temperature, respond to him and his needs. Sleep, cuddles, whatever food he fancies, reassurance. Now is not the time to worry about habits and rods or whatever people advise against.

It's so miserable when they're ill but they usually bounce back quite quickly. Don't be afraid to see somebody else if you're at all worried. You know him best.

Hope he's better soon.

Thanks. Obviously I was hoping for a magic cure, but it's nice to know that I'm already doing the right sort of things!