Paediatrician explains the 5 common fever mistakes parents make When your child has a fever, it’s easy to slip into panic mode — and that’s when mistakes happen. Covering them in layers or blankets doesn’t “sweat the fever out” — it traps heat and raises the temperature. Cold sponging isn’t helpful either — lukewarm water is what gently brings the fever down. Stopping medicines because your child isn’t eating delays recovery — keep up the prescribed course. Never mix or alternate fever medicines