What should you actually do when a child has a fever at night?

Judge the child, not the number. A child who is alert, drinking and playable with is usually manageable at home even with a high reading, while a child who is unusually drowsy, difficult to rouse or breathing fast needs review regardless of temperature. Paracetamol dosed by weight rather than age is the standard first choice, and the dose is worth writing down in advance. Fluids matter more than food. Seek urgent care for any fever under three months, a rash that does not fade under pressure, a stiff neck, persistent vomiting, breathing difficulty, or a seizure.