Your Baby's Temperature and Fever (2024)

FAQs

Your Baby's Temperature and Fever? ›

With babies and children older than 6 months, you may need to call if the temperature is greater than 103, but more than likely, associated symptoms will prompt a call. A rectal temperature between 99 and 100 degrees is a low-grade fever, and usually does not need a doctor's care.

Fever. If your baby is younger than 3 months old, contact your health care provider for any fever. If your baby is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature up to 102 F (38.9 C) and seems sick or has a temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C), contact your health care provider.

A normal temperature in babies and children is about 36.4C, but this can vary slightly. A high temperature or fever is usually considered to be a temperature of 38C or above. Your baby may have a high temperature if they: feel hotter than usual to touch on their back or chest.

Also, contact your child's provider or go to the emergency room if your child: Is younger than age 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Is 3 to 12 months old and has a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher. Is under age 2 and has a fever that lasts longer than 48 hours.

Offer soft foods often and in small amounts but do not force them to eat. Give sponge baths or let your child soak in a tub. Water should be lukewarm, not too hot or cold. Use a wash cloth to sponge the water over your child's body.

In general, call the doctor if your child is: younger than 3 months old with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. 3 months or older with a temperature higher than 102.2°F (39°C)

In a child over 4 months, fevers of up to 104 F shouldn't cause alarm. A mild fever that lasts up to five days is OK for most kids.

If your child is 3 or older, visit the pediatric ER if the child's temperature is over 102 degrees for two or more days. You should also seek emergency care if the fever is accompanied by any of these symptoms: Abdominal pain. Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Fever is a sign that the body is combating an infection. It helps kill bacteria and viruses. It also boosts production of infection-fighting white blood cells. There's generally no need to worry about bringing a fever down unless it's causing your child discomfort.

When to worry about a fever? ›

Call your health care provider if your temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs or symptoms accompanies a fever: Severe headache. Rash.

Emergency departments are equipped for the most complex or critical needs. Fever requires a visit to the emergency department when: An infant less than 28 days old has a fever of 100.4 or more. A child's fever is at 105°F (40.5°C) and doesn't decrease 1-2 degrees after taking fever-reducing medicine.

Testing. If your baby is less than 60 days old and has a fever of 100.4 or higher or exhibits other physical symptoms, a series of important tests known as “rule out sepsis” or “fever work up,” will be done.

If they are over 3 months old and still playing, eating, and drinking close to the way they normally would, you probably don't have to worry. If your baby is under 2 months old and has a fever, they need emergency medical attention. If they are over 2 months and are having more severe symptoms, call your doctor.

If your child has a fever, it is best to dress infants in one light layer of clothing and a sleep sack (no loose blankets should be in your baby's crib). You don't want to bundle them up too much, as this can increase the fever.

Fever tends to produce a warm feel throughout. Not just on forehead. It may be because of influence of environmental temperature as head is the most exposed part in our body. Can be due to dehydration as well.

If your child is 3 or older, visit the pediatric ER if the child's temperature is over 102 degrees for two or more days. You should also seek emergency care if the fever is accompanied by any of these symptoms: Abdominal pain. Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

A fever in the first 3 months of your baby's life is serious. It may be due to a bloodstream infection called sepsis. You should get medical treatment right away for fever in babies in this age group.