It can be scary when your baby has a fever. Here are some tips to help you better understand why your baby has a fever and what you can do to help them.
What is a fever?
A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. Your child’s temperature will vary with age, activity, and even the time of day. For example, babies have a higher temperature than older children. In fact, studies show that healthy babies aged 18 to 24 months can have a temperature of 101°F (38.3◦ C). And everyone’s temperature is highest between late afternoon and early evening and lowest between midnight and early morning.
A normal temperature can be anywhere from 97.5°F (36.4°C) and 99.5°F (37.5°C). Most health care providers consider a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) as a sign of a fever.
What causes a fever?
A fever is important in helping your baby or child fight an infection. Running a fever may be a sign that your baby has the flu or COVID-19. If your baby has an illness of some kind, their body temperature will increase. This increase in body temperature is a sign that some of the body’s other natural defenses, such as white blood cells, are attacking the infection. A fever will make your baby feel uncomfortable. It may make them need more fluids, breathe faster and have a faster heart rate.
Getting a vaccine or teething also can cause your baby to run a fever.
How can I treat my baby’s fever?
First, it is important to get an accurate temperature. Feeling your baby’s forehead will not give you a precise measurement. You need to use a thermometer to get the best reading. A rectal thermometer is the most accurate way to measure a baby’s temperature.
It isn’t always necessary to see your health care provider when your child has a fever. Here are some things that can help:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) will usually bring down your baby’s temperature. But make sure you give the correct dose.
- Do not overdress your child.
- Alcohol baths and ice packs are NOT recommended.
- Make sure your baby gets a lot of fluids to help prevent dehydration. Signs of dehydration include crying without tears, a dry mouth and fewer wet diapers.
When should I call my baby’s provider?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you should call your child’s health care provider right away if your child has a fever and:
- Is younger than 3 months (12 weeks) and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher. Call even if your baby doesn’t seem sick. Babies this young can get sick very quickly.
- The fever rises above 104°F (40°C) repeatedly for a child of any age.
- Looks very ill, is unusually tired or is very fussy.
- Has been in a very hot place, such as an overheated car.
- Has other symptoms, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, an unexplained rash or repeated vomiting or diarrhea.
- Has signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, sunken or bulging soft spot on their head or significantly fewer wet diapers, and is not able to take in fluids.
- Has immune system problems, such as sickle cell disease or cancer, or is taking medications, such as steroids.
- Has had a seizure. A seizure is when your baby’s whole body or parts of their body move without control.
Also call your child’s doctor if:
- The fever persists for more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years.
- The fever persists for more than 3 days (72 hours) in a child 2 years of age or older.
- Your child still seems sick even after their fever is brought down.
- Your child seems to be getting worse.
All children get fevers, and most times they return to normal in a few days. However, call your provider if you’re not sure what to do or if your baby is acting very differently than normal.
Please be advised that the content in this blog post is from more than two years ago and may no longer be up-to-date. For inquiries regarding your health, it is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare provider.