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Symptom Guide

Fever in Babies and Children

This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. If your child is sick, call our office.

What counts as a fever

A fever is a rectal, ear, or forehead temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher. An armpit temperature of 99°F (37.2°C) or higher also suggests fever, but armpit readings are less accurate. Rectal temperature is the most reliable method for babies under 3 months.

Call 911 or go to the ER

  • Your child is not moving or too weak to stand
  • You cannot wake your child
  • Severe trouble breathing (ribs pulling in, grunting, or lips turning blue)
  • Purple or blood-colored spots on the skin that are new
  • Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes

Call the doctor right now

  • Baby under 12 weeks old with any fever of 100.4°F or higher — do not give fever medicine before being seen
  • Temperature above 104°F (40°C) at any age
  • Shaking chills lasting more than 30 minutes
  • Nonstop crying or extreme irritability
  • Signs of dehydration: no urine for 8+ hours, no tears when crying, dry mouth
  • New skin rash with fever that does not fade when you press on it
  • Stiff neck or pain when bending the head forward
  • Your child looks or acts very sick

Call the doctor within 24 hours

  • Baby 3–6 months old with a fever (even if acting normal)
  • Baby 6–12 months old with a fever lasting more than 48 hours
  • Fever lasting more than 3 days in a child of any age
  • Fever went away for more than 24 hours and then came back
  • Burning or pain with urination

Home care

  • A fever of 100–102°F is the body fighting infection and may not need treatment
  • Treat fevers of 102–104°F if your child is uncomfortable
  • Always treat fevers above 104°F
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe for infants 12 weeks and older — see our dosage chart
  • Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) can be used at 6 months and older
  • NEVER give aspirin to children — risk of Reye syndrome
  • Dress your child in light clothing and offer plenty of fluids
  • A lukewarm (not cold) bath can help bring the temperature down
  • Do not use rubbing alcohol baths — this is dangerous

How to take a temperature

  • Under 3 months: rectal thermometer only
  • 3 months to 3 years: rectal, ear, or forehead thermometer
  • Over 3 years: oral, ear, or forehead thermometer
  • Armpit readings run about 1°F lower than actual body temperature

Sources

Not sure if your child's fever needs attention? Call us.

Call 908-755-5437