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My baby has a high fever. Should I worry?It's hard not to worry when your baby has a high fever or temperature. But do not panic, fever rarely does any harm. A fever simply means that the body's temperature has risen above normal. It is part of your child's natural defense against infection.
Fever is more serious in a baby under six months. It is relatively unusual for young babies to develop a fever. So this can be a warning sign that something is wrong. You should check with your paediatrician if your baby is:
- under three months and has a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or more
- under six months and has a temperature of 102.2 degrees F or more
Trust your instincts. If your instinct tells you that your baby is unwell, you are probably right. Consult your doctor for advice on how to treat your baby.
Why does my baby have a fever?Fever is a normal part of growing up. Common reasons for fever include:
- sore throats
- ear infections
- respiratory illness (like pneumonia)
- viral illnesses
- urinary tract infections
- heat illnesses
- mosquito borne diseases
How do I detect a fever in my baby?You can tell if your child has a fever simply by touching her forehead. If she's a young baby, you can also check her chest or back. A thermometer will give you her actual temperature. Normal body temperature is usually between 96.8 degrees F and 98.6 degrees F, but it can vary by a few points of a degree from child to child.
You could use a digital underarm thermometer, which is reasonably accurate. Forehead strips are less accurate but useful for younger babies as they are quick and easy to use.
Your baby may also be:
- not feeding normally
- breathing rapidly
- exhibiting changes in sleeping or eating habits
- having fits or convulsions caused by a high fever
What can I do to treat my baby's fever?You can:
- Offer your baby lots of drinks to make sure she is well-hydrated. Regularly offer whatever she usually drinks; breastmilk for breastfed babies, and formula milk or cool boiled water for formula-fed babies.
- Let her rest if she wants to. She doesn't need to stay in bed.
- Let her eat if she feels like it. She will need energy and plenty of fluids to help her get better. If you have already started your baby on solid foods, offer her favourite foods but do not insist on her eating. Her appetite will pick up when she is better.
- You might want to give your baby infant paracetamol suspension if she seems very uncomfortable. Ask your doctor for the exact dose.
- If your baby develops a fever during the mosquito borne diseases season, contact your doctor for advice before giving her any medicine.
- Sponge your baby's face, neck, arms and legs with lukewarm water to bring down the fever.
- You don't need to take off layers of your baby's clothes or add extra clothing.
How can I tell if my baby's fever is serious?If you are worried see your doctor. You should be more cautious if your baby is younger than six months as a feverish illness is more unusual and could be more serious.
If your baby has a fever along with other symptoms, this could be a sign of a more serious illness. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Your baby is particularly sleepy or drowsy.
- She has not wanted to drink for more than eight hours. Or she’s had less than half of her usual amount to drink over the past 24 hours. This includes breast or bottle feeds for young babies.
- Sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on your baby’s head), along with other symptoms, including dry lips, dark yellow urine and fewer wet nappies than usual. These can be signs of dehydration.
- Your baby has an unexplained rash.
What is a febrile convulsion?Febrile convulsions are fits that sometimes happen in babies and young children with a high temperature. They are frightening to watch, but are rarely harmful. Although a febrile convulsion may seem like it goes on for ages, it usually lasts for only 20 seconds, and rarely for more than two minutes.
If your baby has a brief febrile convulsion for the first time, take her to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. A doctor can check her and help to confirm the cause of her fit.
If the fit has not stopped after three minutes, go immediately to the emergency department of your nearest hospital.
While your baby is having a fit, don't restrain her in any way. Just loosen any tight clothing and remove anything in her mouth, such as a dummy or food. She won't swallow her tongue.
Last reviewed February 2011