Skip to main content

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

3 things to do and 1 you absolutely should not to do when your baby has a fever

When children get a fever, it’s usually their bodies’ way of trying to fight something off by raising their body temperature to a level that kills off germs. Caring for babies and wondering what to do when they’re too young for medicine can be very trying for parents, but there is information that can help.

Knowing what warrants a call to the doctor or a trip to the hospital will leave you prepared in case your baby does get a fever, and if your baby does have one, you’ll know how to help make your baby comfortable and try to bring the fever down naturally. That will make you both feel better.

best-baby-thermometers
by Alexander Ishchenko / Shutterstock

What are fevers and their symptoms?

A true fever is a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38.0 degrees Celsius) or higher taken by ear, forehead, or rectum or an armpit temperature of 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 degrees Celsius) or higher. (Note that ear temperatures are not accurate before six months old.)

Fevers are usually caused by new infections, mostly viruses like colds and flu. Viruses cause 10 times more infections than bacteria. Your child may have other symptoms that go along with their virus, like vomiting, coughing, and congestion. Fever often comes on first and is followed by other symptoms that last several days longer.

A fever does not typically cause crying on its own. If a child is crying often with a fever, this is probably caused by pain and not the fever, according to Seattle Children’s Hospital.

How long do fevers last in babies?

Fevers last fewer than five days. If your child’s fever lasts longer than five days, call a doctor. However, in young babies, fevers can be very serious and you should contact your doctor much earlier than the five-day mark, potentially immediately.

If the fever is a reaction to a recent vaccination shot, it usually lasts two to three days.

Throughout the time the fever lasts, keep your baby hydrated and rested. Your child is likely contagious during the time of the fever if it’s from a virus and should stay away from others as much as possible.

A sick toddler on the couch comforted by their mother.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When should you worry about a baby’s fever?

It depends on your baby’s age. If your baby is under three months old, a fever can be a serious cause for concern and you should call the doctor right away. If your little one is 3 to 6 months old, call the doctor within 24 hours. If your baby is 6 to 12 months old, call the doctor if the fever lasts more than 24 hours.

According to Cleveland Clinic, these are the situations when you should go to the ER or the doctor:

  • An infant younger than 3 months of age develops a fever.
  • Your child’s fever lasts more than five days.
  • Your child’s fever is higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
  • Your child’s fever doesn’t come down with fever reducers.
  • Your child is not acting like himself, is difficult to arouse, isn’t wetting at least four diapers per day, isn’t taking in enough liquids, or you are concerned.
  • Your child was recently immunized and has a temperature above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or a fever for more than 48 hours.

Do not give your baby any medicine without consulting with a doctor first.

In many cases, your baby will be fussy for a few days and then back to normal. It can be concerning to see him upset, but remember that you also are unhappy when you have a fever and that it will pass.

How can I reduce my baby’s fever naturally?

To make your baby feel better when she has a fever, here are three things you can do:

  1. Put a cool compress on her head.
  2. Give her a lukewarm bath or cool sponge bath.
  3. Give her a popsicle to eat. If she’s a baby, she can have a breastmilk or formula popsicle. If older, she can have a Pedialyte popsicle for hydration.

However, do not give your baby an icy cold bath. That can drive up the fever, not to mention be painful.

Fevers in babies

Fevers give us a clue that something is wrong, but we don’t always know what. All we can do is treat the symptom for a while and watch and see … and keep the pediatrician informed and follow expert advice. If your baby is under a year old and especially if he’s under six months old or spiking a high fever, call right away.

Editors' Recommendations

Sarah Prager
Sarah is a writer and mom who lives in Massachusetts. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, National…
When should your child learn how to ride a bike?
Find out what age to take off the training wheels
Parents teaching their daughter how to ride a bike with training wheels

Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage for most kids. Children usually learn to ride a bike between the ages of 3 and 8. Bike riding is one of the best outdoor activities for kids, and it's something the entire family can do together. Most kids typically learn to ride a bike with training wheels first, while some are just natural and take to two wheels immediately.

Research shows that the best range for kids to learn a new skill is between the ages of 4 and 12. Teaching your child to ride a bike not only gives them a new experience and skill but the earlier your child learns, the longer they reap the physical and mental rewards of bike riding.

Read more
When can babies eat spinach? Don’t feed it to them too early
What you need to know about giving babies spinach
A highchair set up with a baby toy, sippy cup, and green baby food.

We all want to see our kids eat more green food, starting with the transition to solid foods as an infant. If you’re hoping your baby will be “strong to the finish,” just like Popeye by eating spinach regularly, then you may wonder when a suitable time would be to introduce that iron-rich food to your little one. This little green leaf's ability to pack on the nutrients makes it such a great food for parents to feed their tots.

But when are babies able to eat spinach safely? More importantly, how can you make spinach baby food that your child will actually eat? Let's break down the when and how to get your nugget to enjoy this mineral-rich superfood.

Read more
When do babies play peekaboo and when should parents be concerned?
Ready for adorable games with your little one? Here's when to start the fun
A mother and young child playing peekaboo outside.

Peekaboo, I see you! The classic game of peekaboo teaches so much more than anyone could guess based on how simple it is to play. It's free, easy, and it builds your baby's brain up each time you play. But what if they're not interested? Does it matter if your little one never wants to play this adorable game? We'll go over when babies play peekaboo and when (and if) parents should worry if they don't show any signs of wanting to play the game.

Why should babies play peekaboo?
Babies gain a lot from the seemingly simple game. It's not only a game to play because it's so simple or because your baby doesn't need to talk to play it. There are plenty of upsides to this fan favorite.
Benefits your baby will see

Read more