Fevers At Every Age
Even though we know that fevers are our body’s natural response to infection and a sign that our body is doing what it’s supposed to do, it can feel very scary when your child is going through it. Here are some tips to help at every age.
Birth - 2 Months:
When babies are this young, infections can quickly move into different parts of the body and turn into “serious bacterial infections”. This is why fevers are so important to note, because they can be a sign of more serious infection.
WHAT TO KNOW: Fever is defined as a rectal temperature greater than or equal to 100.4F (38C).
WHAT TO DO: Remove any extra layers of clothing (make sure your baby isn’t over bundled or over heated). Have a thermometer on hand to check their temperature without clothes on. Call your pediatrician or seek medical care at the first sign of fever.
2 Months - 3 Months:
WHAT TO KNOW: Based on the CHOP Protocol, fever is defined as a rectal temperature greater than or equal to 101.3F (38.5C).
WHAT TO DO: Remove any extra layers of clothing (make sure your baby isn’t over bundled or over heated). Have a thermometer on hand to check their temperature without clothes on. Call your pediatrician or seek medical care at the first sign of fever.
3 Months - 3 Years Old:
WHAT TO KNOW: Based on the CHOP Protocol, fever is defined as a rectal temperature greater than or equal to 101.3F (38.5C).
WHAT TO DO:
If your child is uncomfortable, you can try to:
Remove any extra layers of clothing (make sure your baby isn’t over bundled or over heated).
Put a cool (not too cold) washcloth along your child’s neck or under armpits.
Give a lukewarm bath.
Cool popsicles or liquids. Pedialyte popsicles or Good Pop popsicles can help a ton for cooling, hydration and comfort. Focus on fluids to prevent dehydration.
Medications if they are still very uncomfortable or in distress (see below).
Call your pediatrician for fever more than 3 days (so they can decide if they need to check for bacterial infections like urinary tract infections or other endemic infections), or with any concerns.
Medications
Try to focus on how your child looks more than the number on the thermometer. Some kids are comfortable at 102F, and others are super fussy at 100.5F. Trust your gut, you have the best sense of your baby. Here are some tips for when to consider Children’s Motrin (6 months and older) or Children’s Tylenol.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
If your child is/has:
<3 months old
other medical conditions
inconsolable (not comforted by anything you are trying)
listless or lethargic (seems to out of it that they are not responding to you)
dehydrated
fever for more than 3 days
with any questions or concerns
Knowing what to do at home and when to seek help will help you feel confident caring for your sick child. You’re doing great.
