Health & Baby

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Fever in Babies

Welcoming a new baby into the house can be an exciting, but nerve-wracking time for parents. The nerves are understandable, considering that newborns don't come with instruction manuals, and babies aren't like little adults when they're sick -- they need special care.

A fever in babies can be one of the scariest symptoms for parents, especially when that fever is high or the baby is only a few weeks old.

Recommended Related to Parenting - Baby (0-12 months)

Color Changes in Your Baby's Bowel Movements

All new parents develop an unexpected interest in bowel movements and baby poop. Do I worry when the color turns green? Is the milk causing a problem? Is my baby's digestion on track? Here are the basics to get you through this stage in your baby's life:

Read the Color Changes in Your Baby's Bowel Movements article > >

In this article, you'll learn what causes infant fevers and what to do when your baby's forehead feels warm.

What Causes Infant Fevers?

A fever isn't an illness -- it's just a symptom of one. Usually if your baby has a fever, it means he or she has picked up a cold or other viral infection. Less commonly in infants, a fever is a sign of a bacterial infection such as a urinary tract infection. More rarely, the infection is something serious, like meningitis.

Other causes of fever in babies include:

Reaction to a vaccination
Becoming overheated from being dressed too warmly or spending time outside on a hot day

What Are the Signs of a Fever?

One common sign of fever in babies is a warm forehead, although not having a warm forehead doesn't mean that your baby doesn't have a fever. Your baby may also be crankier than usual.

Other symptoms associated with fever include:

poor sleeping
poor eating
lack of interest in play
lethargy
convulsion or seizure

How Do I Take My Baby's Temperature?

You can take a child's temperature a few different ways: via the rectum (rectally), mouth (orally), ear, or under the arm (axillary).

Rectal thermometers provide the most accurate temperature readings, and can be easiest to take in an infant. Typically, babies can't hold an oral thermometer in place, and the reading of an ear or underarm thermometer won't be as accurate.

To take a rectal temperature, first make sure the thermometer is clean. Wash it with soap and water or wipe it off with rubbing alcohol. Lay your baby on the belly or on the back with legs bent into the chest. Apply a little bit of petroleum jelly around the thermometer bulb and gently insert it about 1 inch into the rectum opening. Hold the digital thermometer in place for about two minutes until you hear the "beep."

At What Temperature Does My Baby Have a Fever?

A baby's normal temperature can range from about 97 degrees Fahrenheit up to 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Most doctors say a rectal temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever.

When to Call Your Doctor

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, call your doctor if your baby:

Is under 2-4 months old and has a fever
Is lethargic and not responsive to you
Has problems breathing or eating
Has a rash
Shows signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, no tears with crying, or sunken soft spot on the head
Has a seizure

It can be difficult for doctors to tell whether a newborn has a simple virus (like a cold), or a more serious infection (like pneumonia or meningitis). That's why doctors will sometimes order special tests (such as blood or urine tests, or a spinal tap) to pinpoint the exact cause of an infant fever, and to look for more serious infections in young babies.

1 | 2

Next Page >

WebMD Medical Reference