🩺 Health · From birth to 3 years
🌡️ Baby fever: when to worry and what to do
A temperature of 38°C or higher is a fever. A baby under three months with this temperature needs urgent medical assessment, even if they otherwise seem well. At any age, look at breathing, alertness, feeding and hydration as well as the number.
The fever toolkit
- A digital thermometer suitable for your child's age; ask your clinic to demonstrate underarm measurement.
- Your child's Mother Child Health Handbook and clinic contact details; save 999 or 112 for emergencies in Kenya, plus a backup transport contact.
- If advised, age-appropriate medicine with its measuring syringe and a written dose log.
What to do
1. Measure and record
Follow the thermometer instructions and note the reading, method and time. Ear or forehead readings can be unreliable in young babies; do not let a reassuring reading delay care if baby looks unwell.
2. Under three months: get urgent assessment
For 38°C or higher, go promptly to a hospital emergency department or a clinician able to assess baby immediately. Do not wait overnight or for fever medicine to work.
3. Check emergency signs at any age
Call 999 or 112 for breathing difficulty, blue colour, floppiness, unresponsiveness or a seizure. Emergency response is not guaranteed; arrange backup transport to the nearest emergency facility if help is unavailable or delayed. A rash that does not fade with pressure, especially with fever or an unwell child, needs emergency assessment.
4. Seek advice for other concerns
Poor feeding, fewer wet nappies, repeated vomiting, unusual persistent crying or worsening illness need prompt clinical advice. For older babies, contact your local health centre or child's clinician if fever persists or you are worried.
5. Use medicine for discomfort, with advice
Ask a Kenyan clinician or pharmacist about suitability, dose and frequency using the child's weight, age and the exact product concentration. Do not combine products containing paracetamol or alternate medicines without advice. Do not give aspirin; check before using ibuprofen.
6. Keep baby comfortable
Use comfortable light clothing without over-wrapping or chilling. Offer breast milk or usual-strength formula frequently; offer age-appropriate fluids to older children. Never dilute formula. Keep a shared record of feeds, wet nappies and medicines.
Classic mistakes
- ❌ Trying to force the temperature down Do not use ice, cold baths, alcohol rubs or sponging to treat fever. Focus on comfort and getting appropriate assessment.
- ❌ Sweating the fever out Extra blankets trap heat. Keep clothing comfortable, and retain baby's usual safe, clear sleep space: on their back on a flat, firm mattress in a separate cot, without blankets, pillows or toys. No hats indoors.
- ❌ Assuming medicine proves baby is fine A lower temperature after medicine does not rule out serious illness. Continue watching breathing, responsiveness and hydration.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
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- Employment Act
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When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 999 or 112.