🩺 Health · Birth to 3 years
🌡️ Baby fever: when to worry and what to do
A temperature of 38°C or above in a baby under three months needs urgent medical assessment, even if they seem well. At any age, look at breathing, alertness, feeding and hydration as well as the temperature.
The fever toolkit
- A digital thermometer; ask your pediatric team to demonstrate an age-appropriate method.
- An oral dosing syringe and any medicine specifically recommended for your child.
- A shared record of temperatures, measurement method, feeds, wet diapers and medicines.
- Your pediatric team's contact details, nearest emergency department, 911 and a backup transport plan.
What to do
1. Measure carefully
Follow the thermometer instructions. Underarm readings can be less precise, and ear thermometers are unreliable in very young babies. Do not add a guessed correction. If baby seems unwell, do not delay care while trying to get a perfect reading.
2. Under three months: get assessed urgently
For a reading of 38°C or higher, seek urgent medical assessment now. Do not wait overnight or wait for fever medicine to work. A very young baby who feels unusually hot or cold, feeds poorly or is hard to wake also needs prompt assessment.
3. Recognise emergencies at any age
Call 911 for breathing difficulty, blue colour, floppiness, unresponsiveness, a seizure or a rash that does not fade with pressure in an unwell child. Poor drinking, fewer wet diapers, repeated vomiting or worsening behaviour need prompt clinical advice.
4. Use medicine for discomfort, with advice
Ask a pediatric clinician or pharmacist about the right product, concentration and weight-based dose. Do not use a universal dose or alternate medicines without advice. Never give aspirin to a child; ask before using ibuprofen, especially in a dehydrated child or when dengue is possible.
5. Keep baby comfortable and hydrated
Use comfortable light clothing and avoid overheating; there is no need to force a cold room. Offer breastmilk or correctly prepared formula frequently, following baby's cues. Do not dilute formula or replace a young baby's milk feeds with plain water.
6. Share the record and follow up
Write down the medicine name, concentration, dose and time so caregivers do not double-dose. Contact your pediatric team or barangay health centre for follow-up guidance; persistent or worsening fever needs review even if medicine lowers it.
Classic mistakes
- ❌ Trying to cool fever with baths or alcohol rubs Do not use cold baths, ice or alcohol rubs. Sponging is not recommended as a fever treatment and can cause discomfort or shivering.
- ❌ Bundling up to sweat it out Extra blankets trap heat. Keep clothing comfortable and continue safe sleep on a flat, firm, clear surface.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
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When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.