What should you know about baby fever?

Fever is the body’s raised temperature response, often during an infection. Babies can develop fever with a common cold, bronchiolitis, croup, acute bronchitis, chickenpox or COVID-19; less common causes include cellulitis or brucellosis. The number on the thermometer is only part of the picture. A baby who is unusually sleepy, breathing differently, feeding poorly or difficult to settle may be more unwell than the temperature alone suggests.

Measure temperature with a reliable digital thermometer and record the reading, time and method. Offer breastfeeds or usual formula frequently, and watch wet nappies. Keep clothing light and the room comfortable; do not use cold baths, alcohol rubs or heavy wrapping. Use fever medicine only when appropriate for the baby’s age and weight and according to a clinician or product instructions. Never give aspirin to a child.

Get urgent medical help if the baby has trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, a seizure, a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when pressed, marked lethargy, or cannot feed. Prompt assessment is needed for a very young baby with fever, repeated vomiting, dehydration, or a temperature that remains raised. Trust your concern if the baby looks seriously unwell, even when the reading is not striking.

Ask which thermometer method to use, whether medicine is suitable for your baby’s age and weight, how to monitor feeding and wet nappies, and when a recheck is needed.