If your baby is younger than 3 months old, contact your health care provider for any fever. If your baby is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature up to 102 F (38.9 C) and seems sick or has a temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C), contact your health care provider.
How long should a baby have a temperature for?
A high temperature is very common in young children. The temperature usually returns to normal within 3 or 4 days.
What is a normal temperature for a baby on the forehead?
Infant under 3 months old: Ask your child’s healthcare provider how you should take the temperature. Rectal or forehead (temporal artery) temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider. Armpit temperature of 99°F (37.2°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider.
What is the most accurate way to get a temperature on a baby?
For best results in babies and toddlers up to 3 years of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends taking the temperature rectally, by placing a thermometer in the baby’s anus. This method is accurate and gives a quick reading of the baby’s internal temperature.
When should I worry about my baby’s fever? – Related Questions
Why do babies suddenly get fevers?
Most fevers are caused by infections or other illnesses. The high body temperature makes it more difficult for the bacteria and viruses that cause infections to survive. Common conditions that can cause fevers include: upper respiratory tract infections (RTIs)
How can I reduce my baby’s fever naturally?
Other ways to reduce a fever:
- Dress your child lightly. Excess clothing will trap body heat and cause the temperature to rise.
- Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juices, or popsicles.
- Give your child a lukewarm bath. Do not allow your child to shiver from cold water.
- Don’t use alcohol baths.
Are forehead thermometers accurate for babies?
New research shows that forehead temps may also be accurate under 3 months of age. Age 3 months to 4 years old. Rectal or forehead temps are accurate. An ear thermometer can be used after 6 months old.
How can I tell if my baby has a fever without a thermometer?
A fever in a child is any temperature over 101.3°F (38.5°C) . Older children may show many of the same symptoms as adults.
Beyond feeling very hot, an infant or young child with a fever may:
- have skin that is red or flushed.
- be irritable.
- be unusually tired.
- have difficulty drinking or breastfeeding.
Is temperature in armpit accurate?
Digital thermometers.
They can be used in the rectum (rectal), mouth (oral) or armpit (axillary). Armpit temperatures are typically the least accurate of the three.
Can you use a digital thermometer on a baby?
A digital thermometer makes taking a baby’s temperature simple with quick results. Other types of thermometers may not be accurate for newborns. These include tympanic (ear) thermometers. They need to be carefully placed to get a precise reading.
At what temperature should you take a baby to the hospital?
Also, contact your child’s provider or go to the emergency room if your child: Is younger than age 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Is 3 to 12 months old and has a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher. Is under age 2 and has a fever that lasts longer than 48 hours.
At what armpit temperature should take a baby to the hospital?
Rectal, forehead, or ear: 102°F (38.9°C) or higher. Armpit: 101°F (38.3°C) or higher.
How can I tell if my baby has a fever?
Shake the thermometer so that the mercury inside goes below 36°C (96.8°F). Carefully place the tip of the thermometer under your child’s tongue. With your child’s mouth closed, leave the thermometer in place for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
How do I get my baby’s temperature down?
How to reduce a fever
- Acetaminophen. If your child is over 3 months, you can offer them a safe amount of children’s acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Adjust their clothing.
- Turn down the temperature.
- Give them a lukewarm bath.
- Offer fluids.
How should I dress my baby with a fever at night?
Do not bundle up a child with blankets or extra clothes, even if the child has the chills. This may keep the fever from coming down, or make it go higher. Try one layer of lightweight clothing, and one lightweight blanket for sleep. The room should be comfortable, not too hot or too cool.