Kiss or touch your baby's forehead. If you think he feels hotter than normal, you're probably right. A higher-than-normal body temperature is called a fever. A fever is usually a sign that the body is waging a war against infection. Taking your baby's temperature can confirm your suspicions and help you and your child's doctor figure out the best way to get your baby back on the road to health. Most doctors – and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — agree that a normal body temperature for a healthy baby is between 97 and 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. If your baby's rectal temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher, he has a fever.
Symptoms
- A temperature reading isn't the only indication of whether a fever is serious.
- Age is a factor: Fever is more serious in babies under 3 months.
- Behavior is another factor: A high fever that doesn't stop your baby from playing and feeding normally may not be cause for alarm.
Keep in mind that everyone's temperature rises in the late afternoon and early evening and falls between midnight and early morning. This natural cycle of our internal thermostat explains why doctors get most of their phone calls about fever in the late afternoon and early evening.
When to call the doctor
You're the best judge of whether your baby is really ill – so do call if you're worried, no matter what his temperature is. Ask your baby's doctor for more specific advice, but generally:
If your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher, call the doctor immediately. A baby this young needs to be checked for serious infection or disease.
If your baby is 3 months old or older, the most important thing is how he looks and acts. If he appears well and is taking fluids, there's no need to call the doctor unless the fever persists for more than 24 hours or is very high. Ask your doctor for additional guidance: For example, the doctor may suggest calling right away if your baby's fever reaches 104 degrees, regardless of symptoms.
The AAP suggests calling the doctor if a baby is between 3 months and 6 months old and has a fever of 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) or higher, or is older than 6 months and has a temperature of 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C) or higher – and has symptoms such as a loss of appetite, cough, signs of an earache, unusual fussiness or sleepiness, or vomiting or diarrhea.
Treatment
Since fever is part of the body's defense against bacteria and viruses, some researchers suggest that an elevated temperature may help the body fight infections more effectively. (Bacteria and viruses prefer an environment that's around 98.6 degrees F/ 37 degrees C.) A fever also tells the body to make more white blood cells and antibodies to fight the infection.
On the other hand, if your baby's temperature is too high, he'll be too uncomfortable to eat, drink, or sleep, making it harder for him to get better.
If your little one's fever isn't affecting his behavior, you don't need to give him anything to lower it. Offer plenty of breast milk or formula to prevent dehydration, and don't overdress your child or bundle him up when he's sleeping.
If your baby's body temperature is higher than normal because of extra clothes or a scorching day, help him cool down by taking off a few of his layers and letting him rest or play quietly in a cool spot.
When a baby has a fever that isn't accompanied by a runny nose, a cough, vomiting, or diarrhea, figuring out what's wrong can be difficult. There are many viral infections that can cause a fever without any other symptoms. Some, such as roseola, cause three days of very high fever followed by a light pink rash on the trunk. Pay attention to all of these symptoms in order to keep your baby healthy and happy.
