What to do when baby has a fever (Advice + When to Call GP)

It's scary when your baby has a fever. Your little one feels hot, might be fussy, and you're unsure what to do. This is normal; most parents worry when their baby gets sick.

Most baby fevers aren't severe. A fever means your baby's body is fighting off sickness – it shows their immune system is doing its job. Many fevers even resolve on their own within a few days.

Let’s talk about how to help your baby at home, what warning signs to look for, and exactly when to call your doctor.

What is a normal temperature?

Every baby is different, but most healthy babies have a body temperature between 36°C and 37.5°C (96.8°F to 99.5°F). This is considered normal.

Your baby's temperature changes throughout the day. It's usually lowest in the early morning and highest in the late afternoon or evening. This is completely normal.

What causes baby fevers?

Fevers usually mean your baby's body is fighting off a sickness. Here are the main reasons why:

1. Viruses: These are the most frequent culprits, like the common cold or flu. Most fevers from viruses last about 3-5 days and go away on their own.
2. Bacteria: Less common but more serious, bacterial infections (like ear infections or pneumonia) usually need a doctor's care.
3. Vaccinations: It's normal for babies to get a slight fever after their shots. This means their body is building protection.
4. Too Warm: Sometimes, a baby can get too hot from wearing too many clothes or being in a hot room. This isn't a true fever and gets better quickly once they cool down.
5. Teething: Teething may cause a slight increase in temperature, but typically not a high fever. If your teething baby has a high fever, something else is likely the cause.
   

Immediate Care Steps When Baby Has a Fever

When your baby has a fever, your main job is to help them feel comfortable while their body fights off the illness. Here are simple ways to care for your feverish baby at home.

Comfort measures

• Dress them lightly: Remove extra clothes and blankets. Put them in light, breathable clothes, like just one layer, or even just a nappy if the room is warm.
• Keep the room cool: Open a window or use gentle air conditioning to maintain a normal room temperature. Your baby shouldn't shiver, but they also shouldn't be too hot.
• Give them extra drinks.: Offer more breast milk, formula, or water (if they're over 6 months old). Fevers can make babies lose fluids, so it's important to keep them hydrated.
• Try a lukewarm bath. A bath in slightly warm water can help your baby feel better. The water should feel just warm, not hot or cold. Don't leave them in too long.

What to Avoid When Your Baby Has a Fever

• Don't use ice baths or cold water. This can cause your baby to shiver, which in turn raises their body temperature. Cold can also be dangerous for babies.
• Don't rub alcohol on their skin. This old remedy is dangerous and can poison babies through their skin. Never use it.
• Don't bundle them up. Even if your baby feels chilly, more blankets or clothes will trap heat and make the fever worse. Dress them in light clothing instead.

Safe medication options

• Paracetamol (like Calpol) is usually the first choice. You can give this to babies over 2 months old. Always follow the dosage guidelines on the package based on your baby's weight and age.
• Ibuprofen (like Nurofen) can also help. This is only for babies over 3 months old and weighing over 5kg. It can be very effective for bringing down fever and helping with pain.
• Never give aspirin to babies or children. Aspirin can cause a serious illness known as Reye's syndrome in young children. Always check medicine labels to make sure they don't contain aspirin.

RED FLAGS: When to Call Your GP Immediately

Some fevers need urgent medical attention. These are the warning signs that indicate you should call your doctor immediately or visit the hospital.

Babies under 3 months old: If your baby is under 3 months old and has any fever (38°C / 100.4°F or higher), call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room. Very young babies can get sick quickly.

Babies 3 to 6 months old: If your baby is between 3 and 6 months old and has a high fever (39°C / 102.2°F or higher), you need to talk to a doctor that same day.

Babies over 6 months old: If your baby is older than 6 months and has a very high fever (above 40°C / 104°F), or if you're just worried about how sick they seem, call your doctor.

Severe symptoms requiring urgent care

1. Trouble breathing: If your baby is breathing very fast, working hard to breathe, or you can see their ribs pulling in with each breath, call the doctor right away.
2. Constant crying or pain: If your baby cries non-stop for hours, seems to be in a lot of pain, or their cry sounds unusual, get medical help immediately.
3. Dehydration signs: Look for a dry mouth, no tears when they cry, fewer wet diapers than normal, or a sunken soft spot on their head.

Duration concerns

Prolonged Fever: If your baby's fever lasts more than 5 days, see a doctor. Most fevers caused by viruses typically resolve within 3 to 5 days. A longer fever might mean something else is going on.

Fever Comes Back: If the fever goes away but then keeps returning over a few days, or if your baby seems to get worse after starting to feel better, call your doctor.

Prevention Strategies

• You can't stop your baby from getting every sickness, but you can do simple things to help them not get sick as often or develop fevers.
• Follow your baby's vaccination schedule. Vaccines protect against serious diseases that can cause dangerous fevers and complications.
• Wash your hands a lot. Use soap and water to clean your hands before touching your baby, especially after being outside or near people who are sick.
• Keep sick people away from your baby. Ask friends and family to visit only when they're well, especially when your baby is very young.
• Clean toys and surfaces often. Use a gentle cleaner or soapy water to wipe down toys, high chairs, and anything else your baby touches.

You may also like to read: How to Get Rid of Baby Hiccups

Summing Up

Most baby fevers aren't serious and will improve with simple care at home. A fever means your baby's body is fighting off germs, which is a good sign. The most important thing is to watch for warning signs and trust your gut. If you're ever unsure or worried, it's always best to call your doctor or get medical advice.