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Fever in Babies: When Should You Be Worried?

Last updated: Thursday, September 3, 2020 | 2 min reading time

Dr Lim Xue Yan

Paediatrician

Get answers to commonly asked questions on baby fever, and learn how to take a baby's temperature and manage your infant's condition.

What is the temperature range for a baby fever?

Typically, your baby's normal body temperature should stay between 36.5°C and 37.5°C. Any reading above 38°C is considered a fever.

When it comes to a baby fever, the best thing you can do is be prepared. When your baby is unwell, a fever is often the first sign of trouble. Fever is usually a sign that the immune system is fighting an illness or infection.

A few things to note about fever in babies:

Over-wrapping or a warm environment can cause the baby's body temperature to be higher
How high a fever is does not indicate the severity of the illness that is causing the fever
Most childhood fevers are due to viral infection which can last from 5 – 7 days

How to take a baby's temperature?

There are several different methods of taking a baby's temperature. The best way to get an accurate temperature reading for a child younger than 3 years is by using a digital rectal thermometer. Ear thermometer, forehead thermometer and underarm readings are handy but aren't nearly as accurate.

When to call your paediatrician for fever in babies younger than 3 months old?

Call your paediatrician if your baby is below 3 months old and running a fever above 38°C. A persistent fever that lasts for more than 5 days is a cause for concern.

When to call your paediatrician for fever in babies above 3 months old?

Pay attention to your baby's symptoms and behaviour to determine how sick they are, and ask the doctor for treatment advice based on those signs. A fever usually goes away within 3 – 5 days but regardless of your child’s age, a persistent fever is a cause for concern.

If you are really worried, and if your baby's fever is coupled with the following symptoms, head to the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) right away or call for an ambulance.

Appears ill, drowsy or unresponsive
Difficulty breathing
Has a rash that doesn't fade easily
Has a stiff neck, severe headache or seizure
Inconsolable cry
Persistent vomiting with presence of bile or blood
The soft spot on the top of their head (fontanelle) curves outwards
Weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their normal cry

During a medical emergency in Singapore, you can also call +65 6473 2222 for an ambulance that will transport you to the nearest hospital or a hospital of your choice. Learn more about Parkway Emergency services.

Fever In Children. Retrieved August 1, 2018 from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-children/Your Pregnancy and Baby Guide. Retrieved August 1, 2018 from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/how-to-take-your-babys-temperature/

Infant And Toddler Health. Retrieved August 1, 2018 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/thermometer/art-20047410

Taking Baby's Temperature. Retrieved August 2, 2018 from https://www.webmd.com/baby/taking-babys-temperature

Taking Your Child's Temperature. Retrieved September 19, 2018 from https://www.parents.com/health/fever/taking-your-childs-temperature/

Fever In Infants and Children. Retrieved September 19, 2018 from https://www.cfpc.ca/ProjectAssets/Templates/Resource.aspx?id=3596

Fever In Babies: 7 Things You Might Not Know. Retrieved September 19, 2018 from https://www.babycenter.com/0_fever-in-babies-7-things-you-might-not-know_10373598.bc