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Fever in Babies: When Should You Be Worried?

Last updated: 3 Sep 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 A&E department 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

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