Fever is one of the scariest things for first-time parents. In this post, I will explain how to bring down baby fever quickly and when to call a doctor.
This advice will help you throughout your parenting years; it applies to children of all ages, although a few rules and medicine dosages vary.
“Fever is common and expected during childhood. It is a good thing.”
Your child’s body is learning to fight infections and build antibodies, usually against viral infections. Most fevers are self-limiting and do not need antibiotics.
Measuring temperature
Putting your lips to a forehead won’t cut it; you need the right tools. To manage a fever confidently, you need a temperature reading.
“Invest in a thermometer.”
A standard digital thermometer can be used underarm or in the mouth (oral). They are inexpensive, and readings take a few minutes.
My preference for ease of use is an ear thermometer. In a few seconds, you will have your reading.
Rectal temperatures, although most accurate, are invasive and unnecessary, in my opinion.
The definition of fever
You now have a reading, but is it a fever?
The answer varies according to the reading site.
Table 1 ∣ Definition of fever
| SITE | MEASUREMENT |
|---|---|
| Oral Underarm | > 37.5 °C (99.5 °F) |
| Ear Forehead | > 38.0 °C (100.4 °F) |
Two other essential temperature readings are
Age and fever time deadlines
Most fevers will settle by themselves.
How long can you safely ride it out without seeking help?
The table below gives you a guideline according to age. It is crucial to note that there are circumstances that override these time guides; I list them in the next section.
Table 2 ∣ Fever time deadlines
| CHILD’S AGE | SEEK ADVICE DEADLINE |
|---|---|
| 3 months old | Contact doctor or nurse immediately |
| 3 months to 2 years old | 24 hours |
| > 2 years old | 48 hours |
When to override the time deadlines and seek help
You are ok if your child is
- eating, drinking, sleeping through, and passing urine normally
- is cheerful and has energy between fever spikes
Contact a nurse or doctor for advice immediately if your child checks anything in the table below.
Table 3 ∣ Seek advice immediately
| IMMEDIATELY CONTACT A DOCTOR |
|---|
| Younger than 3 months |
| Any temp above 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Can’t keep temp below 38.9 °C (102 °F) |
| Develops a rash |
| Pain: severe sore throat or earache |
| Persistent headache |
| Persistent crying/inconsolable |
| Not eating or drinking |
| Persistent vomiting or diarrhea |
| Not passing urine every 6 to 8 hours |
| Agitation |
| Shortness of breath |
| Persistent low energy |
| Seizures/fitting |
How to bring down baby fever
- You now have a reading (Table 1).
- You know managing the temperature at home is safe (Table 2 and Table 3).
How are you going to get the temperature down?
There are basic home interventions and, for higher, resistant temps, medicine.
You do not need to get the temperature back to normal. My advice is to aim for between 38 °C (100.4 °F) and 38.5 °C (101.3 °F).
Disclaimer: Check with your doctor what they would like your child’s goal to be.
Basic interventions
It is all about cooling them down. This can be tough; they might beg you to stop. Often, they feel cold and will ask for a blanket, even with a fever.
- Take off your baby’s clothes.
- Cool down the environment. Put on a fan or air conditioner, or open the windows.
- Put damp towels around their shoulders or on their forehead.
- Put them in a lukewarm bath and sponge them down.
- Encourage them to drink fridge-cooled water, diluted fruit juice, ice lollies, and yogurt. This hydrates them and cools them.
- Don’t let them play. Keep them calm if possible.
Medication
When to consider and give medication
- Consider medication if you have tried the basics but the temperature remains between 38.5 °C (101.3 °F) and 38.9 °C (102 °F).
- Give medication if the temperature exceeds 38.9 °C (102 °F), and the basic methods don’t bring it down.
What medication to avoid
- ❌ Never give aspirin to babies, toddlers, children, or teens. It may trigger a rare condition called Reye’s syndrome.
- ❌ Never give babies < 3 months old ibuprofen.
- ❌ Avoid ibuprofen if your child is dehydrated, not eating, or has vomiting or diarrhea.
Medication that is safe to use
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe in most circumstances not listed above. Calculate the correct doses.
Link to paracetamol information and dosing
Link to ibuprofen information and dosing
An accurate dose according to your child’s weight is important.
- Underdosing will not control fever and pain adequately.
- Overdosing will cause side effects.
Top tips when using medication for high fevers
- For fevers above 38.9 °C (104 °F), you can alternate ibuprofen with paracetamol every 3 hours. Use the doses you have calculated. This regime ensures no overdosing. Paracetamol is given every 6 hours, and ibuprofen only every 6 hours. Download the Paracetamol/Ibuprofen Fever Dosing PDF to help you keep track.
- You can substitute the paracetamol syrup dose with paracetamol suppositories if you prefer.
- Avoid paracetamol and ibuprofen combination products. Dosing can get confusing in extended fever situations.
I leave you with this video on how to give your kids medicine.
