Fever in Babies: When to See a Doctor

Introduction

A fever in a baby is one of the things that worries parents most. A fever is not an illness in itself but a response of the body; in small babies, though, it must be assessed carefully.

What is it?

A fever is a body temperature above normal, and it can develop for a range of reasons, infection being the commonest. In babies under 3 months in particular, a temperature of 38°C or above needs medical assessment.

Signs That Can Accompany a Fever

Listlessness
Feeding less
Unsettledness
Sweating
Feeling cold and shivering
Sleepiness, or unusual irritability

What Can Parents Do?

Dress your baby lightly
Keep an eye on fluid intake and feeding
Measure the temperature with the right method
Do not give a dose of medicine unless your doctor has advised it
Do not try to cool your baby down too quickly

When Should You See a Doctor?

If a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or above
If there is shortness of breath, a rash, a blue tinge or marked listlessness with the fever
If the baby is not feeding
If the fever lasts several days or keeps coming back

Summary

With a fever in a baby, the most important distinctions are the age and the signs that come with it. In small babies especially, a fever should be assessed without delay.