Fever Approved by the BabyCenter Malaysia Medical Advisory Board

My baby has a high temperature. Should I worry?

It's hard not to worry when your baby is crying and her temperature is soaring, but a fever rarely causes any harm. A fever is part of your baby's defence against an infection.

However, a fever can be more serious if your baby is under six months. It is fairly unusual for young babies to develop a high temperature, so this can be a warning sign that something is wrong. Contact your doctor straight away if your baby is:

• under three months and has a temperature of 38 degrees C or more;
• under six months and has a temperature of 39 degrees C or more.

If your baby is older than six months, the height of her temperature or how long it lasts does not always determine how poorly she is. Your instinct that your baby is unwell is just as reliable as measuring her temperature. Although it can be useful to use a thermometer so you know what is normal for your baby.

Why might my baby have a fever?

Your baby has a fever because she's fighting an infection. Sometimes it may not be obvious why your baby has a fever, but common reasons can include:

• colds;
• flu;
• croup;
• sore throat;
• ear infection;
• urinary tract infections;
• respiratory illness, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis;
• a virus that causes a rash, such as roseola, chickenpox or hand, foot and mouth disease.

Babies often get fevers after receiving immunisations. Your paediatrician or clinic nurse will give you advice on what to look out for after your baby has had an immunisation.

How can I tell my baby has a fever?

You will usually be able to tell if you baby has a fever just by touching her. Her skin will feel very hot. You can feel her brow, or if she's younger than three months, feel her chest or back.

If you want to you can use a thermometer to give you more idea about her temperature. Normal body temperature is between 36 degrees C and 37 degrees C, but this can vary by a few points of a degree from child to child. A fever is anything that is high for your baby.

You don't need to buy an expensive thermometer. Most are easy to use and have clear instructions. There are different types you can buy from your pharmacy:

• Digital thermometers are probably the best type you can use at home. They are accurate and beep when they are ready. Tuck it under your baby's armpit, with her arm down by her side.


• Ear thermometers can be very accurate and only take a second, but they are difficult to use correctly. They can also be expensive.


• Forehead strips are less accurate as they show the temperature of your baby's skin, rather than her body. But they are quick and easy to use.

What can I do to treat my baby's fever?

You should be able to treat your baby's fever at home. Here are some ways to keep your baby comfortable and speed her recovery:

• Give your baby lots of drinks to make sure she is well hydrated. Offer her regular breastfeeds, or formula milk and extra cooled boiled water.


• Let her eat when she feels like it. If she's doesn't want much food, try to offer small amounts regularly to keep her energy up.


• Let her rest if she wants to, but she doesn't need to stay in bed if she would rather be up and about.


• You don't need to take off layers of your baby's clothes, or add extra clothing.


• Offer your baby infant paracetamol or ibuprofen if she seems very uncomfortable or upset, but only if she is three months or older. Follow the dosage instructions on the packet or ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure how much to give your baby. Don't give both at the same time. If you have offered one and it hasn't helped, you could think about giving the other one instead.

You may have heard about a link between paracetamol and babies developing wheezing or asthma. Be assured there is no evidence paracetamol causes these problems. Paracetamol is safe for your baby if you give her the correct dosage.

How can I tell if my baby's fever is serious?

If you are worried see your doctor. You should be more cautious if your baby is younger than six months as a feverish illness is more unusual and could be more serious.

If you baby has a fever along with other symptoms, this could be a sign of a more serious illness. Symptoms to look out for include:

• Your baby is particularly sleepy or drowsy.


• She has not wanted to drink for more than eight hours. Or she’s had less than half of her usual amount to drink over the past 24 hours. This includes breast or bottle feeds for young babies.


• Sunken fontanelles (the soft spots on your baby’s head), along with other symptoms, including dry lips, dark yellow urine and fewer wet nappies than usual. These can be signs of dehydration.


• Your baby has an unexplained rash.

What is a febrile convulsion?

Febrile convulsions are fits that sometimes happen in babies and young children with a high temperature. They are frightening to watch, but are rarely harmful. Although a febrile convulsion may seem likes it's going on for ages, they usually only last for 20 seconds, and rarely for more than two minutes.

If your baby has a brief febrile convulsion for the first time, take her to the clinic or your paediatrician. A doctor can check her and help to confirm the cause of her fit.

If the fit has not stopped after three minutes, take her to the accident and emergency department of the nearest hospital right away, or call 999 for an ambulance.

While your baby is having a fit, don't restrain her in any way. Just loosen any tight clothing and remove anything in her mouth, such as a pacifier or food. She won't swallow her tongue.