Any baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or more needs urgent assessment, and 3 to 6 months at 39C (102.2F) or more - young infants can be seriously ill without looking it.
Also get same-day help for fever with a non-blanching rash, unusual drowsiness or floppiness, dehydration signs (few wet nappies, no tears), fast or labored breathing, refusing fluids, a seizure, or a fever reaching five days. Behavior beats the number: a drinking, playing child at 38.5C worries less than a listless one at 38C. At home: fluids, light clothing, weight-dosed acetaminophen or ibuprofen - never aspirin under 16. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can walk through the checks for your child's age.
What to do
Common questions
When should a child see a doctor for a fever?
The hard rule: any baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment, and babies 3 to 6 months at 39C (102.2F) or higher too - young infants can be seriously ill without looking it. Beyond age, get same-day help for a fever with any of these: a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass; the child is not their usual self - floppy, very drowsy, hard to wake, or inconsolable; signs of dehydration (far fewer wet nappies, sunken eyes, no tears); breathing that is fast, labored, or noisy; refusing all fluids; a seizure; or a fever lasting five days or more. Trust the behavior over the number: a smiling, drinking, playing toddler with 38.5C is usually less worrying than a listless one with 38C. At home: fluids, light clothing (do not bundle), acetaminophen or ibuprofen dosed by weight for comfort - never aspirin under 16, and do not alternate medicines unless a clinician says to. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can walk you through the checks for your child's exact age.