There are some important things you can do when your baby has a fever. Help make them more comfortable by making sure they drink enough fluids (breastmilk or formula) to stay hydrated and monitor them for signs and symptoms of a serious illness. It is a good sign if your baby plays and interacts with you after receiving medicine for discomfort. 

Call your baby’s doctor right away if your baby: 

• Is younger than 3 months (12 weeks) and has a temperature of 100.4F (38C) or higher. 
• Has a fever that rises above 104F (40C) repeatedly (at any age). 
• Looks very ill, is unusually drowsy, or cries excessively. 
• Has been in a very hot place, such as an overheated car. 
• Has other symptoms, such as an unexplained rash, or repeated vomiting or diarrhea. 

• Has immune system problems, such as sickle cell disease or cancer, or is taking steroids. 
• Has a seizure.
   

Also call your child’s doctor if: 

• The fever persists for more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years. 

• Your child still “acts sick” once his fever is brought down. 
• Your child seems to be getting worse. 
• The fever persists for more than three days (72 hours) in a child 2 years of age or older.

   

Adapted from HealthyChildren.org, copyright American Academy of Pediatrics 

For more information, visit the Mayo Clinic website.