What to do When your infant has a fever

A true fever is particularly worrying in the first few months of a baby's life. That's because the infant's immune system is immature and not as effective in fighting off infections as it will be after three or four months of living outside the womb.

So it's important to learn how to correctly take your baby's temperature and understand what signifies a true fever.

Febrile seizures are another fear of parents and do occur in some children. However, most febrile seizures are over quickly, do not mean your child has epilepsy, and do not cause any permanent harm.

Eating and Drinking

Your child should drink plenty of fluids.

• Do not give your child too much fruit or apple juice. Dilute these drinks by making them one half water and one half juice.
• Popsicles or gelatin (Jello) are good choices, especially if the child is vomiting.

Your child can eat foods while having a fever, but do not force the child to eat.

Children who are ill usually tolerate bland foods better. A bland diet is made up of foods that are soft, not very spicy, and low in fiber. You may try:

• Breads, crackers, and pasta made with refined white flour
• Refined hot cereals, such as oatmeal and cream of wheat

Treating Your Child's Fever

Do NOT bundle up a child with blankets or extra clothes, even if your child has the chills. This may keep their fever from coming down, or make it higher.

• Try one layer of lightweight clothing, and one lightweight blanket for sleep.
• The room should be comfortable, not too hot or too cool. If the room is hot or stuffy, a fan may help.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help lower fever in children. Sometimes doctors advise you to use both types of medicine.

• In children under 3 months of age, call your doctor first before giving medicines.
• Know how much your child weighs, then always check the instructions on the package.
• Take acetaminophen every 4 - 6 hours.
• Take ibuprofen every 6 - 8 hours. Do NOT use ibuprofen in children younger than 6 months old.
• Do NOT give aspirin to children unless your child's doctor tells you to use it.

A fever does not need to come all the way down to normal. Most children will feel better when the temperature drops by even one degree.

A lukewarm bath or sponge bath may help cool a fever.

• It works better if the child also receives medicine -- otherwise the temperature might bounce right back up.
• Do NOT use cold baths, ice, or alcohol rubs. These often make the situation worse by causing shivering.

When to Worry About Your Baby's Fever

Any fever in the first months could indicate a significant infection requiring immediate attention. All children under 2 months old with a true fever need a medical evaluation. Call your doctor to check up on fevers for at least the first four to six months of your baby's life.   

At your baby's next well check, you may want to ask your doctor about his or her own "fever policy" so you have a better idea about when your pediatrician wants you to call. Certainly, though, don't hesitate to call your pediatrician when your baby has a fever and you're worried.

But fever is only part of the story. An even more important question is: does your newborn look unwell? If your baby appears to be sick in any way -- irritability, listlessness, lethargy, poor feeding, respiratory distress, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. -- contact your doctor, even if the temperature is not high enough to be called a fever.