🌡️ Baby Fever Guide
Enter your baby's temperature to get instant guidance — what it means, when to call the doctor, and what to do right now
A rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is a fever in babies of any age. For armpit measurement, 37.5°C or above is a fever. Any fever in a baby under 3 months requires immediate medical attention — call your paediatrician or India emergency number 108 without waiting.
🌡️ Check Your Baby's Temperature
📊 Fever Levels at a Glance
| Baby's Age | Normal | Low Fever Monitor at home | High Fever Call doctor | Emergency Go immediately |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | < 38.0°C | ER Any fever needs evaluation | ER 38.0–39.0°C | ER ≥ 39.0°C or seizure |
| 3–6 months | < 38.0°C | Home 38.0–38.5°C | Doctor 38.5–39.4°C | ER ≥ 39.5°C or seizure |
| 6–12 months | < 38.0°C | Home 38.0–38.9°C | Doctor 39.0–39.9°C | ER ≥ 40.0°C or seizure |
| 1–2 years | < 38.0°C | Home 38.0–39.0°C | Doctor 39.0–40.0°C | ER > 40.0°C or seizure |
| 2–5 years | < 38.0°C | Home 38.0–39.0°C | Doctor 39.0–40.0°C | ER > 40.0°C or seizure |
Based on rectal temperature. For axillary (armpit): subtract 0.5°C. All readings are guidelines — always follow your doctor's advice.
🌡️ How to Measure Temperature Correctly
🏠 Home Care During Fever
Offer breast milk or formula more often. For older babies, cooled boiled water. Staying hydrated is the most important thing.
Remove extra layers and blankets. Overheating makes fever worse. One light cotton layer is enough.
Dab with lukewarm (not cold!) water on forehead, armpits, and neck if baby is uncomfortable. Cold water can cause shivering which raises temp.
Age-appropriate infant paracetamol (15 mg/kg) if baby is over 3 months and uncomfortable. Never exceed recommended dose.
Aspirin (salicylate) is dangerous for children — linked to Reye's syndrome. Never give to under-18s for fever.
Cold water baths cause shivering which raises core temperature. Always use lukewarm water only.
🚨 Go to Hospital Immediately If:
☎️ India Emergency: 108 · National Child Helpline: 1098
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature is a fever in babies?
38.0°C (100.4°F) or above by rectal measurement. By armpit, 37.5°C or above. Under 3 months, any fever needs immediate medical attention.
Does teething cause high fever?
No. Teething may cause a very mild temperature (up to 38°C). Any fever above 38.5°C during teething is from a separate illness — it needs a doctor check.
How much paracetamol should I give?
15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours as needed, not more than 4 doses in 24 hours. Use weight-based dosing, not age-based. Always use the syringe that comes with the medicine. Ask your doctor if unsure.
What is a febrile seizure?
A febrile seizure is a convulsion triggered by high fever — common in children aged 6 months to 5 years. It is frightening but usually brief and not dangerous. Turn baby on their side, time the seizure, and call emergency services. It is NOT epilepsy.
👩⚕️ What Paediatricians Say About Baby Fever
According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), fever is among the top 3 reasons parents visit paediatricians in India. Most fevers in babies over 3 months are caused by viral infections and resolve within 3–5 days without antibiotics.
- IAP does not recommend routinely giving paracetamol for fever below 38.5°C if baby is comfortable and feeding well
- Sponging with cold water is not recommended — use lukewarm water only if baby is distressed by heat
- Alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen is not endorsed by IAP without direct paediatrician advice
- Never give aspirin to children — it is linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition