Fever is part of our bodies' natural immune system response to infections, either viral or bacterial, and is rarely dangerous. Yet, it is common for new parents to be scared when their child develops a fever. 

Talking with your child's pediatrician in advance and having a plan when a fever develops is always a good idea. In the meantime, this article will explore what temperature is considered a fever in children and when you should worry about it.

How to Tell if Your Child Has a Fever

Generally, fever is defined as a body temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Taking your child's temperature can help you determine whether or not there is a fever and what your next step should be. 

Do you have a thermometer at home? 

There are many different types of thermometers available on the market today. For infants and young children, rectal thermometers are the most accurate. For older children, a simple digital oral thermometer is best. For children in the middle (too old for a rectal temperature and too young to tolerate an oral thermometer), you can use an oral thermometer in the armpit, or a tympanic (ear) thermometer. Forehead thermometers and non-contact thermometers are generally not accurate and not recommended,

Once you have the results you will know how to proceed.

Tips for Treating a Fever in Children at Home

Fevers are rarely dangerous, even quite high fevers (104-105 ℉), but they can be unpleasant. Children with fevers may feel achy, be fussy or tired, sleep poorly, or drink less. The goal of managing fevers is not necessarily to bring the temperature down, but primarily to make your child feel better. There are a few simple steps you can follow at home to care for a child with a fever. 

  • Taking acetaminophen(Tylenol) and/or Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil). Be sure to follow proper dosing guidelines for your child's age and size. When in doubt, contact your pediatrician for recommendations
  • Rest
  • Drinking plenty of fluids

We do not recommend cool baths or rubbing children down with alcohol to try to bring fevers down. Instead, use the medications listed to help them feel better regardless of the temperature.

Always talk to your pediatrician's office to get their best recommendation for treatment as it relates to your child. 

When to Call Your Pediatrician About a Fever

Most fevers can be treated at home without ever needing professional attention. However, this is not always the case.  If you are uncomfortable with the height of your child's fever, any other associated symptoms, or if your child has a fever that lasts more than three days, contact your pediatrician to schedule an appointment. Sometimes, these prolonged fevers are a sign of a treatable infection(like an ear infection). 

For babies, the recommendation for calling your pediatrician is different. If your infant (older than 2 months) has a fever for more than two days, they should be seen in the office. If a newborn under 2 months of age, has any fever at all, 100.4℉ or higher, it is considered an emergency. Fevers in these new babies can be due to dangerous bacterial infections, so they must be seen immediately in an Emergency Department.

When a Fever Becomes a Medical Emergency

In general, except for newborns, we rarely recommend taking your child to the Emergency Room just for a fever. Instead, it is other concerning symptoms associated with the fever that might mean you need to go. While you should always reach out to a medical professional when you have concerns, you will want to seek emergency medical treatment if your child's fever is accompanied by: 

  • Stiff neck or severe headache
  • Purple rash
  • Constant crying that won't let up
  • Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or waking up
  • Unable to eat or keep food/fluids down
  • Reduced urine output
  • Seizures
  • Pain when urinating

You can always contact your pediatrician's office for help deciding when to go to the Emergency Room, but if you are ever in doubt about whether or not you are dealing with a serious fever that requires treatment —- visit your local emergency room.

Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group is a highly experienced team of pediatricians serving patients from birth through college. They have been an established leader in pediatrics for decades in the Haddon Heights and Mullica Hill areas of New Jersey.