Baby Fever Guide: When to Worry & When to Treat | Parenting Hub
Fever in babies is the body fighting infection. Age-by-age guidance on when to treat at home, when to see a GP, and when fever is an emergency.
Fever isn't a disease — it's the body fighting infection. But in babies under 3 months, any fever is an emergency. Here's what to do at every age.
What counts as a fever
A fever is a temperature of 38°C or higher. Use a digital thermometer under the arm for babies under 3 months, or in the ear or armpit for older babies.
Age-by-age action
The younger the baby, the more cautious you need to be.
- Under 3 months: ANY fever (≥38°C) needs same-day medical assessment — go to ED
- 3–6 months: fever ≥39°C, or any fever with other symptoms, needs same-day GP review
- Over 6 months: most fevers can be managed at home if baby is otherwise well and feeding
What helps at home
Comfort comes first, not the number on the thermometer.
- Offer extra fluids — breast, formula or water (over 6 months)
- Dress baby in light clothing — don't overwrap
- Keep the room cool, not cold
- Infant paracetamol or ibuprofen (over 3 months) for pain or discomfort, per dosing instructions
- Don't use both paracetamol AND ibuprofen routinely; alternate only on GP advice
- Don't use cold baths, alcohol rubs, or aspirin
Watch for the bigger picture
How your baby looks and behaves matters more than the temperature.
- Alert and interactive between episodes — reassuring
- Drinking and weeing normally — reassuring
- Drowsy, floppy, hard to rouse — concerning
- Pale, mottled or blue lips — concerning
- Rash that doesn't fade when pressed — emergency
When to see a doctor
See a GP the same day if fever lasts more than 48 hours, baby is over 6 months but unwell, or you're worried for any reason. Trust your instincts.
When to seek urgent care
Call 000 or go to ED for: any fever under 3 months; non-blanching rash; difficulty breathing; baby is floppy, unresponsive or having a seizure.
When to seek help
- Fever in a baby under 3 months
- Non-blanching (purple/red spots that don't fade when pressed)
- Difficulty breathing, grunting or fast breathing
- Floppy, drowsy or unresponsive baby
- Seizure
- Fewer than half normal wet nappies
Common questions
Should I always give paracetamol for fever?
Only if your baby is uncomfortable. Fever itself is helpful and doesn't need to be treated just to lower the number.
Is teething to blame?
No. Teething doesn't cause true fever over 38°C. Always look for another cause.