Fiebre en bebés: qué cuenta, qué hacer y cuándo llamar

What temperature is a fever in a baby?

A temperature of 38C (100.4F) or higher is a fever in babies, according to both the NHS and the AAP. A normal temperature in babies is about 36.4C, though it varies slightly.

When should I call a doctor for my baby's fever?

Always get medical advice straight away if a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or higher. The NHS also says to call 111 for a baby aged 3 to 6 months with a temperature of 39C or higher; the AAP suggests calling at 101F (38.3C) or higher at 3 to 6 months and 103F (39.4C) or higher over 6 months. Call sooner at any age if your baby seems unwell, is not feeding, or you are worried.

When is a baby's fever an emergency?

Call 999 or go to A&E / the emergency room if your baby has a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when you press a glass on it, difficulty breathing, pale, blue or blotchy skin, is drowsy and hard to wake, or has a seizure.

Can teething cause a fever?

No. Teething can cause a slightly raised temperature below 38C (NHS), but the AAP says research shows teething does not cause a true fever. A temperature of 38C or higher needs to be treated as a fever.

Can I give my baby paracetamol or ibuprofen?

Check with your doctor or pharmacist first and follow the dosing on the pack. Age limits differ: the NHS says paracetamol not under 2 months and ibuprofen not under 3 months or 5kg, while the AAP says not to use ibuprofen under 6 months unless your doctor advises it and to call your paediatrician before giving any medicine to a child under 2.