Fevers in children are common. So are fever-related concerns for parents and caregivers.
It's normal for body temperatures to vary from one degree below 98.6° F to one degree above. Lower body temperatures usually occur early in the day, while higher temperatures occur in the afternoon.
Learn more below about fevers and what treatment options you may or may not need for fevers in your child.
What temperature is considered a fever?
A fever means that your child's body temperature reaches 100.4° F or 38° C or higher. It's one way the body fights off infection. A fever is doing an important job and is not necessarily a bad thing.
Learn how to see a provider for a fever with a telehealth visit
When should you worry about a fever?
For babies under 3 months of age who have a fever, pediatricians recommend that you make a doctor appointment for an in-person evaluation.
For children older than 3 months of age, most fevers can be managed at home.
Make an appointment with Telehealth Express Care at UC Davis Health
Why do children get more frequent and higher fevers than adults?
Babies and young children have immune systems that are still developing. Children may create pyrogens – or fever-inducing substances in the body – for each new infection they come into contact with. Adults have likely already created immunity to these infections, leading to fewer fevers.
When should a child with a fever be seen at a doctor's office?
Here are some criteria to determine when you should see your child’s doctor for a fever:
- Your child is 3 months old or younger with a fever.
- Your child's temperature is 100.4° F or higher for five days in a row.
- Your child has a high fever and there are no other symptoms: This is especially true for young children who can't tell us they’re in pain or that something is wrong.
- Your child is showing signs of dehydration: Signs include that your child is not drinking well or well enough to urinate at least once every 8 hours or more, no tears when crying, and dry mouth or tongue.
- The fever is accompanied by signs of trouble breathing: This could include a cough or fast breathing (you might even see muscles retracting under their ribs or hear wheezing).
- Your child has a severe headache, earache, urinary tract infection (UTI), stiff neck, or repeated vomiting or diarrhea you can't manage at home.
When you take your child to their doctor, they will want to check for a variety of things. This might include looking in their ears to make sure there isn't an ear infection and checking their urine for a UTI.
If your child has a fever but they are generally doing well and none of those things are true, then you can treat it at home.
As always, it's best to contact your child’s provider if you have questions or concerns about your child's condition.
Read about ear infections in children
Explore at-home treatment tips for diarrhea in children
Is a temperature of 103° F a medical emergency?
Some parents may have heard that a fever of 103° F is dangerous and can cause brain damage. That's not true. Only body temperatures above 108° F (42° C) can cause brain damage. It's very rare for the body temperature to climb this high from illness alone.
Seek emergency care if your child:
- Has a seizure along with a high fever
- Is acting unusual or is very lethargic outside of normal sleeping hours
- Has severe neck pain or headache
- Has signs of dehydration (urinating less than once every 8 hours)
Some children who have diagnosed medical conditions, such as cancer, may also require evaluation for any fever. Consult with your child’s health care provider for personalized advice.
The number on the thermometer is just a gauge but doesn’t always indicate an emergency. Fevers usually follow the natural course of infection, which is typically one to four days.
How do you bring a child's fever down?
There’s a common myth that if you don't treat a fever, it will keep going higher. That's not true. To treat a fever, take cues from how your child is feeling and the symptoms that they're showing.
Fever-reducing medications
Not all fevers need medication. If your child is playful, drinking well and alert, then you do not need to give them fever-reducing medicines. However, if your child is really uncomfortable and not drinking well, then fever-reducing medicines can be helpful.
Acetaminophin (Tylenol) can be used at any age. Ibuprofen (Motrin) is only for children 6 months or older. You can give these medicines on a three-hour schedule, alternating between the two. Example: Start with Tylenol at 7 a.m., then give Motrin 3 hours later at 10 a.m., etc. Write down which medication you gave so that you avoid giving too much of one or causing an unintentional overdose.
You always want to give the appropriate dose based on your child's weight. Avoid giving aspirin to children with fever.
Plenty of fluids for rehydration during fevers
Aside from fever-reducing medications, you want to make sure your child is getting plenty of fluids. Frequent breastfeeding or formula for babies is recommended. For older babies and children, water or oral rehydration drinks are helpful. Popsicles can also be an easy way to get fluids in.
What are some other tips to keep babies and children comfortable during fevers?
A few other things pediatricians recommend if your child has a fever include:
- Dress your child in light weight clothing.
- Apply a cool washcloth to their forehead if they're uncomfortable.
- Avoid sticking your child in an ice bath. This is an old myth and is not recommended.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
- Keep your child home from daycare or school until they’re fever-free for at least 24 hours and their symptoms are improving.
Pediatricians recommend that your child is up to date on their routine vaccines. This can help avoid fevers associated with vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Learn more about fevers in children from our pediatricians
This blog was medically reviewed by pediatrician Lena van der List.
