What to Do When Your Baby Has a Temperature: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Take Their Temperature

Before anything else, get an accurate reading. The method matters.

Best Thermometers for Babies

• Digital ear thermometer - Quick and reliable for babies over 6 months
• Forehead (temporal artery) thermometer - Good for any age, non-invasive
• Digital underarm thermometer - Reliable but takes longer (hold in place for the time stated)

What Counts as a Fever?

• Under arm: 37.5°C or above
• Ear or forehead: 38°C or above
• Normal range: 36.0°C - 37.5°C

Write down the temperature and the time. This information is useful if you need to call your GP or 111 later.

Step 2: Assess Your Baby

Temperature alone doesn't tell the full story. Look at the whole picture:

Is Your Baby...

Relatively well? (Likely manageable at home)

• Still interested in feeding
• Making eye contact and responding to you
• Producing wet nappies (at least 6 in 24 hours)
• Skin colour is normal
• Settling with comfort

Causing concern? (Contact GP or call 111)

• Feeding less than half their normal amount
• Fewer wet nappies than usual
• Temperature persisting beyond 3 days
• Unusually irritable or difficult to settle
• Under 6 months with temperature of 39°C+

A medical emergency? (Call 999 or go to A&E)

• Under 3 months with temperature of 38°C+
• Rash that doesn't fade under a glass
• Blue, grey, or very pale skin
• Weak, high-pitched, or continuous crying
• Floppy or unresponsive
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizure or fit
• Bulging fontanelle (soft spot)

Step 3: Make Them Comfortable

Once you've assessed the situation and it's safe to manage at home:

Clothing

• Remove excess layers - One layer of clothing is usually enough
• Don't over-wrap them - It's tempting to bundle a sick baby up, but this traps heat
• Cotton is best - Breathable and gentle on sensitive skin

Room Temperature

• Keep the room at 18-20°C - Don't make it colder to compensate for fever
• Ensure good air circulation - Open a window slightly if needed
• Don't use a fan directly on them - Circulate air in the room instead

Fluids

• Offer frequent feeds - Little and often works best
• For breastfed babies: Offer the breast more frequently
• For formula-fed babies: Offer regular feeds, plus cooled boiled water if over 6 months
• For weaning babies: Offer water, diluted fruit juice, or ice lollies (6 months+)

Step 4: Consider Medication

Medication can help reduce fever and make your baby more comfortable, but it's not always necessary.

When to Give Medicine

• Baby is distressed or in pain (not just because the number is high)
• Temperature is causing them to refuse feeds
• They can't settle to sleep

Paracetamol (e.g., Calpol)

• Can be given from 2 months (if born after 37 weeks and weighing over 4kg)
• Follow the dosage on the packaging exactly
• Can be given every 4-6 hours (maximum 4 doses in 24 hours)
• Works within 30-60 minutes

Ibuprofen (e.g., Nurofen for Children)

• Can be given from 3 months (if weighing over 5kg)
• Give with or after food/milk
• Can be given every 6-8 hours (maximum 3 doses in 24 hours)
• Can be alternated with paracetamol if one alone isn't enough

Important Medicine Safety

• Never give aspirin to children under 16
• Don't exceed the stated dose - More medicine does not mean faster results
• Use the syringe provided - More accurate than a spoon
• Note the time of each dose - Easy to lose track when you're tired and stressed
• Don't give ibuprofen if your baby has chickenpox

Step 5: Provide Comfort

This is where your instincts as a parent really matter.

Physical Comfort

A feverish baby wants to be held. The challenge is that your body runs at around 37°C, which adds heat to their already warm body. Options include:

• Use a baby cooling vest - A product like Cool Cuddle sits between you and your baby, providing a gentle cooling layer so you can cuddle without adding to their temperature
• Hold them in a cool room - Minimise clothing for both of you
• Cool flannel on forehead - Lukewarm, not cold, refreshed regularly

Soothing Techniques

• Gentle rocking or swaying
• Quiet, calm environment - Dim lights, reduce noise
• Skin-to-skin contact (in a cool room with minimal clothing)
• Singing or white noise - Whatever normally soothes your baby

Step 6: Monitor and Record

Keep track of:

• Temperature readings every 2-4 hours (more often during high fever)
• Medication times and doses
• Fluid intake - How much and how often
• Wet nappies - Count these over 24 hours
• Behaviour changes - Better or worse? More or less alert?

This record is invaluable if you need to speak to a healthcare professional.

Step 7: Know When to Seek Help

Call 111 If...

• Fever lasts more than 3 days
• Baby is under 6 months with a temperature of 39°C+
• You're unsure whether to see a GP
• Baby is feeding poorly for more than 24 hours
• You feel something isn't right (trust your instincts)

Go to A&E or Call 999 If...

• Baby is under 3 months with any fever (38°C+)
• Rash that doesn't fade (glass test)
• Difficulty breathing
• Baby is unresponsive or very drowsy
• Seizure

After the Fever

Most fevers resolve within 3-5 days. Afterwards:

• Appetite may take a few days to return to normal
• Sleep patterns may be disrupted temporarily
• Follow up with your GP if you have any lingering concerns
• Resume normal routine gradually

You handled it. Your baby is lucky to have a parent who cares enough to be prepared.