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A fever in itself doesn’t always mean there’s an emergency. A lot of the time, fever is a good thing and the exact temperature usually doesn’t matter. This highly depends, though. More on that in this blog.
Let’s talk about what a fever-related emergency can look like.
If your baby or toddler shows any of the following signs along with a fever, you should seek medical care immediately:
Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness: if your child is unusually sleepy, difficult to wake up, or not responding to your voice or touch, it’s a red flag.
Difficulty breathing: look for fast, labored, or shallow breathing. If your child’s chest is pulling in (retracting) with each breath, or if their lips or face look blue, call 911. Labored breathing can be caused by illnesses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for which there is now a widely available monoclonal antibody. Also, know these emergency signs of respiratory distress.
Seizures: a fever can sometimes trigger febrile seizures in young children. These seizures usually involve uncontrollable shaking or stiffening of the body, and they can be very alarming to witness. If your child has a seizure, lay them on their side, stay calm, and call your doctor. Many times, these need to run their course and are usually harmless in the long run.
Severe dehydration, which can get serious if your child isn't drinking fluids or is vomiting repeatedly. Signs include:
Dry mouth or cracked lips
Fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours
No tears when crying
Sunken soft spot on a baby’s head
Rashes and purple spots: a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed, or purple spots on the skin, could indicate a serious bacterial infection like meningitis. Get medical attention immediately
Bulging or sunken soft spot: the soft spot on a baby's head can give you clues about their health. A bulging soft spot may mean increased pressure inside the skull, while a sunken soft spot is a sign of dehydration.
Persistent crying or irritability: if your child can’t be soothed or cries in a high-pitched, unusual way, this may signal pain or distress beyond colic that needs attention.
Stiff neck: if your child resists moving their neck or has trouble bending it forward, this could be a sign of meningitis and requires immediate medical attention.
Fever lasting more than five days: a fever that persists for more than five days, even if it’s not very high, can indicate an underlying issue that needs medical investigation.
>>Important: for newborns younger than 3 months old, any fever is considered serious. Their immune systems are still developing, so even a low-grade fever could be a sign of a serious infection. Call your doctor immediately if your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F or higher.
For babies 3-6 months old, a fever higher than 101°F should also be checked by a doctor to rule out any possible bacterial infection.
For newborns younger than 3 months old, any fever is considered serious. Their immune systems are still developing, so even a low-grade fever could be a sign of a serious infection. Call your doctor immediately if your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F or higher.
Andrew Carlson, MD,
Medical Director, Primary Care, Connecticut Children's
Home remedies for fever in young children
If your child’s fever doesn’t show any of the emergency signs mentioned, you can try these steps at home:
Keep them comfortable—dress your child in light clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
Encourage fluids—offer plenty of fluids like water, breast milk, or formula to prevent dehydration.
Ask your doctor if you can use fever-reducing medication—acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help lower a fever. Always follow the correct dosage based on your child’s weight and age—and always ask your doctor if this is your first rodeo.
Monitor their behavior—pay attention to how your child acts. If they’re drinking fluids, playing, and sleeping well, the fever is likely not serious.
Trust your instincts! As a parent, you know your child best. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to be cautions and call your doctor. Fevers are common but knowing when to worry can help you keep your baby or toddler safe and healthy.
