Fever in Children: A Guide for Parents
A warm forehead at 2 a.m. is scary. Fever is common in children, and it is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection, not a danger in itself. [1][2]
How your child looks and acts matters more than the number on the thermometer. Watch their breathing, drinking, alertness, and comfort. [1][2]
Free on-demand webinar: Fever Confidence for Parents. Watch anytime, at your own pace. I walk you through taking a temperature, when to give medication, red flags, and when to call for help. Watch the free webinar
When to get help
Trust your instincts. If your child looks seriously unwell, get help, even if the temperature is not very high.
Call 911 if your child
Is unresponsive
Is struggling severely to breathe
Is having a seizure that does not stop
Go to the emergency department if your child
Is younger than 3 months and has a fever [1]
Is very sleepy, confused, hard to wake, or unusually irritable [1][2]
Has trouble breathing, fast breathing that does not settle, or blue or grey lips [1][2]
Is dehydrated: very dry mouth, or no urine for 8 hours or more [1]
Has a severe headache, stiff or painful neck, or sensitivity to light [1][2]
Has a purple or bruise-like rash that does not fade when pressed [2][3]
Has a seizure, or cries and cannot be consoled
Does not perk up after fever medicine [1][2]
Has a weakened immune system, a complex medical condition, or recent international travel
Call your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or Health811 if
The fever lasts longer than 72 hours
Your child is getting worse instead of better
A new symptom worries you, such as ear pain [1]
Your child is not returning to their usual self between fevers
What counts as a fever?
A temperature of 38.0°C or higher is generally considered a fever in children. [1] Use a digital thermometer, not your hand.
Method | Normal range (°C) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
Rectal | 36.6 to 38.0 | Most accurate for young infants [2] |
Oral | 35.5 to 37.5 | For older children who can hold it under the tongue [2] |
Underarm | 36.5 to 37.5 | Easy, but less reliable for confirming a fever [2] |
Ear | 35.8 to 38.0 | Not recommended for infants [2] |
Not sure how to take a temperature safely? Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or nurse practitioner to show you.
When should I give fever medicine?
Treat the discomfort, not the number. Medicine can help if your child is miserable, in pain, cannot sleep, or is not drinking because they feel unwell. The fever may return as the illness runs its course. That is expected. [1]
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Dose by your child's current weight, not age. The usual single dose is about 10 to 15 mg/kg. [5]
Give every 4 to 6 hours, with no more than 5 doses in 24 hours. [4]
Products come in different strengths. Read the label every time and use the syringe that comes with the bottle, not a kitchen spoon. [6]
Never give two products containing acetaminophen. It is in some cold and flu medicines, and too much can cause serious liver injury. [4][7]
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
An option for children 6 months and older. [7]
Under 6 months, check with a doctor first. [7]
Use with caution if your child is dehydrated, because of the risk to the kidneys. [5]
What to avoid
No ASA (Aspirin) for children or teens. It is linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness of the liver and brain. [7]
No routine alternating of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. It raises the chance of dosing errors without clearly improving comfort. [5]
Unsure of the dose? Bring the bottle and your child's current weight to your pharmacist.
Comfort care at home
Simple care is often the most helpful.
Fluids first. Offer small, frequent sips of water, milk, soup, ice pops, or an oral rehydration solution. Keep breastfeeding or chestfeeding. [1][2]
Rest, without forcing sleep. Quiet play and cuddles count.
Light clothing, comfortably cool room. Do not bundle your child up or strip them down to cool them. [5]
Lukewarm bath only if it soothes. Skip cold baths and never use alcohol rubs. [5]
Food if they want it. A smaller appetite for a few days is fine.
Honey for cough, only for children over 1 year. Never for babies under 1.
Cool-mist humidifier for dry air, cleaned as the manufacturer directs.
What about natural remedies?
Evidence for many herbal and homeopathic fever products is limited, and few have been well studied in children. "Natural" does not always mean safe, especially for infants, children on medication, or children with chronic conditions. Check with a regulated health professional first.
Watch the free fever webinar
Reading a guide helps. Hearing it explainedhelps it stick for the night you need it.
In my free on-demand webinar, I cover:
Which thermometer to use (rectal temperature not described).
When to give fever medicine.
The red flags that mean go now.
How to decide between home, a phone call, and the emergency department
It is free and available anytime, so you can watch before the next fever arrives.
Dr. Yasmin Snippe ND, RN, Rooted Naturopathic Clinic, Barrie, Ontario
This article is for general education only and does not replace individual medical advice.