What Should Be Done When a Baby Has a Fever?

Fever Symptoms in Babies and the First Steps You Should Take

Fever in babies, especially within the first 12 months, is one of the most panic-inducing situations for parents. From the newborn stage, a baby's immune system is still developing, and even the slightest change in body temperature can make parents extremely anxious. Like many mothers, you can instinctively sense fever without even looking at a thermometer  by touching your baby’s cheeks, feeling their breath, or noticing how their eyes look more glassy than usual. But intuition alone is not enough; correct information and the right approach are just as important. Because fever itself is not a disease, but a natural defense response of the body against infection or external factors.

What Temperature is Considered a Fever?

For babies aged 0–12 months, rectal temperature is considered the most accurate measurement.

General reference values:

• Above 37.5°C → mild elevation
• 38°C and above → considered fever
• 38.5°C and above → high fever category

During the newborn period (especially the first 3 months), any fever above 38°C should be considered serious, and a doctor should be contacted immediately.

Most Common Causes of Fever

• Viral upper respiratory infections
• Teething period (generally causes only mild elevation, not real high fever)
• Temporary increase after vaccination
• Urinary tract infections
• Overdressing or wrapping too tightly causing heat retention

Mother’s instinct is very valuable here. Some days you can feel that your baby is going to get sick even before any symptoms appear. But observation + proper measurement must always be used together.

Natural and Correct Approaches to Try at Home When a Baby Has a Fever

Dress the baby lightly

Wrapping the baby in thick blankets or dressing them in layers because “they may be cold” is a very common reflex among mothers. But this is not the right approach when the fever rises. The baby should wear thin, breathable clothing.

Apply lukewarm compresses

Not cold.

A slightly cool (not cold) wet cloth can be applied to the neck, armpits and groin area. Ice-cold applications may cause the opposite reaction.

Adjust the room temperature

21-22°C is the ideal range. If the room is too warm, fever can rise even more.

Monitor fluid intake (breast milk is extremely valuable)

For babies between 0–12 months, breast milk is the most natural support.

Fever causes the body to lose more fluid, so breastfeeding can be increased slightly.

Bath should be lukewarm

Do not use cold water.

Even a simple lukewarm bath can help soothe and relax the baby significantly.

When is Medication Necessary?

Most parents try natural methods first and this is absolutely normal.

But in babies aged 0-12 months, medication should always be given under medical supervision.

Do not give fever reducers on your own.

Doctors usually prefer paracetamol based medications, but this is not a standard rule for every baby.

If your doctor has not given you a specific dose, self adjusting medication can be risky.

When You Should Definitely Go to the Doctor or ER

• If the baby is younger than 3 months and fever is above 38°C → go to the hospital immediately
• If fever stays above 38.5°C despite 6 hours passing
• If the baby starts refusing to breastfeed
• If breathing becomes difficult
• If there are purple spots / unusual rashes on the skin
• If the baby becomes too sleepy / unresponsive
• If there are seizure-like movements

Keeping this list clearly in mind is extremely helpful for parents.

Although fever in babies may look frightening, a calm, informed approach is always more effective. Mother’s instinct combined with professional guidance makes recovery much faster. The core principle in fever management is natural support + safe monitoring. When needed, medical assistance should never be delayed. Especially in newborns, high fever should always be handled more carefully.