
Tuesday, 29 July, 2025
Welcoming a new baby into your life is a mix of joy, sleepless nights, and a rollercoaster of emotions. But few things are more anxiety-inducing for a new parent than feeling your baby’s forehead a little too warm. Is it just the weather, a minor bug, or something serious? If you’ve ever searched for fever in infants in your search bar at 2 AM, you’re not alone and you’re in the right place.
This guide is specially for new parents and caregivers to help you understand what fever in infants mean, when to act, signs of fever in a newborn and how to care for your baby with confidence.
What Is Considered a Fever in Infants?
The general rule of thumb: any temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a fever in infants. However, what matters just as much is your baby’s age and how they’re behaving.
Normal Temperature Range for Babies
- Normal infant temperature ranges between 97.5°F (36.4°C) to 99.5°F (37.5°C).
- The body temp for newborns tends to be slightly lower in the early days after birth.
- Normal infant armpit temperature should generally stay under 99°F (37.2°C).
- The infant body temperature range considered healthy is usually between 97°F and 100.3°F.
If you're unsure whether your baby's temperature falls within the healthy range, an Infant Fever Chart can be a helpful visual reference to track age-appropriate norms.
How to Measure Temperature Accurately in Babies
The best way to take infant temperature depends on their age. Keeping a close eye on your infant fever temp using a reliable thermometer can help you decide if and when to call a doctor.
- Rectal thermometer: Most accurate for newborns under 3 months
- Armpit (axillary) thermometer: Easier and non-invasive, but slightly less precise
- Forehead (temporal) thermometer: Quick and gentle, but best for babies over 3 months
India’s hot and humid weather, especially during peak summer, can cause infants to overheat easily, particularly if they are overdressed or placed in poorly ventilated rooms.
Always check the back of the neck or chest to assess body heat instead of relying on cold hands or feet, which can be misleading. If your baby feels unusually warm, isn’t feeding well, or seems drowsy, don’t wait. Early steps in fever in newborn treatment include cooling the environment, ensuring hydration, and consulting a pediatrician immediately.
Causes of Fever in Infants
Understanding the root cause of a fever can help you stay calm and take the right action.
Common Causes
- Viral infections: Like cold or flu, very common in changing weather
- Vaccinations: Fever after vaccination is a common, mild response
- Teething: Often confused with fever, but rarely causes high temperatures. Still, many parents wonder about infant fever while teething during this stage.
- Overheating: Too many layers or warm weather
Infections like dengue, chikungunya, and seasonal flu are more common in certain parts of India and can lead to fever in infants, especially during monsoon or post-monsoon seasons. If fever is accompanied by rash, reduced feeding, or lethargy, seek medical care promptly.
Rare but Serious Causes
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Pneumonia or other bacterial infections
- Meningitis
These are some of the more concerning causes of fever in newborns, especially under 3 months of age. If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever, always consult a pediatrician in Bangalore or your local physician.
Symptoms to Watch Alongside a Fever
Mild Symptoms
- Warm skin, flushed cheeks
- Fussiness, mild irritability
- Slight decrease in appetite
- More sleep than usual
Serious Symptoms
- Difficulty breathing or fast breathing
- Vomiting or persistent diarrhea
- Unusual crying or extreme drowsiness
- Rash with fever
- Seizures
Some of these are typical fever in newborn symptoms or warning signs of worsening condition. When combined, especially in young babies, they call for immediate attention.
How Symptoms Vary With Age
- Newborns (0–3 months): Even a slight fever can be serious. Knowing the fever temperature in newborns is vital—anything above 100.4°F (38°C) needs urgent evaluation.
- Infants (3–6 months): Look for behavior changes, eating issues
- 6 months and above: Mild fevers can often be monitored at home
What to Do When Your Infant Has a Fever
First Steps at Home
- Remove extra clothing or blankets
- Keep the baby hydrated through breastmilk or formula
- Sponge baths with lukewarm water
- Keep room temperature comfortable
These are basic but effective steps to reduce infant fever at home in non-serious situations.
Safe Medications for Infants
Paracetamol (Infant drops) may be given but only after consulting your doctor
Searching for infant fever medicine? Your doctor will recommend the best medicine for infant fever based on weight and age.
What Should You Not Do
While home remedies are common in Indian households, avoid using mustard oil massages, herbal brews, or bundling with multiple layers during a fever episode. These practices can unintentionally worsen the fever or mask symptoms. In case of any fever episode.
- Don’t give aspirin
- Don’t use cold water or ice baths
- Never give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months
If you're wondering about infant fever what to do, it's important to take medical advice depending on the severity.
When to Worry: Signs You Should Call a Pediatrician
When it comes to fever in infants, knowing when to worry can make all the difference. Always err on the side of caution.
- Infant is under 3 months old with any fever
- Fever lasts more than 3 days
- Baby is not feeding well, vomiting, or has diarrhea
- Baby is difficult to wake or unusually drowsy
- Repeated crying that can't be soothed
- Fever that does not reduce with medications
If any of these occur, please contact a nearby children’s hospital in Bangalore or your pediatrician immediately.
Fever After Vaccination: What’s Normal and What’s Not
It’s common for babies to develop a low-grade fever after vaccinations. This is a sign the immune system is responding.
What’s normal?
- Fever below 102°F (38.9°C)
- Mild fussiness or sleepiness
- Redness at injection site
When to worry?
- Fever above 103°F (39.4°C), which qualifies as high fever for infants
- Swelling that spreads
- Baby is lethargic or won’t feed
More on the vaccination schedule for infants can be found here.
Tips to Prevent Fever and Infections in Babies
Hygiene, Handwashing, and Sanitization Tips for Caregivers
- Always wash hands before handling the baby
- Sanitize toys, bottles, and pacifiers regularly
- Avoid crowded places or sick contacts
Safe Feeding Practices and Clean Water
- Ensure bottles are sterilized
- Use clean, boiled water for formula
- Breastfeeding provides natural immunity
Importance of Timely Vaccination
- Keeps your child protected from preventable illnesses
- Prevents complications from common viral infections
Also, stay alert to signs of recurring cold and cough in children, which can weaken immunity and increase fever chances.
Conclusion
Fever in infants can be scary, but with the right knowledge, it doesn’t have to be. Trust your instincts as a parent, follow basic safety guidelines, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. Remember, every baby is different, but your calm response can make all the difference.
Whether it’s a post-vaccine reaction or a sign of a deeper issue, being prepared empowers you to handle the situation with confidence.
FAQs
1. Can teething cause fever in infants?
Teething may cause a slight rise in temperature, but it typically does not lead to high fever. If your baby has a high fever, look for other causes.
2. Can I give my baby paracetamol for fever?
Yes, but only after your doctor’s advice. Dosage depends on your baby’s weight and age.
3. Is fever after vaccination in infants normal?
Yes, a mild fever is a common side effect and usually resolves within 24–48 hours.
4. How long does fever in babies last?
Most fevers from mild infections or vaccines last 2–3 days. If it lasts longer or symptoms worsen, consult a doctor.
Author Doctor Name
Sr. Consultant - Paediatrics & Neonatology
MBBS MD