.png){kind=small}
As a parent, it's normal to worry when your baby feels hot. You check with a thermometer, and it reads 100.0°F.
But what does this mean? Is it a fever? And should you be worried?
Interestingly, there isn't a single answer for what counts as a fever. Normal body temperature can change depending on where you measure it and what time of day it is. Here are some studies that explain the definition of a fever:
Here's some academic research that suggests the definition of fever.
51 studies: Do not suggest a specific threshold
99.5°F (37.5°C): Supported by 3 studies
100.4°F (38.0°C): Supported by 12 studies
100.9°F (38.3°C): Supported by 2 studies
101.3°F (38.5°C): Supported by 1 study
104°F (40.0°C): Supported by 1 study
(Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8394829/bin/ofab161_suppl_Supplementary_Appendix.docx)
It's important to focus on your baby's overall symptoms rather than just the temperature. We'll discuss this more in another post, but remember that your child's general condition is key.
In medical contexts, it's crucial to clearly define fever by specifying the minimum temperature used, the anatomical site at which temperatures are taken, and the instrument used to measure temperatures. Temperature readings can vary based on factors such as:
Anatomical site: Rectal, oral, tympanic (ear), and axillary (armpit) temperatures may differ.
Type of thermometer: Contact thermometers (e.g., oral, rectal) and non-contact thermometers (e.g., infrared) can yield different results.
Please check out our instant fever assessment for more information.
Monitoring Your Baby’s Fever
If your baby has a fever, here are some steps to take:
Check Regularly: Monitor your baby's temperature every few hours.
Stay Hydrated: Ensure your baby drinks plenty of fluids.
Keep Comfortable: Dress your baby in lightweight clothing and keep the room cool.
Medication: If necessary, use infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but consult your pediatrician for the correct dosage.
When to Seek Medical Help
While most fevers are not serious, there are times when you should seek medical attention:
If your baby is younger than 3 months and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
If the fever comes with severe symptoms like a stiff neck, constant vomiting, trouble breathing, or seizures.
If your baby seems very sleepy, cranky, or unresponsive.
You can use our tools to manage all these. Please check out our instant fever assessment and download the FeverCoach app (Coming soon!) for more support.
Written by Myeongchan Kim, MD
Reviewed by Sam Ahn, MD
Related Articles
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8394829/ Mackowiak PA, Chervenak FA, Grünebaum A. Defining Fever. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2021 Mar 31;8(6):ofab161. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofab161. PMID: 34476283; PMCID: PMC8394829.
https://fevercoach.us : FeverCoach