Fever in Children: Temperature Guide, Treatment and When to See a Doctor

Name: Fever in Children: Temperature Guide, Treatment and When to See a Doctor
Creator: Editorial Team
Published: 2026-09-21

What counts as a fever in a child, how to bring it down safely, and the warning signs that mean you should get medical help.

By Editorial Team · Updated 2026-09-21 · 2 min read

Digital thermometer lying on a white surface — Photo: Rawpixel · CC0

This article is awaiting review by a qualified medical professional.

Quick answer

A fever in a child is usually a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. It is a sign the body is fighting an infection and is often not dangerous, but a baby under 3 months with a fever needs urgent medical assessment. Keep your child comfortable, offer fluids, and use paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen if they are distressed. Never give aspirin to children.

Fever is one of the most common reasons parents seek medical advice. It is usually caused by an infection such as a cold, flu or ear infection, and it helps the body fight germs. How your child looks and behaves matters more than the number on the thermometer.

What counts as a fever?

Temperature	What it means
36.4°C to 37.5°C (97.5°F to 99.5°F)	Normal range
38°C (100.4°F) or higher	Fever
39°C (102.2°F) or higher	High fever

How to take a temperature

Use a digital thermometer. Under the armpit or in the ear (with an ear thermometer) are common methods for children. Follow the instructions supplied with your thermometer, and do not use old glass mercury thermometers.

How to care for a child with a fever

Offer plenty of fluids, such as breast milk, formula, water or oral rehydration solution
Dress your child in light clothing and keep the room comfortably cool
Let them rest, and don't force food
Medicines: if your child is uncomfortable or distressed, you can use paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen. Give the dose that matches your child's age and weight exactly as the label says, and do not give both at once unless a doctor advises it. Ibuprofen is not suitable for very young babies or children with certain conditions, so check the label.
Never give aspirin to children under 16, because of the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome
Do not sponge with cold water or alcohol, and do not overdress or wrap your child in blankets

When to get urgent medical help

Get medical help immediately, or call your local emergency number, if your child:

Is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
Is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) or higher
Has difficulty breathing, or breathes very fast
Has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
Has a stiff neck, or is bothered by bright light
Has a seizure (fit)
Is very drowsy, floppy, hard to wake or unusually irritable
Has pale, blue or mottled skin or lips
Has signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, or hardly any wet nappies
Is vomiting repeatedly, or has severe pain

When to see a doctor

Book a doctor's appointment if the fever lasts more than 5 days, comes back, or your child has an ongoing illness, an earache, sore throat, painful urination or other symptoms. Trust your instincts. If you are worried, seek advice.

Febrile seizures

Some young children have a seizure when their temperature rises quickly. These are frightening but usually harmless. Place your child on their side on a soft surface, do not put anything in their mouth, and call for emergency help the first time it happens or if it lasts more than 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature is a fever in a child?

A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is generally considered a fever. A normal temperature is about 36.4°C to 37.5°C (97.5°F to 99.5°F).

Should I wake my child to give fever medicine?

No. Rest is more important. Fever medicine is for comfort, not to bring the temperature to normal, and a sleeping child does not need to be woken.

Can teething cause a fever?

Teething may cause a slightly raised temperature and irritability, but not a true fever of 38°C or higher. If your baby has a fever, look for another cause.

How long does a fever last?

Fever from common viral infections usually lasts about 3 days. See a doctor if it lasts longer than 5 days, keeps returning, or your child seems very unwell.

Sources

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a doctor or other qualified health professional. See our medical disclaimer.