Fever - Tips for parents

Few things can make parents feel as anxious as seeing their child with a fever. It’s natural to worry, especially when friends, family, or the internet offer conflicting advice. But let’s take a deep breath together—fever is usually a sign that your child’s body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do: fighting off an infection.

What Is a Fever?

A fever is a normal response to infection or inflammation. When your child’s temperature rises, their body is working to make it harder for germs like bacteria and viruses to survive. Children often get fevers more easily than adults, especially when their immune system is encountering a new bug for the first time. This is a healthy, robust response.

How Should I Check My Child’s Temperature?

For babies under 1 year old, a rectal thermometer gives the most accurate reading. While it’s understandable to feel nervous about this method, it’s especially important for infants under 2 months, when accuracy really matters. For older babies and children, other methods are fine, but don’t get too caught up in the exact number. What matters most is how your child is acting overall.

Which Thermometer Should I Buy?

There are many thermometers out there, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by choices. The truth is, unless your child is very young (under 2-3 months) or has a chronic medical condition, the specific thermometer isn’t as important as you might think. Pediatricians care much more about your child’s behavior and comfort than whether their temperature is 101.1°F or 101.5°F. Focus on the big picture.

What Information Does My Pediatrician Need?

If you call your pediatrician about a fever, here’s what will help:

1. The temperature and how you measured it

2. When the fever started

3. How your child responds to fever-reducing medicine

4. Any other symptoms (rash, sore throat, cough, vomiting, etc.)

5. How your child looks and acts

6. How well your child is drinking fluids and staying hydrated

7. Any underlying medical conditions

8. Your child’s age

9. Any possible exposures to illness

Fever Myths—Let’s Set the Record Straight

Myth 1: Fever can cause brain damage.

Fever from infection almost never causes harm or brain damage. Even febrile seizures, while scary, do not cause lasting damage. Extremely high temperatures (above 107°F) are rare and usually related to environmental heat, not illness.

Myth 2: You should wake your sleeping child to check their temperature.

If your child is sleeping peacefully, let them rest—unless they are under 3 months old or have a medical condition that makes monitoring important. If they wake up uncomfortable, then it’s fine to check their temperature or give medicine.

Myth 3: Cold baths help bring down a fever.

Cold baths are uncomfortable and can actually make your child shiver, raising their temperature. Your goal isn’t to chase the number down, but to keep your child comfortable.

Myth 4: There’s a “danger number” that means you must rush to the ER.

Deciding whether to go to the ER depends on more than just the temperature. Organ damage from fever is extremely unlikely with infection. Pediatricians treat the child, not the number.

Myth 5: Wait to give fever medicine so the doctor can see how high it gets.

For babies under 2 months, don’t give fever reducers—call your doctor. For older children, go ahead and give medicine to keep them comfortable and hydrated. This helps your doctor more than seeing a high number.

Myth 6: All fevers must be treated.

Not every fever needs medication. If your child is comfortable, drinking fluids, and playing, you may not need to treat the fever at all. The main goal is comfort, not just lowering the temperature.

Myth 7: Fevers always mean something serious.

Most fevers are caused by common viral infections and are not dangerous. Look for other symptoms and how your child is acting to help guide your response.

Practical Tips for Parents

• • Stay Calm: Remember, fever is a sign that your child’s body is fighting off infection.

  • Watch for Warning Signs: Call your pediatrician if your child is under 2 months old and has a fever, or if your child is lethargic, has trouble breathing, persistent vomiting, or shows signs of dehydration.

  • Keep Your Child Comfortable: Dress them in light clothing, offer fluids often, and let them rest.

  • Don’t Focus on the Number: How your child looks and acts is more important than the exact temperature.

  • Use Fever Reducers Wisely: For children over 2 months, you can use acetaminophen or ibuprofen if your child is uncomfortable. Always follow dosing instructions.

  • Monitor Hydration: Make sure your child is drinking enough fluids. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, or crying without tears.

  • Trust Your Instincts: If you’re worried, reach out to your pediatrician. You know your child best.

Trusted Resources:

• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Fever in Healthy Children

• HealthyChildren.org: Fever

• Nationwide Children’s Hospital: Fever