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This is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 immediately, then follow these steps while waiting for help.
Febrile Seizure Response
Content reviewed against published AAP, NINDS, AAP guidelines
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Febrile seizures are seizures triggered by fever, occurring in children ages 6 months to 5 years. They affect 2-5% of children and are usually harmless, but they look terrifying. Most last less than 5 minutes and do not cause brain damage or epilepsy. Knowing what to do can prevent panic and keep baby safe.
Immediate actions
- Call 911 immediately
- Place baby on their side on a safe, flat surface
- DO NOT: Do NOT put anything in baby's mouth — they will not swallow their tongue
Step-by-Step Response
Note the time
Look at a clock or start a timer on your phone. Duration is the most important piece of information. If possible, have someone else video the seizure for your doctor.
Place baby on their side
Gently place baby on their side (recovery position) on a flat, safe surface like the floor. This prevents choking if they vomit. Support head gently.
Clear the area
Move any hard or sharp objects away from baby. Place something soft under their head if available (folded towel, not a pillow).
Loosen clothing
Loosen or remove tight clothing around the neck and chest. Do not try to undress baby completely during the seizure.
Watch and wait
Most febrile seizures stop on their own within 2-3 minutes. Stay calm. Observe what the seizure looks like for reporting to the doctor later.
Call 911 if needed
Call 911 if: seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, baby turns blue, baby has difficulty breathing, this is baby's first seizure, or baby does not wake up after the seizure stops.
After the seizure stops
Baby will likely be sleepy and confused (postictal period). Keep baby on their side. Do not offer food or drink until fully awake. Take baby's temperature.
Treat the fever
Once baby is fully awake and alert, give age-appropriate acetaminophen or ibuprofen (ibuprofen only if over 6 months). This treats discomfort — it does NOT prevent more febrile seizures.
Call your pediatrician
Even if the seizure was brief, call your doctor. They need to determine what is causing the fever and whether any evaluation is needed.
What NOT to Do
- ✕Do NOT put anything in baby's mouth — they will not swallow their tongue
- ✕Do NOT try to hold baby down or stop the shaking
- ✕Do NOT put baby in a cold bath during the seizure
- ✕Do NOT give medicine by mouth during a seizure — choking risk
- ✕Do NOT panic — febrile seizures, while scary, are almost always harmless
- ✕Do NOT assume fever medication prevents febrile seizures — studies show it does not
When to Seek Help
Call 911 if:
- Seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
- This is baby's first febrile seizure (go to ER for evaluation)
- Baby has difficulty breathing or turns blue
- Baby does not regain consciousness within a few minutes of seizure ending
- A second seizure occurs within 24 hours
- Seizure involves only one side of the body (may indicate something more serious)
- Baby is under 6 months old
- Baby has a stiff neck, unusual rash, or extreme lethargy (signs of meningitis)
Go to ER if:
- First febrile seizure ever — always requires evaluation
- Seizure lasted more than 5 minutes
- Baby is under 12 months old and has a seizure with fever
- Baby is not acting normally 1 hour after the seizure
- You cannot identify the source of the fever
- Baby has signs of serious infection (stiff neck, purple rash, extreme irritability)
- Seizure was focal (one-sided) rather than generalized (whole body)
Call your doctor if:
- After any febrile seizure — even if brief and baby seems fine
- To discuss what caused the fever and whether testing is needed
- Baby has a history of febrile seizures and you need guidance on action plan
- Fever is very high (over 104°F / 40°C) and you are concerned about the source
- Baby has multiple febrile seizures over several months — may need neurology referral
Age-Specific Guidance
6-12 months
Febrile seizures can begin at 6 months. At this age, babies cannot tell you they feel sick, so fever may be the first sign of illness. First febrile seizures in this age group always require ER evaluation to rule out serious infections like meningitis.
12-18 months
This is the peak age for first febrile seizures. Common triggers include ear infections, roseola, and upper respiratory infections. The seizure often occurs as the fever is rising rapidly, not necessarily at the highest point.
18 months - 5 years
Febrile seizures remain possible through age 5 but become less common after age 3. Children with a history should have a seizure action plan. Most children outgrow febrile seizures completely by age 5-6.
Prevention
- Febrile seizures CANNOT be reliably prevented by treating fevers with medication — this is a common misconception
- Manage fevers for comfort — acetaminophen or ibuprofen (over 6 months) to help baby feel better
- Keep baby hydrated during illness — fever increases fluid needs
- Dress baby in light clothing during fever — do not bundle up
- Know that if your child has had one febrile seizure, there is a 30-40% chance of recurrence with future fevers
- Ensure all caregivers know what to do if a febrile seizure occurs
- Some children with recurrent febrile seizures may be prescribed rectal diazepam for emergencies — keep it accessible
Frequently asked questions
Should I call 911 for febrile seizure response?
What should I do first?
What should I NOT do?
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Sources
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
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Bottom line
This is a serious emergency. Always call 911 first, then follow the steps above while help is on the way.
You are doing the right thing by learning what to do in an emergency. Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for your child.