Fever
Is this fever something to worry about?
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Key takeaways
- Go to the ER if: go to the er now
- Call your doctor if: call during office hours
- Usually safe to monitor at home: monitor at home
- When in doubt, call your pediatrician — they would rather hear from you than have you worry alone
How old is your baby?
This is not medical advice. When in doubt, always call your pediatrician.
Quick Reference Guide
Call 911 / Go to ER
Go to the ER now
Any fever in a baby under 3 months is a medical emergency. Babies this young cannot fight infections the way older children can.
- Go to the emergency room immediately
- Do not give any medication unless directed by a doctor
- Bring a record of the temperature and when it started
Call your pediatrician now
This fever combined with your baby's symptoms warrants prompt medical attention.
- Call your pediatrician's office or after-hours line now
- If you cannot reach them within 30 minutes, go to urgent care or the ER
- Write down the temperature, when it started, and any other symptoms
Call Your Pediatrician
Call during office hours
This fever deserves a call to your pediatrician, but it's not an emergency.
- Call your pediatrician during their next office hours
- Monitor the fever and keep notes on temperature and behavior
- Keep your baby hydrated - offer breast/bottle frequently
- Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) is okay for babies 3+ months if your doctor agrees
Monitor at Home
Monitor at home
Low-grade fevers are common and usually mean the immune system is working. Keep an eye on things.
- Recheck temperature every 4 hours
- Keep your baby hydrated
- Dress them comfortably - don't over-bundle
- Call your pediatrician if the fever rises above 102°F or lasts more than 2-3 days
- Watch for changes in behavior - if they become inconsolable or stop eating, call sooner
Fever — When to Seek Care Decision Guide
Urgency: Emergency / ER
Scenario: Go to the ER now
What to Do: Any fever in a baby under 3 months is a medical emergency. Babies this young cannot fight infections the way older children can.
Key Actions: Go to the emergency room immediately; Do not give any medication unless directed by a doctor; Bring a record of the temperature and when it started
Urgency: Emergency / ER
Scenario: Call your pediatrician now
What to Do: This fever combined with your baby's symptoms warrants prompt medical attention.
Key Actions: Call your pediatrician's office or after-hours line now; If you cannot reach them within 30 minutes, go to urgent care or the ER; Write down the temperature, when it started, and any other symptoms
Urgency: Call Doctor
Scenario: Call during office hours
What to Do: This fever deserves a call to your pediatrician, but it's not an emergency.
Key Actions: Call your pediatrician during their next office hours; Monitor the fever and keep notes on temperature and behavior; Keep your baby hydrated - offer breast/bottle frequently; Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) is okay for babies 3+ months if your doctor agrees
Urgency: Monitor at Home
Scenario: Monitor at home
What to Do: Low-grade fevers are common and usually mean the immune system is working. Keep an eye on things.
Key Actions: Recheck temperature every 4 hours; Keep your baby hydrated; Dress them comfortably - don't over-bundle; Call your pediatrician if the fever rises above 102°F or lasts more than 2-3 days; Watch for changes in behavior - if they become inconsolable or stop eating, call sooner
| Urgency | Scenario | What to Do | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency / ER | Go to the ER now | Any fever in a baby under 3 months is a medical emergency. Babies this young cannot fight infections the way older children can. | Go to the emergency room immediately; Do not give any medication unless directed by a doctor; Bring a record of the temperature and when it started |
| Emergency / ER | Call your pediatrician now | This fever combined with your baby's symptoms warrants prompt medical attention. | Call your pediatrician's office or after-hours line now; If you cannot reach them within 30 minutes, go to urgent care or the ER; Write down the temperature, when it started, and any other symptoms |
| Call Doctor | Call during office hours | This fever deserves a call to your pediatrician, but it's not an emergency. | Call your pediatrician during their next office hours; Monitor the fever and keep notes on temperature and behavior; Keep your baby hydrated - offer breast/bottle frequently; Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) is okay for babies 3+ months if your doctor agrees |
| Monitor at Home | Monitor at home | Low-grade fevers are common and usually mean the immune system is working. Keep an eye on things. | Recheck temperature every 4 hours; Keep your baby hydrated; Dress them comfortably - don't over-bundle; Call your pediatrician if the fever rises above 102°F or lasts more than 2-3 days; Watch for changes in behavior - if they become inconsolable or stop eating, call sooner |
Based on AAP and CDC symptom management guidelines. Always call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
Frequently asked questions
When should I take my baby to the ER for fever?
When should I call the doctor about baby fever?
When can I monitor fever at home?
Bottom line
Most cases of fever in babies can be managed at home with monitoring. Seek emergency care if you notice go to the er now. When in doubt, call your pediatrician.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members