> ## Documentation Index
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> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Fever in Children: When to Worry and When to Call the Doctor

> A parent's guide to fever in babies and children — what temperature counts as a fever, age-based warning signs, and when a fever needs urgent medical care.

A child's fever is one of the most common reasons parents reach for a thermometer at 2 a.m. Most fevers are the body's normal response to infection, but a few situations need prompt medical attention. Here's how to tell the difference.

<Note>
  This is general guidance, not a substitute for medical advice. Trust your instincts: how your child looks and behaves often matters more than the exact number. When in doubt, call your pediatrician or nurse line.
</Note>

## What temperature counts as a fever?

A fever is generally a temperature of **100.4°F (38°C) or higher**. The most accurate method varies by age, and a [forehead or ear thermometer](/thermometer/how-to-take-accurate-temperature) is convenient for children. See our [fever guide](/thermometer/fever-guide) for measurement methods and our [accurate temperature guide](/thermometer/how-to-take-accurate-temperature) for technique.

## Why does age matter so much with fever?

The younger the child, the lower the threshold for concern:

* **Under 3 months:** any rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is a reason to **call the doctor right away**, even if the baby seems well.
* **3–6 months:** call for a fever, especially if the baby is fussy, lethargic, or feeding poorly.
* **Older infants and children:** the number matters less than how they look and act.

## When should I call the doctor or seek urgent care?

Contact your pediatrician promptly, or seek urgent care, if your child has:

* A fever in a baby under 3 months (see above)
* A fever above 104°F (40°C), or one that won't come down
* A fever lasting more than a few days
* A stiff neck, severe headache, trouble breathing, a rash that doesn't fade with pressure, or a seizure
* Signs of dehydration, unusual drowsiness, or difficulty waking

<Warning>
  Call emergency services for a child who is very hard to wake, struggling to breathe, has blue lips, a non-blanching rash, a stiff neck with fever, or a seizure. A thermometer measures temperature only — it is not a diagnosis.
</Warning>

## How can I keep my child comfortable?

Offer fluids, dress them lightly, and let them rest. Fever-reducing medications can help comfort (not "cure") — use age- and weight-appropriate dosing per the label or your pediatrician, and never give aspirin to children. Recheck the temperature periodically and watch the overall picture.

## Why do readings sometimes differ?

Forehead and ear readings can vary with technique, a sweaty forehead, or going between hot and cold environments. Re-take following the [accurate technique guide](/thermometer/how-to-take-accurate-temperature), and track the trend rather than fixating on one number.

**Related:** [Fever Guide](/thermometer/fever-guide) · [How to Take an Accurate Temperature](/thermometer/how-to-take-accurate-temperature)