Fever & Pain in Infants 0-24 Months

When your baby is less than 3 years old, it’s recommended that you use a digital tympanic (ear) thermometer for an accurate reading. Once your child is 3 years old or older, use a digital (not glass) oral thermometer.

When using a digital thermometer, ensure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and cleaning.

It’s normal for your baby’s temperature to change throughout the day. Follow these tips to get a good idea if your baby is getting better or not:

• Take your baby’s temperature early in the morning and late in the afternoon — just note that it’s normal for your baby’s temperature to be higher in the afternoon
• If your baby seems to be getting worse, take their temperature more often
• While your baby is feverish, take their temperature at the same time each day. You should, however, take your child to a doctor if they have a fever for more than 3 days or if your baby is less than 3 months old, you should take them to the doctor anytime they have a fever.

Simply put, fever is a body temperature that is higher than the normal range of 36°C to 37.5°C (96.8°F to 99.5°F). However, the medical definition of a fever is slightly different and depends on how the temperature was taken:

• Orally — higher than 37.8°C (100.04°F)
• In the ear — higher than 37.8°C (100.04°F)
• In the armpit — higher than 37°C (98.6°F)

Also note that a higher fever doesn’t necessarily mean that your baby is sicker. For example, a mild viral infection such as roseola may cause a very high temperature whereas a serious hospital-acquired infection may cause your baby to have no fever and could cause a drop in their body temperature. You should call your doctor anytime you are unsure about your baby’s symptoms.

If your baby does have a fever, read Tips for relief of your child’s fever and pain for advice on how to lower it and when to call the doctor.