Definition: Core temperature (rectal, oral, or temporal) of 100.4°F/38°C or higher
Purpose: Your child's immune system fighting an infection
Common symptoms: Chills, headache, body aches, fatigue
A fever itself is not an illness—it's the body's natural way of fighting infections.
When to Let a Fever Run Its Course
A fever is often a good sign that your child's body is working to fight infection. You can let a fever run its course when:
Your child is still drinking fluids
Your child is responsive and can be consoled
Your child seems uncomfortable but not in severe distress
Temperature responds somewhat to fever reducers
How to Safely Treat a Fever at Home
🏠 Home Remedies
Hydration: Offer breastmilk, formula, water, or electrolyte solutions frequently
Clothing: Light layers, avoid over-bundling
Environment: Comfortable room temperature
Bathing: Lukewarm sponge baths only (avoid cold baths)
Rest: Allow adequate sleep
Appetite: Don't worry if appetite decreases
💊 Medication (Use when fever is causing discomfort, poor feeding, or sleep disturbance)
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours (max 5 doses/day)
Safe for babies 3+ months
Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil): 5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours (max 4 doses/day)
Safe for babies 6+ months
⚠️ Never give aspirin to children (risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can cause brain and liver damage)
Fever Guidelines by Age
When to Contact Poppins Again
📱 Contact us when:
Fever persists over 3 days from when we last texted, with no improvement
It's your child's first-ever fever
Fever with ear pain (if you have a home otoscope like Smart Check)
New symptoms develop or existing ones worsen
You're just not sure and need reassurance
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
Fever in infants younger than 2-3 months (unless directed to ER)
Fever with ear pain without home otoscope
Worsening cough or prolonged fever with concern for secondary infection
Fever for more than 5 days with unknown cause
Fever > 24-48 hours without any other sick symptoms (such as runny nose, tummy ache, cough, etc)
When to Go Straight to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care for fever PLUS:
Breathing difficulties:
Rapid breathing
Flaring nostrils
Pulling in of the ribs (retractions)
Grunting sounds
Severe dehydration:
No urination for 8+ hours
Dry mouth, sunken eyes
Persistent vomiting
Extreme behavioral changes:
Difficulty waking
Extreme lethargy
Inconsolable crying
Stiff neck, seizure, or non-blanching rash
Sudden dramatic change in condition
Age-specific:
Infants 0-2 months with ANY fever (100.4°F+)
Trust Your Parental Instincts
Don't panic over the number on the thermometer (if over 3 months). A child's behavior is a better indicator of how sick they are. If they're drinking, playing, and alert between fevers, that's reassuring.
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
Need more support? Help is just a text message away.
