Great, classic song.
But not one you find yourself humming when your baby is crying and miserable in the middle of the night.
Your first thought is probably the same one every parent has: is this dangerous?
Here's the reassuring part first: a fever usually means your child's body is doing its job — fighting off an illness or infection. What matters most is how your child is acting, not just the number.
What counts as a fever? Generally 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Rectal thermometers are the most accurate, especially for babies and young children. Forehead and ear thermometers are convenient but can be less accurate — if the reading doesn't match how your child looks and feels, recheck.
What to do at home:
• Offer fluids often — small, frequent sips. You can still offer milk and formula even if your baby has a fever. (I promise that the fever won’t spoil the milk). If your baby is over 6 months and can take some table food, then water is okay, but pedialyte or an electrolyte solution is preferred if you can. Staying hydrated matters more than bringing the number down.
• Dress them lightly. One light layer is enough, but focus on comfort for the child — be aware that bundling a feverish child in heavy blankets may make the temperature rise further. However putting a feverish child in a cold bath seems inhumane.
• Let them rest, but don't force sleep. If they have energy to play gently, that's a great sign. Allow the child to play when they feel up to it. Don’t be surprised if the fever comes back and the child no longer feels playful.
• Medicine (like acetaminophen and ibuprofen) is for helping the child feel better, not for the number of the temperature. You don't have to treat every fever. Some kids aren’t phased at all by a 103 fever while us adults act like we might as well be dying if we are 100.4. Let the child guide whether or you they need a medicine to feel better.
• Skip the cold baths and alcohol rubs. They don't help, and they can make your child shiver and feel worse.
Call your pediatrician right away if your child has a fever and:
• Is younger than 2 months and has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher
• Looks very ill, is unusually drowsy, or is inconsolable
• Has a stiff neck, severe headache, or trouble breathing
• Has an unexplained rash or repeated vomiting or diarrhea
• Has had a febrile seizure
• Has been in a very hot place, such as an overheated car
• Has immune system problems, has never been vaccinated or takes medicines that affect the immune system
Also call if your child still acts overly drowsy or less responsive once the fever comes down or seems to be getting worse.
Overall, I recommend parents trust their instincts that they know when their child needs to be checked out by a pediatrician. All children should be evaluated if they have had fever for 5 consecutive days.
I also want to caution the parents of unvaccinated children to have a lower threshold of when to have your child seen in person when he/she has a fever. We want to have extra vigilance to make sure your child is okay.
Dr. Lauren Sadovsky, DO
Anchor in Tide | Pediatric Health & Wellness
This post is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have questions about your child's behavior, attention, or development, talk with your pediatrician.