Fever: What Now?

The 2 a.m. question, answered with the same thresholds we cite in the guides. When in doubt, skip this page and just call. Calling is always right.

Check the temperature

Use a rectal digital thermometer for babies under 3 months — it gives the reading that counts at that age. AAP

How old is your child? Temperature Any of these, right now? Trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, a purple rash that doesn't fade when pressed, a seizure, baby can't be woken, or no wet diapers with sunken eyes

The thresholds behind this page: AAP AAP checker MedlinePlus — and the full picture, including everything that isn't a fever, lives in What to Look For.

This page is not a doctor It's an educational summary of published guidance for otherwise-healthy, full-term babies. Your pediatrician's office expects calls at every hour and would rather hear from you than not. If anything about your child worries you, call — whatever this page says.

All the warning signs → Print the fridge card →