The new mom’s fever FAQs answered.

The first time my firstborn had his fever, I was flustered. You worry how such a tiny baby can handle such a high temperature! Well, babies are bound to get fevers at one point but don’t worry… they will survive. In fact, fevers indicate that their tiny bodies are working to fight an infection. What’s important is to figure out what’s causing the fever.

What’s the best way to take a baby’s temperature?

For babies, the most accurate temperature reading would come from a rectal thermometer. In a baby older than 3 months, taking the temperature orally is fine. Use a digital thermometer for oral readings. Avoid mercury thermometers as there’s a chance your child can end up getting mercury in her mouth — mercury is poisonous. Another option is the ear thermometer, it’s the easiest to use but may be off by about a degree.

What indicates a fever?

A normal temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C) when taken orally (in your child’s mouth) and 99.6°F (37.5°C) when taken rectally (in your child’s bottom). Many doctors define a fever as an oral temperature above 99.5°F (37.5°C) or a rectal temperature above 100.4°F (38°C).

Should I try to lower my baby’s temperature?

Fevers indicate that the body is fighting infection. If your child is between 3 months of age and 3 years of age, you may want to avoid giving him or her medicine if he or she is running a low-grade fever (up to 100.2°F [37.8°C]). If your child is achy and fussy, and his or her temperature is above 100.2°F [37.8°C], contact your pediatrician for which medicine to use.

If you have a baby who is younger than 3 months of age and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, call the doctor or go to the emergency room right away. A fever that high can be a sign of a serious infection in young babies.

What’s the best fever medication?

Do not give fever medicine to babies younger than 2 months. Talk to your pediatrician first before giving any medication, even if it’s available over-the-counter.

Acetaminophen (like Infants’ Tylenol) relieves pain and lowers fever. Check the package label or ask your doctor about the correct dosage for your child. The correct dosage depends on your child’s weight and age.

Ibuprofen is another medicine that can be used to lower a fever in children over 6 months of age. Talk to your doctor before giving ibuprofen (like Children’s Advil, Children’s Motrin) to your child. Your doctor will tell you the correct dose for your child.