Infections can cause a high temperature or fever in children. We discuss the signs and symptoms of fever, the causes and when to seek medical advice.
If your baby or child has a high temperature or fever it can be worrying.
Remember that you know your little one best. If you feel something isn’t right or are concerned, especially with a young baby, you could contact your GP or NHS 111.
Signs your little one has a fever may include:
If you think your child has a fever use a digital thermometer to check their temperature.
An underarm temperature of 36.4°C (97.5°F) is considered normal in babies and children and any temperature over 38°C (100.4°F) is classified as a fever .
Most fevers are caused by infections or other illnesses. Your baby’s high body temperature is a natural response. It makes it more difficult for the bacteria and viruses that cause infections to survive .
Common conditions that can cause fevers include:
Your child’s temperature can also be raised after vaccinations, or if they overheat because of too much bedding or clothing.
Sometimes a high temperature in babies and children is associated with more serious illnesses like:
Serious causes of fever are relatively rare. But if you are worried about your child, seek medical advice immediately.
Mild fevers are usually nothing to worry about and can often be treated at home.
The NHS recommends you get an urgent appointment with your GP or call NHS 111 if:
If your baby or child shows signs of more serious illness, such as blotchy skin or fast breathing, take them to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.
Trust your instincts if you think they could be seriously ill.
Febrile seizures, sometimes called febrile convulsions, in babies can be caused by a high temperature. This is because the part of the body that regulates the temperature has not fully developed yet. As a child gets older, their body will get better at regulating their body temperature and the likelihood of febrile seizures will decrease.
If your child is having a febrile seizure, they may become stiff, twitch or lose consciousness. This can be very scary but almost all children make a full recovery .
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.
You might find attending one of our Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.
Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.
NCT and the British Red Cross run First Aid courses for parents with babies and children up to 12 years old on life-saving topics, such as CPR, stopping bleeding and what to do if your child is choking. Find your nearest course.