Fever in Children, Babies, and Kids - When to Worry?

As a Pediatrician and mother, I know fever phobia is real.
I break it all down so you can feel more confident in handling fevers in your children. Share this video with a friend, partner, or grandparent because fever is THE #1 reason we see panicked parents in our office, when MANY times its nothing to panic about.
Timestamps:
0:00-Intro/what this video will cover
1:50-Definition of fever
2:37-Why do kids get fever often?
3:44-Thermometers
6:41-How to check a rectal temperature
9:42-When to treat a child with a fever
15:01-Common Fever Myths
18:26-When to seek care for a fever
The information in this video is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If a parent or guardian is concerned about their child, it is their responsibility to seek medical attention with the child’s healthcare provider.
Check out all the PedsDocTalk Courses for more guidance, tips, and support during parenthood. Visit pedsdoctalk.com/courses/
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[@vikramrathore2512]

Thank you so much. Watching this at 3 am while my daughter has a fever. This helps a lot.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

This was my hope with these videos that you could have some reassurance in those late hours

[@priyankavedpathak3774]

Same here ..watching at 3.37 am

[@sunitaali1047]

What medicine help for fever panadol syrup for my 7 years old the fever occurring every 4 hours what should I used to gave him for the fever?

[@mutyadechavez-mejia1507]

Same here at 3am.. thanks for recording this video Dr. Mona.

[@TheRiderInBlack85]

It’s 3:00am right now for me and for the same reason.

[@JuneK618]

I’m so glad I found this. I always get panicky when my one year old is having a fever. I feel at ease now. Now I can stop calling and taking her to the ER every time she hits 103. Thank you doctor.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

You're so welcome!

[@stephjose9401]

My son is almost 4 and had a high 104, but it would go down with Tylenol then kept going up again. As long as he stayed hydrated, we just helped him rest and monitored him for a few days and now he is recovered.

[@EmilyyHoffman123]

PLEASE do an episode about febrile seizures. My son is 3 and has had 2 on two different occasions. I am now TERRIFIED every time he even gets the sniffles, worrying a fever is what’s right come next. 😢

[@scottfeeley944]

It's related to the fever. Fevers do all kinds of weird things to the body but it's not permanent.....

[@albrugs25]

Thank you! This has given me so more confidence with our 15 month old. There have been times when I’ve questioned my decisions and feel better about them after watching your video. These are amazing! Keep ‘em coming!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

YAY!! Will do!!

[@maneesha77]

I seriously wish we had doctors like you here… you are a doctor at heart! Thank you for giving these information online so we can atleast educate ourselves. You make us parents not feel guilty about being concerned… thank you Doctor! 💐

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Aw thank you for your kind words! These comments motivate me keep creating content. So glad you found it helpful ❤

[@faridparinia28]

Thank you so much for this video. You don’t know how relieved I am after watching this. Precise and very clear to understand 👏🏻👏🏻

[@nicholejm7199]

Thank you for the great explanation on taking rectal temperatures. I honestly have never heard or seen this information anywhere! 😊

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

YAY! Im happy to demonstrate and help. It can be scary and I think it's important parents know how to accurately do this to prevent injury!

[@demicancino828]

Dr. Mona, thank you again for this! This is my second time watching this as we are on day 2 of fever, so this is such a great guide for when to be worried, when to treat, when to monitor, etc. This really helped to ease this anxious mama’s heart.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Aww yay! I'm so glad to hear it!! That is my goal!

[@Ahgemini4ever]

I wish this video was around months ago when my baby had his first fever! But I’m so glad I’m seeing it now. Thank you!!!!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you for watching!

[@onefivethree]

This was really informative. Really appreciate the timestamps, Dr Mona.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you! I love the timestamps too. I wish more youtubers would do it. It truly helps for busy mommas who want to jump to particular sections!

[@nlpeck1024]

This is extremely helpful! Thank you ❤️

[@atgandbjg]

Hi, Dr. Mona - my poor toddler has a temp of 103 this morning. I felt panicked but then remembered you had this video. Taking the 23 minutes to watch was the best thing ai could have done. Thank you so much for this helpful content. I feel confident in how to proceed for my little one. Appreciate you and the work you do here, on podcasts and Instagram!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Boonie, thank you so much! That is so great that this was helpfuL!

[@Jb-oj2ek]

Why does everything say that you should take your toddler to the doctors when it is 102 or more. 103 is high. What is the cut off to taking them in? Only if they look lethargic?

[@MsMiaAlexis]

Extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@susanpino1714]

loved this! just watched again as a refresher (20MO currently running a fever) and I really appreciate this vid!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Awesome!

[@dianaparr6357]

Thank you so much!! You have made my anxiety go down it’s 4:30am. Being scared, 99.9 on and off for a couple days had been making my anxiety so high.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

I'm so glad this video helped!! Hope everyone's feeling better!

[@aliciam3706]

Awesome! Thank you Dr. Mona!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thanks for watching!

[@maggieshackelford2802]

This was so very helpful and comforting! Thank you so much

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

You're so welcome!

[@mishandledgrace]

Thank you!! You are doing such a service to mamas!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you! I have truly enjoyed my platform and helping others!

[@lavinalongia1731]

Thank you so much! Very informative and easy to understand! Great job!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you! I'm so glad you found it easy to understand!

[@chantha317]

I’m glad this video. Thank you so much

[@paulinenovak4888]

Love you, Dr Mona!! So so helpful! Thank you

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

You're welcome!

[@mohammedbule6956]

What a new and good lecture i see today !

[@TianaKy]

Thank you so much! Extremely helpful!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Youre so welcome!

[@Tina3343]

Thank you so much for the info

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Glad it was helpful, Tina!

[@Mrs.Pena-1]

THIS WAS REALLY HELPFUL ❤ THANK YOU SO MUCH AND NOW YOU HAVE A NEW SUB!! ❤

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Aw thank you! I'm so glad you're here part of the PDT community ❤

[@zainabsyeda6341]

Wow that video really did cover everything thankyou.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

You're so welcome!

[@NM_18E]

Love this! Thanks so much!

[@psychologicalmusic168]

Thank you so much doctor for sharing this important information about fever to all patients

[@jlloyd3715]

Thank you for sharing

[@manolaso123]

Thank you ! This is the best guide to go with your kids . Blessings from the universe.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you so much ❤glad you found it helpful!

[@madisonmessmann7749]

Super helpful!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

So glad!

[@anhthile6733]

Our Baby is 6.5months. Temperature 101.2 and we going thru all the checklist of what you told us. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🤒

[@annatee673]

This is really helpful!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thanks for watching!

[@toyabali9726]

​@@pedsdoctalktv9960

[@sheriffokuta4617]

Thank you doctor I'm really glad for this

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

You're welcome!

[@mmm051889]

Thank you for the information! :) what are your thoughts on infrared thermometers?

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

I think they're good for screening. Commonly used in this pandemic, btw! But, for accuracy, Im not a fan. BUT, that being said when Im looking at overall demeanor of a child, it may not really matter. If a child is older, we are going by how they are acting any way, so accuracy is not as important unless indicated by the doctor for certain conditions!

[@davinsinaswee1935]

Very educational

[@rahminac4343]

First comment! Yay! Thanks for this video!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thanks for listening and commenting :)!

[@saracosgrave5498]

My 2 year old have a fever today. This was very helpful to watch. Thank you!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Glad it helped!

[@stephencarroll9881]

Appreciate your advice, will continue to monitor my child. The fever is coming down, now at 101

[@kropek2023]

thank you Doc

[@dominiquedunn7568]

Thank you so much for this information. I love following you on Instagram as well. You helped ease my anxious mama heart tonight. My sweet girl had her 4-month shots today and was very fussy with a slight fever tonight.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you, Dominique!

[@sherine597]

Thanks so much very useful and please a video for the dosage

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

I did do one after this one, however may revamp it!

[@lucydyer6309]

Peace of mind Merci, Gracias

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

You're so welcome!

[@thomas9469]

Thanks for video waiting for more content. The 100.4 Temp mark is good till what age ? Also i have a question abt allergies. What should be the mildest fist line of treatment Allegra or Flonase ? I understand Flonase is steroid is it safe to use Flonase for months ? Also any home remedy for allergies Love to hear your suggestions . 🙏

[@staheem]

Thank you so much…

[@freetocomment1946]

Mother of 3. I always use my lips on the exact center of the forehead. If its a fever that spot will be warm to the lips. If its not a fever that spot will be cool even if the rest if the body is warm.

[@barbarafaust8304]

Thank you for a great presentation. Would love to hear about dosing medications.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Coming soon! Can't wait for that one

[@jesusuriarte1429]

Thank you very much for your video.... so informative and helpful for my 5 year old... really appreciate Thank you again and God bless

[@lilypad145]

Boy as a high school teacher I got SO MAD when the school nurse would send kids back with a 100 degree temperature, but I guess there was at least some validity to it 🤷‍♀️

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

it makes sense why they use 100 because anything more is in fever range. BUT, i also have a problem with some guidelines from schools as a working mom. BUT, i know its in place for a reason!

[@marigoldsunburst]

So great!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Awesome!

[@lmf5996]

Thank you for this my kids are all older now but we have a new baby and I needed a refresher course 🤣 I will recommend my daughter in-law to follow.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

I love when all generations come to learn! Thank you! Let me know if you want any other topics!

[@KMW145]

very informative as I was worried about my child fever...it helped me a lot

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

I'm so glad you found the video helpful!

[@sarahpeprah3322]

Thanks, Dr. Mona you make me know I was not doing the wrong thing.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Yay! Glad you found it helpful and encouraging :)

[@americatoken3334]

I brought my baby 4 weeks old cause daughter 8yrs old had a cold, Nurse took temp every 4hrs on the baby. Waste of time cause after 8hrs temp had drop on its own. All night awake, I could have done the same at home.

[@mariasmith8281]

Hi Dr. Mona! Thanks for this video. Is it common to see elevated heart rates with fever in infants/toddlers? Would you consider this a reason to medicate a fever?

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Yes! This can happen. If they have the elevated HR but otherwise well and active, dont technically need to medicate

[@Jay_Thanki]

Thank you for this reassuarance. This gave me confidence in managing our 3 year old right now and alliviating my wifes concerns about the myths re: brain damage etc.We are currently dealing with 39-40 temp in the first 24 hrs

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

So glad it was helpful! ❤

[@andreaherrera1133]

You are so awesome and informative Dr. Mona! Cannot wait to see more videos!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you Andrea!

[@DeeptiPotnis]

Thank you for doing this! Do you have any advice about dressing a child when they have fever? Are more layers better than less?

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Dont need to worry about this. My opinion is to still dress them how you would with in that climate with understanding that either way, they may sweat as the fever breaks

[@jjennn3370]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

of course!

[@kaylafarrar778]

Dr Mona- my 3 yr old has been lethargic most of the day, and had a fever this morning- I gave him Tylenol every four hours since 5:00 this morning (three times) he's still warm and sleeping- is this normal?

[@chrisortega8813]

My son had. 104 Fever up n down. He was taking a nap and woke up like he was confused and all big eyed like he was stuck or dizzy or didn't know where he was. Is this normal because it's scared th outta me

[@magdakitavi7100]

Thank you soo much.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

You're so welcome!

[@amandagilbert9479]

My baby is having her first fever and I’m bawling my eyes out😭❤️✨my baby.

[@thenoricos8632]

Hello..it's my first time watching your videos...it's a big help for me on how to deal with my 3yr old baby whos having a fever right now...she had a cough and cold..so many it's a reason for her fever...

[@daneashadavis4504]

I'm sleepy but cannot sleep until my 3year old fever breaks

[@pranithareddy4863]

My child had a fever spiked from 102F to 106 F in just few minutes , but he was still responding and drinking fluids Fever was down to 102F only after 45 min of giving fever syrup and fever stayed at 102F Do we need to take child to ER during these times

[@onyinyelydia257]

Hi,very informative but my 8month baby body temperature is always very high and would not respond to treatment

[@kristenm6076]

Such a helpful video!! My four month old got her vaccinations today and was feeling warm, this video was so helpful in knowing how to check her temp and what to look for

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Amazing! I know Im very late to responding and your daughter is ONE! Happy birthday haha!

[@mzmarquitanunuburrough6394]

I’m up at 4am, haven’t been to sleep, cause the fever had just started last night 😢I’m just WORRIED 😮WATCHING,These helpful videos are helping, maybe I’ll dose OFF, when the SUN RISE, THANKz😊

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

sending so much love. I know its hard when our kids are sick

[@meganmaxwell9660]

Thank you

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

You're welcome!

[@CG-vq9mj]

I thought I knew enough ab a fever but guess I don’t lol so glad I watched this.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Happy it was helpful!

[@lucyyap3132]

Good morning mam im in phillipines can u please help me what is this mean

[@juanpablofajardo7218]

Thanks for the help bc I have a fever

[@SuburbanWitchery]

What about chills? Fever im comfortable dwaling with but my kid spent an hour with uncontrollable shivering and tweth chattwring last night and i felt very out of my depth. Can't seem to find much on it.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

It's common for kids (and adults!) to shiver with a fever. You can use Tylenol or Motrin (as long as age appropriate) to bring down the fever which should help the shivering

[@zeinalalala3332]

What about while your child is sleeping? Should we wake them to give fever medicine if the fever is at a certain number?

[@dorisnamondo97]

Thank u so much for this video. What if my 3years old toddler has cough, runny nose and fever? He's not lethargic, he's active, I give him water throughout the day to keep him hydrated. I've been giving him tylenol and motrin. His temperature decreases with medication but it's been like 7days. Shld I take him to the ER ?

[@cyndiipanda]

Hello how did this turn out? I currently have my one year old with an off and on fever on day 8. I am desperate for her to get better. How long did it last for your son?

[@SS-rw5bt]

The best informative video, even my family doc never has time to explain in such detail. I learned a lot about my child’s viral fever. Thanks for the explanation.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

This is the dream message. I feel like this education is vital and many clinicians don't have time to explain the whys--its why many (not all) prescribe things to appease parents/patients but an explanation goes a long way.

[@candymaldonado6655]

Dr. Mona, just to understand . I started with motrin at 5:20 my daughter was uncomfortable around 9:00 I gave her Tylenol . I don’t know @12 am If it was okay to give her Motrin again ?. I always used to wait the 4 hours . We get concern with the dosis as parents.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Motrin has to be at least 6 hours from the last dose of Motrin so if you give Motrin at 5:20am you could next give it at 11:20am

[@rayawidya]

It's really helpful, I have my one year old daughter on a fever now and this helps a lot. Thank you dr. Mona!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

You're so welcome!

[@hexpvu4990]

@@pedsdoctalktv9960 have a good day Dr Mona my baby is 8 months old now and his have a high fever and I'm so worried.

[@villagomezc89]

Thank you this helps out a lot ❤

[@eunicejanebilbar6791]

Where can I find the video where you talk about febrile Seizures?

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Coming next year!

[@padmavatin2587]

Hi Doc...2.5 yrs boy got his fever on June 7, then again on Same date in July 7, then in Aug and now today on 6th Sept 2022...(101.8) concerned why recurring on same date every month....he got his fever in June at grandparents place.. for no reason ( then we thought maybe coz of climate but ) it's recurring.... Pls give us some insight on this ...thank you

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

This could be one of two things. Sheer coincidence OR periodic fever syndrome. Periodic fever syndrome is rare but its fever in cyclical nature that occurs monthly and is usually associated with aphthous ulcers. I will do a video n this

[@zohebmulla3670]

Madam...in amoebiasis or amoebic colitis will be there fever in children?

[@christhill2034]

Good morning Doc. Mona what happens if you have fever of 106.3

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Also very important to monitor how they're acting. Likely a 106.3 is a very uncomfortable child. If you give them meds and they remain unwell OR if they are just not responsive, don't hesitate to seek medical attention

[@OP-xd8ws]

Found this years later...Very informative!! Ive heard that if your childs temperature hits 105, take them to the ER. Is this a myth?

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Yes! The height of the fever is not so much the worry but more so how the child looks overall. So even with a 105 fever, you can medicate at home and as long as they perk up and act well when the fever comes down and have no other concerning symptoms you can skip the er visit!

[@jinkypilapil2067]

Hi doc my son have fever and always turning back every Night 😢😢

[@Utubeitv]

What about a young toddler who is starting symptoms of illness - URI like- and is say 99 before dinner and you monitor. Does one need to check to see if a fever develops overnight while they’re sleeping? Or should we expect that if they do develop a fever they will wake up on their own?

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Correct.i would go by irritability and behavior vs medicating to keep them asleep.

[@kupalface]

Hi Doc. Need help with this question. Son took Tylenol after having a fever. Fever went down he went and had a hallucination episode after the fever went down…Kinda scary… should I be super concerned or ???

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Many children have hallucinations or experience confusion when they have a high fever or as the fever is coming down. I wouldn’t worry unless these episodes continue to persist well after the fever is resolved or you have other significant behavioral concerns unrelated to illness. Hope that helps!

[@nkanyisongosi6202]

Thank you so much for this wonderful information my son woke up around 4 am screaming,he was very hot the whole body & he had something swollen on his neck and it was really painful 😖 i gave him paracetamol to release the pain then i used a wet cloth on his forehead to lower the fever,do you think it's an infection 😏

[@PugFaceMedia]

You saved me an ER trip.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

I'm so glad you found this video helpful!

[@bettybabu460]

Medication dosages please

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Working on that soon! The video is going to go over how to calculate an exact dose for your child and also just a ballpark chart!

[@nimrakhan3147]

My daughter is 4.5 months old and has 101.5°F temperature what should I do.....i gave paracetamol for time being her temperature down but again go high after some time

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Hopefully you watched the video! It covers when to worry with a fever and what to do if your baby gets one. If you're concerned always seek advice from your child's clinician but often at that age fever can be monitored at home if baby is otherwise doing well ❤

[@ahambrahmasmi9970]

I feel so sad to know that my doc didn't tell me all this. I over medicate my child and now he has medicine allergies.now i don't know how to deal with that.😞 I feel the guilt of making my baby more sick ,cn anyone help me

[@VictoriaOlotukeme]

please help me, my newborn of 1 week and 5 days has fever and his stomach is full and strong and is crying a lot.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Definitely sounds like your baby needs medical attention. I hope they got the help they need ❤

[@marisawilks4552]

May I get more dosage info

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

This video goes into detail about Tylenol/ibuprofen dosing kzbin.info/www/bejne/naqomneDm52Yqck

[@Kaiishere-dw8kx]

Btw. My younger sister has a fever and pukes like whatever she consumes what do I do about it.?

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Some kids do tend to vomit more in response to fever/illnesses than other kids. I'd stick to bland foods and focusing on hydration when not feeling well and consider using OTC fever reducing medication discussed in the video if the fever is causing discomfort

[@stephencarroll9881]

Watching this now, as my daughter has a fever of 104. Sponging her off at 4am in the morning

[@bettywilson4098]

Trying to watch these videos is buffering too much

[@kenapatel4660]

My daughter has suffered from last week this week to i m worried she is 2 Nd half years old 🎈