Fever: What to do?

Fever is characterized by elevation of body temperature over 100.4 (F) or 38.0 (C) when taken rectally or over 100.0 (F) or 37.7 (C) when taken under the arm, in the ear or on the forehead. You can find Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion table at the bottom of this page.

If your infant is younger than 12 months, temperature should be always taken rectally.

If your infant is younger than 8 weeks and has elevated temperature, make sure she(he) is not overdressed, repeat the measurement within 1/2 hour and if it is still elevated call your doctor or go to Emergency room.

Important:

• Children less than two months of age should not be given acetaminophen without calling the physician first.
• Ibuprofen SHOULD NOT be given to children under six months of age.

Calculations:

• Milliliter is abbreviated as ml or cc. 5ml equals one teaspoon (tsp). 
• Don't use household teaspoons, which can vary in size. 
• ​Aspirin should not be used in children to treat fever or pain.



There are two fever reducers available -acetaminophen (Tylenol)-indicated for children of any age and ibuprofen (motrin, advil)-indicated only after 6 months of age.

IBUPROFEN

(Minimum of 6 hours between doses)

Ibuprofen: 10 mg/kg (4.5mg/lb) of body weight per one dose. 

Example: You have 9 month old baby who weighs 18 lb (8 kg).

• 18 lbx4.5mg=80 mg
• 8kgx10mg=80 mg
• Infant's ibuprofen comes in droppers where 100 mg of medicine contains in 2.5 ml.
• So if you need 80 mg you should take 2 ml of infant Ibuprofen drops.

Please pay attention that Infant's Ibuprofen is twice as concentrated as Children's Ibuprofen. 

ACETAMINOPHEN

(Minimum of 4 hours between doses)