Check the infant’s temperature with a digital rectal thermometer if under 3 months old
Call a doctor right away if the baby is under 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Call a doctor if the baby is 3 to 6 months old and has a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
Call a doctor if the baby is older than 6 months and has a fever lasting more than 24 hours or any concerning symptoms
Dress the baby in light clothing
Keep the room at a comfortable temperature
Offer breast milk or formula more often
Use acetaminophen only if a doctor says it is okay and the baby is old enough
Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old unless a doctor tells you to
Do not give aspirin to an infant
Do not use alcohol rubs
Do not use cold baths or ice baths
Use a lukewarm sponge bath only if advised by a doctor
Watch for trouble breathing
Watch for poor feeding
Watch for unusual sleepiness
Watch for dehydration
Seek urgent care if the baby has a seizure
Seek urgent care if the baby has a rash, stiff neck, vomiting, or persistent crying
Seek urgent care if the baby is hard to wake or looks very ill