Fever in the First 60 Days

Fevers in children often cause caregivers a great deal of anxiety. This is due to two main factors:

1. Fevers are uncomfortable

If you can remember the last time you had a fever, you would likely agree—it’s exhausting.

  • You have no energy, your muscles ache, your head hurts, and you don’t want to eat or drink anything.
  • Sleeping is difficult.
  • This happens with children as well, and it worries caregivers to see them so miserable.

2. Misconceptions about fever

Many myths suggest that fevers are dangerous, but fevers themselves are not harmful, even when high. They simply indicate an infection.

Children 2 months and older

  • What really matters is that they are responsive, hydrated, and breathing comfortably.

Children younger than 2 months

  • A fever must be discussed with a medical provider. While the fever itself is still not dangerous, newborns have immature immune systems, making them more vulnerable to serious bacterial infections that could be hiding in the blood, lungs, urinary system, or spinal fluid.

A provider may need to send these babies to the emergency department for further evaluation, which could include:

  • Blood and urine cultures
  • A spinal tap to check for meningitis

Since temperature accuracy is so important, different guidelines apply for babies under 2 months old.

Taking a Temperature in Infants Under 2 Months Old

Rectal Temperature Only

The only way to take a temperature in a child younger than 2 months is rectally.

Research shows that other methods are less accurate.

When to Check a Temperature

Avoid checking the temperature unless your baby is showing concerning signs.

Check the temperature only if:

  • Your baby won’t stop crying no matter what you do.
  • Your baby has stopped feeding or peeing normal amounts.

🚫 Feeling warm alone is not a reason to check the temperature.

🚫 Routine temperature checks (e.g., once a day or every few hours) are unnecessary. This is commonly done in the hospital but is not needed at home.

Key Temperature Numbers

  • 100.4ºF or higher → Fever (for anyone, regardless of age).
  • Below 97ºF → A concern if your baby is younger than 60 days old.

What to Do

📌 If your child is younger than 60 days old and has a rectal temperature:

✅ 100.4ºF or higher OR below 97ºF

✅ AND you checked it because you were worried


👉 Contact a medical provider immediately.