A newborn with fever needs urgent assessment
Care and guidance for your baby
Do not wait for a routine appointment or online reply when a newborn has a fever. A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher can be a sign of a serious infection in a young baby.
For urgent symptoms, follow the assessment instructions below. Routine booking is not emergency care.
Get the right help now
If your baby is younger than 2 months and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, seek care in an emergency department now. For babies 2–3 months old with fever, call the pediatrician immediately for urgent assessment instructions.
Call 911 if your baby has severe trouble breathing, blue or gray lips or skin, cannot be awakened, has a seizure, or appears to have another life-threatening emergency.
Use a thermometer and report the details
A rectal temperature is the most reliable measurement for a young infant. If you are unsure how to measure safely, ask a clinician. Do not delay seeking help when your baby seems seriously ill.
- Your baby’s exact age.
- The temperature, how it was measured and when.
- Feeding, wet diapers, breathing and alertness.
- Other symptoms, medicines and any recent vaccination.
Do not treat first and wait to see
Do not give a young baby fever medicine before a clinician has advised you. Do not assume teething or a recent vaccine explains the fever. A baby may need assessment even without other obvious symptoms.
If you cannot reach a clinician promptly, seek urgent in-person care. Online booking and the routine appointment line are not emergency services. Review other symptoms that need prompt help.
Questions from parents
What temperature counts as fever in a young baby?
A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is the key fever threshold. Rectal measurement is most reliable for young infants. Seek prompt assessment as described above.
Should I wait until the office opens?
Do not delay assessment of a newborn with fever. Seek emergency care for a baby younger than two months with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher; call immediately for urgent guidance for a baby two to three months old.
What if my baby seems well otherwise?
A young infant with fever can still have a serious infection. Do not wait for additional symptoms before seeking care.
Should I give fever medicine first?
Do not give a young infant fever medicine before a clinician advises you. Seek assessment rather than treating and waiting.
Can I book online for newborn fever?
Do not use routine online booking to obtain urgent fever assessment. Follow the emergency and immediate-call instructions above.
More newborn guidance
Your pediatrician in Canarsie
Meet Dr. Miole Pierre Pigeot, MD, the practice pediatrician. Gentle Touch Pediatrics is at 9708 Seaview Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11236. Call 347-702-5161 to discuss scheduling and office hours.
Ask the office to confirm your baby’s exact insurance plan, appointment availability and any records needed.
Medical information and sources
Updated September 12, 2026. General information supports a conversation with your pediatrician and does not replace assessment of your baby. AAP: Fever and your baby · CHOP: Fever in a newborn.