“Ah! It’s 39°C!”. All About Your Baby’s High Fever

The dreaded fever. One minute your little one is tearing through the tupperware drawer, the next they’re radiating heat like a mini radiator—and you’re suddenly googling whether 39°C is an emergency.  

What can cause a fever? 

Babies get fevers for all sorts of reasons—most of them totally normal, a few that mean it’s time to pick up the phone.  

• Common infections: The classic culprit—viruses and bacteria. Colds, flu, ear infections, or those mysterious tummy bugs. Basically, your baby’s immune system is having a very active week. 

• Teething: Teething doesn’t usually cause super high fevers, but it can give a little temperature spike.  

• Immunisations: Shots can sometimes bring a mild fever. It’s the immune system doing its thing—basically, your baby’s body is learning to fight the germs before they meet the real deal.  
• Overheating: Babies are like tiny thermostats—they get hot fast. Too many layers, too warm a room, or a sleep sack that doubles as a sauna can trigger a temp spike. There is no way to ‘break a fever’ a trying to do so can cause real harm. If your gut says, “something’s off,” trust it and check in with a doctor. 

Believe it or not, fevers aren’t all bad… 

That fiery little temperature spike? It’s their immune system sending white blood cells into battle against germs. Fevers are basically your baby’s internal superhero, cranking up the heat to slow down nasty bugs and giving their body a chance to get rid of bugs naturally. 

Most of the time, it’s a sign your tiny human is fighting off an invader—so as scary as it feels, it’s totally normal to get a few fevers. 

In saying that, your baby often needs extra support to be comfortable and get some rest. 

When to call 000. 

Call 000 immediately if your baby has a fever AND any of the following: 

• Trouble breathing: Fast, laboured breathing, grunting, flaring nostrils, or their chest sucking in.  

• Unresponsive or very hard to wake: If they’re floppy, unusually drowsy, won’t wake properly, or you can’t get a response—this is urgent. 

• Seizure (fits or convulsions): Fits, convulsions, including fibral convulsions need attention quickly.  

• Blue, grey, or very pale skin, lips, or tongue: Call immediately. 

• A rash that doesn’t fade when you press it: Rather than your finger, press a clear glass on the rash so you can see through it—if it doesn’t blanch (fade), call 000. 

• Persistent vomiting or choking: Especially if they can’t keep fluids down or are gagging repeatedly. 

• Signs of severe dehydration: No wet nappies for 12 hours, dry mouth, sunken soft spot on the head (infants), or no tears when crying. 

• High fever in a very young baby: Any fever in babies under three months is an emergency—don’t wait it out. 
• Your gut is screaming “something is very wrong”: Parents’ instincts are undefeated. If you’re scared and it feels off—call. 

When there’s a high fever, here’s what you do: 

Step 1: Keep calm & check the temp. 

Take a breath. Digital thermometers are your friend and only take a few seconds. 

Step 2: Hydrate like it’s your job. 

Fever equals water loss. Whether it’s milk, formula, or water (if they’re old enough), keep those fluids coming. Tiny sips, lots of love. Can’t get fluid in? If they’re old enough try icy-poles with electrolytes. 

Step 3: Strip down. 

Layered onesies are adorable… until they become a heat trap. Light clothing is more comfort for them. Keep feet and heads uncovered. If they’ll tolerate a cool cloth on their head, that’s good too. You can even stick them in a luke-warm (not too warm and not completely cold!) bath. Be careful not to let them get too cold either as this can cause chills. 

Step 4: Monitor and medicate. 

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are your friend and will usually alleviate a high temp quite quickly. They can be taken at the same time. Just be sure to double check you’re giving the right dosage for their age/weight and do not exceed the recommended number of doses per day. Never give a baby or child aspirin unless specifically prescribed by your doctor (due to the risk of Reye’s Syndrome). 

Step 5: Call in the pros when needed. 

Trust your instincts. If the fever hits 39°C, your baby is inconsolable, vomiting, lethargic, or you just feel that “something isn’t right” vibe—call Kinkaya Urgent Care. If they’re having trouble breathing call 000 immediately. 

Note: if your baby is under three-months-old and has a fever, please take them to a doctor as soon as possible. 

Parent-to-parent pep talk. 

High fevers are scary, sure—but you’ve got the toolkit: thermometer, cuddles, fluids, and Kinkaya until 10pm, seven days a week. 

You got this. And if you don’t, we’re here.