my 3 month old has a fever, is this very dangerous?

Question

my 3 month old is extremely fussy. I took his temp and it showed 39.2 celsius. I already made a dr appointment but I would really like to calm down by hearing other mothers tales. I feel like I did something wrong, why did my baby get fever at such a young age?
I am extremely nervous, the worst things are on my mind, please someone help!

Answer 1

Did he recently have immunizations? If not then he has developed an infection-most likely an ear infection-and needs to be seen by a doctor. Ear infections are very common with infants and young children and are easily resolved with antibiotics. Relax and take him to the doctor.

Answer 2

Good move for making a doctor's appointment! It's not exactly dangerous for him to have a fever at this age, but it's ALWAYS worth a look! You didn't do anything wrong, honest!! He could have picked up a little virus (most likely if you have older school age children or take him places like the store) or it could be a reaction to a vaccination. Not to worry at this stage - fever is our friend. Fever is the body's first defense against an invader like a virus. It's often the first symptom to show and sometimes all the body needs to do to get rid of the germ. (pain, vomiting or other symptoms often are secondary ones as a signal that you need a little help.)
From now until you get to the doctor's office, dress the baby lightweight and make sure he has plenty to drink. If he's uncomfortable, give him a little Tylenol to take the edge off. (Don't worry that the doctor won't be able to tell what's wrong if you give him Tylenol - if something's wrong, they'll be able to see, the point is for your child not to be miserable.) If he's acting lethargic - like a wet noodle - call the doctor's office and ask if you can have your appointment made sooner because you're VERY worried.
I hope it's nothing serious, and that he feels better soon!

Answer 3

I want to mimic the comment about "good job recognizing the temperature in your baby", a first time parent sometimes misses these things until it becomes more serious.

I can tell you honestly, I have 4 kids. Ages are 9, 4, 2, and 3 months... my school aged daughter brings home every cold and flu she runs into, so my 3 month old has already had two colds even though we wash hands and try to be careful about seperating who is sick from those that havent caught it. If your 3 month old is sick with a cold or ear infection or other common illness, it is not your fault. I would of course try to limit her or his contact with outside people until cold/flu season is over.

If he or she gets fussier, to the point of not being able to soothe at all, call the Dr again and try to get seen sooner, or if the fever goes up. If you have to call back to the office, ask what temp you should go to the ER at, make sure you have diaper bag packed and ready ahead of time, just in case.

Answer 4

Good job on recognizing signs of a fever in your little one. Your baby could get a fever because of a cold or flu which is very common this time of year, there is not much you could have done to prevent it. Don't be too hard on yourself. Babies get sick, just as much as adults do.

For anybody else reading wondering if their kids could have a fever too...

I have a card thing here the doctor gave me, i'll type it out for you:

Fever

A rectal temperature above 100.4 F (38 C) may indicate fever in an infant 3 months old or younger. If your infant has a fever contact your child's doctr or health care provider right away.

Normal body temperature is a range, not a specific value, and varies day by day. Below are normal temperature ranges based on where the temperature was taken:

Oral 35.5C - 37.5C
Rectal 36.6C -38C
Ear 35.8C -38C
Axillary (under arm) 34.7C -37.3C

Practice taking your child's temperature when she/he is well so you can become familiar with her normal temperature range with your specific thermometre. This can be compared to your reading when you suspect your child is not well.

Answer 5

Although a fever can be serious, don't worry. The baby can sense your worry and he will react to it. We are in the cold and flu season. I'm sure it's nothing you did wrong. Babies can get a fever from day one they come into this world. Just follow through with your dr. appointment and do whatever he tells you and go from there. It could be something as simple as he's starting to teeth. It's not common to teeth at 3 months but it's possible.

Answer 6

Ummmm yeah, id go to the ER RIGHT NOW! A temp higher than 100 degrees Farinheit is not good for a child under 12 months.

Answer 7

I've heard to call your childs doctor ASAP if their rectal temp is over 100. However, I've been in this situation before and was told it was more like 102. They just had us give her Motrin and monitor it until then.

Answer 8

only Tylenol don't give him Motrin children under 6 months old or a certain weight can not have Motrin and it can cause problems with the liver so be careful but don't panic it is nothing you did baby's get sick it happens and as he grows it will happen a lot more ! your doing fine!

Answer 9

your baby's temperature is 102.5 i would give him Tylenol right away, and try putting him in a bath with luck warm water, if you can't keep his temperature down then take him to the hospital. sometimes when baby's get sick they get temperatures, its there body's way of fight the cold off,, my oldest son always gets high temperatures when he gets sick, that's the worst part of being sick for him, his temperature,, my doctor always told me to try and bring his temperature down and if i cant get it down and keep it down then i should take him to the hospital.. good luck..

Answer 10

go to the doctor 38.8 is 101