Infant Fever, Younger than 12 weeks of age

A fever in an infant less than 2 months of age needs to be evaluated immediately. A fever in an infant less than 12 weeks needs to be evaluated in the office during office hours or Emergency Department after hours. Please DO NOT hesitate to call for a fever in a child less than 12 weeks old. The only reliable way to take your baby's temperature is rectally under 12 weeks of age. A temperature of 100.4° F or higher is considered a fever. 

How to Take a Rectal Temperature

• Put a small amount of Vaseline™ on the end of the thermometer.
• Lay your baby on his stomach, with one hand on his bottom and your arm resting lightly on his back to keep him from rolling.
• Holding the thermometer in the other hand, gently insert the bulb (the silver part) into your child's rectum. You only need to insert it far enough to cover the bulb. Never force the thermometer past any resistance.
• After the thermometer has reached temperature, remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
• Make sure you clean the htermometer well after each use. 

If your baby has an elevated rectal temperature, first try to undress your baby leaving only the diaper on and recheck the temperature in ten minutes. If the temperature remains elevated you need to give us a call for additional guidance. 

Home Care Advice for Fever in child younger than 12 weeks 

Call the Office: If during normal office hours ask to speak or leave a message for the nurse. If after normal office hours, call the office line, dial zero for an operate and ask for a nurse to return your call. If you have not hear back from us within 15 minutes please proceed to the Emergency Department in Fort Worth.

If you have any concerns about your baby's health, please call. This Website is meant to be a guideline, not a substitute for the care of a competent health care provider. Please do not give any medicines without talking to your doctor first. We are happy to help you in any way we can. 

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