Baby fever in a newborn: the temperature that means go to hospital now
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Fever in a newborn, or newborn baby fever, means a raised temperature in a baby under 3 months old, and it is treated as an emergency. NUH counts above 37.5 degrees Celsius under the arm, or 38.0 in the ear, as a fever at this age. If your baby reads that high, NUH asks you to bring them to the nearest hospital rather than waiting to see how the night goes.
| Fever line under 3 months | Above 37.5 degrees C armpit or 38.0 ear (NUH) |
|---|---|
| Fever line from 3 months | Above 38 degrees C (HealthHub) |
| Normal temperature | 36.5 to 37.5 degrees C (KKH) |
| Thermometer under 4 weeks | Armpit (HealthHub) |
| Under 3 months with a fever | Go to Children's Emergency now |
Why a fever under 3 months is different
For older children, HealthHub says a higher temperature does not mean a more serious illness, and asks you to watch how your child is behaving. For a baby under 3 months the number alone is enough. NUH calls fever at this age a medical emergency. HealthHub's list for going to Children's Emergency straight away includes 38.0 degrees Celsius in a baby under 3 months, and KKH says to see a doctor when a child with fever is very young, especially under 3 months.
Do not give fever medicine first. KKH says paracetamol should not be used in infants under 3 months, and ibuprofen not under 6 months, so a doctor needs to see your baby before anything is given.
Taking your baby's temperature properly
HealthHub says use an armpit (axillary) thermometer for babies under 4 weeks. From 4 weeks, an armpit or ear (tympanic) thermometer is fine. A rectal thermometer gives the most accurate reading, HealthHub adds, but it is invasive and less convenient.
KKH puts a normal temperature at 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius and says over-wrapping or a hot room can push a child slightly above normal. If your baby has just had a bath or been wrapped up, the NHS suggests waiting a few minutes and measuring again before you decide.
Baby fever from 3 months: the red flags
Once your baby is past 3 months, HealthHub says most fevers come from viral infections such as colds, flu, gastroenteritis and HFMD, and some follow vaccinations. KKH says a fever from a viral infection can last up to 5 to 7 days.
HealthHub says go to Children's Emergency straight away if your child:
- has a temperature over 41.0 degrees Celsius
- is hard to wake, confused or very lethargic
- cries constantly and cannot be settled
- has difficulty breathing
- looks pale or grey, or has bruise-like spots
- has a fit, called a febrile seizure
- is drinking much less and passing much less urine than usual
If none of these apply and your child is alert and still feeding, HealthHub suggests rest, thin clothing, a cool room and plenty of fluids. Our fever checker takes you through it by age.
Where to go in Singapore
For a baby under 3 months with a fever, go to a children's emergency department, such as at KKH or NUH. KKH says children who need urgent attention should go straight to the nearest paediatric emergency department, and to call 995 in a medical emergency.
For an older child who seems well but you are unsure, KKH runs U-PAL, a free online advice line for children under 18 that is open 24 hours. KKH notes it now uses generative AI, may not always be accurate, and does not replace a doctor. Our guide to baby fever and when to worry covers medicine, causes and what to expect at the clinic.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature is a fever in a newborn?
NUH counts above 37.5 degrees Celsius under the arm, or 38.0 degrees Celsius in the ear, as a fever in a baby under 3 months. HealthHub uses 38.0 degrees Celsius. Either way, a reading that high at this age means going to hospital.
Can teething cause a high fever?
HealthHub says teething usually does not cause a high fever. If your baby has a high temperature, look for another cause, and see a doctor if they are under 3 months or have any red flag.
Can I give paracetamol to my 2-month-old for a fever?
Not at home first. KKH says paracetamol should not be used in infants under 3 months. Take your baby to a children's emergency department and let the doctor decide on treatment.
Can a newborn fever wait until the GP opens in the morning?
No. NUH says fevers are medical emergencies in babies under 3 months and asks you to bring your baby to the nearest hospital. Do not wait for a morning clinic slot.
Related terms
- Febrile Seizure: A fit in a young child with a fever. Usually brief and harmless, and most common from 6 months to 6 years.
- Neonate (Newborn): The medical word for a newborn baby in the first 28 days of life.
- Neonatal Jaundice: Yellowing of a newborn's skin and eyes from bilirubin. Common and usually mild, but checked in every baby.
- HFMD (Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease): A common viral infection in young children that causes fever, mouth ulcers and a rash or blisters on hands and feet.
- Polyclinic: A public primary care clinic with subsidised fees, where Singapore families can take children for jabs and checks.
