Hey parents and parents-to-be! 👋

Have you ever touched your baby's forehead and thought, "Whoa, that feels hot—should I panic?" Because SAME.

I remember the first time my baby had a fever—I was practically sprinting around the house with a thermometer in one hand .😅 Let me walk you through what I learned (after one emotional rollercoaster and several doctor calls) so you can feel more confident when that thermometer starts climbing.

What's a fever in babies? 🌡️

For babies, a fever means a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. It's the body's way of fighting off an infection—but for tiny babies, even a "mild" fever can sometimes mean more than it does for older kids or adults.

So, when should we worry? 😟

This is the rule our pediatrician gave us, and it's been a lifesaver:

🔸 Under 3 months old: If the temp hits 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, go to the doctor immediately. No waiting.

🔸 3 to 6 months: If the fever is above 102°F (38.9°C) or baby seems extra sleepy or irritable, call your doctor.

🔸 Over 6 months: If the fever is above 103°F (39.4°C) or lasts more than 2–3 days, it's time to check in.

And of course, if your baby has other symptoms like vomiting, trouble breathing, a rash, or just seems really "off," don't wait—go get help 💡

What helped us stay calm? 💕

Here's what we started doing after our first fever scare:

• Invest in a good digital thermometer (the forehead ones can be way off)

• Write down temperatures + time every time you take one

• Watch your baby more than the numbers—if they're still eating, playing, and smiling, that's a good sign

• Offer fluids more often—mother milk, formula, or water (for older babies)

And don't forget, teething doesn't usually cause high fever. A slight rise, yes—but not over 100.4°F (38º C). That was a myth I believed until our pediatrician corrected me 😂

It's okay to double-check ✨

If you're ever in doubt, it's okay to call your doctor or go in. No one will judge you for being cautious. I used to feel silly for calling, but honestly? That peace of mind is everything when you're a sleep-deprived mess trying to keep a tiny human alive.

Have you been through a fever scare yet? Or are you currently watching the thermometer like a hawk? 🧐 Drop a 🌡️ in the comments and let's talk about it — I promise, we've all been there!