Q: My 14-month-old has a fluctuating fever for 5 days but is still active. Could it just be teething?
- Myeongchan Kim
- Sep 28, 2025
- 2 min read
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question: My 14-month-old baby’s temperature has been rising and falling for the past 5 days. It seems to get higher at night, but she is still active and playful. I thought it might be teething and gave her a teething syrup for the first few days. Is this fluctuating fever normal for teething?
Answer: It’s great that your baby is active—that’s always a reassuring sign! However, teething usually doesn’t cause true fever. A slight temperature rise may happen, but persistent fever above 38°C (100.4°F) is likely due to another cause. To determine if it’s a true fever, you’ll need to measure her temperature with a reliable thermometer and track the readings over time.
What You Can Do: Check Her Temperature: * Regularly measure her temperature, especially during the night. * Track how high it rises and how often it fluctuates.
Hydration: * Ensure she stays hydrated with breast milk, formula, or water if appropriate.
Observe Her Condition: * Monitor her behavior, feeding, and energy levels. Even with a fever, being active and feeding well are positive signs.
When to See a Doctor: Visit a pediatrician if: * The fever persists for more than 5–7 days. * Her temperature exceeds 39°C (102°F). * She shows other symptoms like lethargy, irritability, rash, or loss of appetite.
To help with tracking her symptoms and managing the fever, consider using a service like FeverCoach for guidance and advice. You’re doing a wonderful job—keep monitoring her closely, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor for peace of mind
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.




