Q: My 4-month-old baby has a persistent fever over 38°C despite medication. Can I give fever reducers every 4 hours all night and resume night feedings?
- Myeongchan Kim, MD
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
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 4-month-old baby developed a high fever of 38.8°C around 10:30 AM today. I gave an acetaminophen-based fever reducer, and the fever dropped slightly before rising again to 38.4°C. We visited the doctor, who noted a red throat and prescribed cold medicine and a fever reducer. The fever persisted, so I gave the prescribed medications at 7:00 PM and fed the baby formula. I have been continuously wiping my baby with a damp towel, but my baby cannot sleep for more than 10 minutes, keeps tossing and turning, and the fever remains above 38°C.
Is it safe to continue giving the fever reducer every 4 hours throughout the night? Also, my baby has already been weaned off night feedings, but should I resume feeding during the night while the baby is sick?
Answer:
It must be very stressful dealing with a high fever in your 4-month-old baby, especially during the night. It is good that you have already seen a doctor and are administering the prescribed medications. A persistent fever above 38°C and an inability to sleep indicate that your baby is feeling quite uncomfortable.
Here is what you should do right now:
Fever Reducers: Yes, you can continue to give the fever reducer every 4 to 6 hours throughout the night, up to a maximum of 5 times within a 24-hour period.
Night Feedings and Hydration: Yes, you should resume night feedings. Offer formula or breast milk frequently in small amounts to keep your baby well-hydrated. Hydration is crucial when managing a fever.
Wiping with a Towel: Please stop wiping the baby with a damp towel. According to current medical guidelines, physical cooling methods like tepid sponging are no longer recommended as they can cause shivering, which can actually raise the body temperature.
Environment: Instead of wiping, dress your baby in a single layer of lightweight clothing and maintain a comfortable room temperature between 24°C and 26°C (75°F to 79°F).
When to visit the Emergency Room:
Please take your baby to the ER immediately if you observe any of the following signs:
The fever reaches 39.5°C (103.1°F) or higher and does not come down.
There are no wet diapers for 8 hours or more.
Your baby has difficulty breathing or is breathing very rapidly.
Your baby appears excessively lethargic, unresponsive, or difficult to wake.
Infants at 4 months old require careful observation when they have a fever. Continue giving the fever reducer at the proper intervals and ensure frequent fluid intake. If the fever remains above 38°C tomorrow morning, please revisit your pediatrician for an in-person re-evaluation. Keep a close eye on your baby's condition tonight, but also try to rest whenever you can.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
