Nurofen for childrenSpecially developed for babies and children

Does your Baby have a Fever

What is Fever?

A fever is usually the first sign that your child is fighting illness. You’ll probably notice that your child’s temperature rises (anything above 37.2°C is classed as a fever). This rise in temperature – caused by chemicals called pyrogens – is the body’s way of attempting to kill any infective agents in your child’s system.

Recognising the signs

Recognising the signs

Your child will probably let you know if they’ve a fever by crying – especially if they’re too young to talk. Older children will tell you when something’s not right, but you may have to ease their worries by describing what’s happening and why.

Symptoms may vary according to the underlying cause of a fever, but some common signs to look out for include:


• Irritability and lethargy • Loss of appetite 
• Restlessness during the night • Shivering uncontrollably
• Pale with cool hands and feet but hot forehead, tummy and back • Hot and flushed all over
• Vomiting suddenly • Febrile convulsion

What causes a fever?

A fever is a symptom of an underlying condition rather than an illness itself. So as well as taking steps to bring a fever down, like giving your child effective pain relief (such as Nurofen for Children*), it’s important to seek medical advice to discover the root cause. Here are some of the most common causes of fever in babies and children:

• Colds and flu • Chicken pox
• Infected cuts or grazes • Urinary or kidney infections
• Mumps • Measles
• Immunisation  

When should you be concerned about fever?

Always see a doctor if:

• The fever is accompanied by a stiff neck, confusion or irritability • Your child is under 6 months
• Your child is between the age of 6 months and 1 year and the fever lasts longer than 24 hours • The fever stays above 37°C for longer than 2 hours
• The fever lasts longer than 2 days • The fever goes above 37.2°C
Treating fever

Treating fever

Most fevers are not serious and tend to go away on their own once the illness or infection clears-up. To help make your child more comfortable here are some ways to help bring a fever down:

• Keep your child in a warm room

• Check he’s not getting too hot or too cold

• Offer drinks and food, even though you might be turned down

• Give him some medicine such as Nurofen for Children. It contains ibuprofen to reduce fever for longer than paracetamol - in fact nothing reduces fever faster or for longer than Nurofen for Children.

• If you’re worried for any reason, please speak to your doctor

*(For babies and children from 3 months (over 5kg). Contains ibuprofen. Always read the label).

Febrile convulsions explained

A febrile convulsion (or fit) is usually triggered off when your child’s temperature rises suddenly (to over 38ºC). When this happens, your child may become rigid and his body and limbs may go stiff or floppy. Fits normally last for no more than two minutes. They are not considered dangerous and generally cause no long-term problems. And they tend to disappear as a child gets older.

If your child does have a fit, here are some tips to help you deal with the situation:


• Place him on the floor to protect him from injury • If you can, lie your child on his side or tummy to prevent choking
• Don’t try to hold his limbs still because this may cause injury • Do not put anything in his mouth
• Once the fit is over reassure your child and call your doctor • If the fit does not stop within 5 minutes, call an ambulance.


For more information please contact your local GP.

More Information...

Immunisations made easy

Immunisations for your baby will start at 2 months – find out more about why you should have your baby immunised and what to expect...

Immunisations made easy

Fast, effective relief

Nurofen for Children is suitable for babies & children from 3 months (over 5kg) to 12 years – and pleasant tasting!

Fast, effective relief
New Products

New Nurofen for Children Six Plus

Same effective relief in half the volume*.

200mg/5ml Oral suspension, available in two flavours Orange and Strawberry 100ml size bottle with easy dosing measuring spoon.

*Compared to Nurofen for Children 100mg/5ml Oral Suspension.

Guide to fever
and pain

Download full guide to fever and pain.

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