according to the american academy of pediatrics call your doctor if your baby: is under 2-4 months old and has a fever. is lethargic and not responsive to you. has problems breathing or eating. has a rash. shows signs of dehydration such as fewer wet diapers dry mouth no tears with crying or sunken soft spot on the head. has a seizure. it can be difficult for doctors to tell whether a newborn has a simple virus (like a cold) or a more serious infection (like pneumonia or meningitis). that's why doctors will sometimes order special tests (such as blood or urine tests or a spinal tap) to pinpoint the exact cause of an infant fever and to look for more serious infections in young babies.
when should i call my doctor about my baby's fever?