Hello, I'm a healthcare professional with experience in pediatric care. When it comes to newborns, a fever is a concern because it can indicate an underlying infection or other medical issue.

A fever in a newborn is generally defined as a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. However, some healthcare providers may consider a temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher as a fever, especially if the baby is less than two months old. It's important to note that the method of measuring the temperature can affect the reading, and rectal temperatures are considered the most accurate for infants.

Parents should seek immediate medical attention if their newborn has a fever, as it requires a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

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Because a newborn's temperature regulation system is immature, your baby may not have a fever with infection or illness. Fever in babies can be caused by other, more serious things. Call your baby's doctor immediately if your baby is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4��F (38��C) or higher.read more >>