Fever in Infants

Your baby has a fever and diarrhea, but no vomiting, or symptoms of a cold or an ear infection. The most common cause for this is viral gastroenteritis.

You should call your doctor immediately if

• The diarrhea is bloody, black, or mucousy.

• Your baby's temperature is 102 F (39 C) or higher.

• Your baby isn't drinking.

• Your baby goes more than six hours without a wet diaper.

• Your baby gets either very irritable or very listless.

• Your baby gets a rash on his body (not just the diaper area) or looks pale or yellow.

• Your baby gets worse in any way, or is not better in two days.

You should also call the doctor if your baby has traveled to areas of the world where parasites or other illnesses are endemic.

You can give your baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever (make sure you read the dosage directions carefully); do not give any other medications without the advice of your doctor. Make sure your baby gets plenty of fluids to drink; avoid sugary beverages as they can make diarrhea worse.