When should I worry about a fever in my toddler, and how should I treat it?

Fever itself is not dangerous — it is the body's immune response fighting infection. In toddlers (age 1–3), a temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) is considered a fever. Treat the child, not the number: if your toddler has a low fever but is playing, eating, and drinking normally, treatment may not be needed. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil, for ages 6 months+) for discomfort — follow dosing by weight, not age. Never give aspirin to children. Seek immediate medical care if: fever exceeds 104°F (40°C), lasts more than 3 days, is accompanied by stiff neck or rash, the child is lethargic or inconsolable, or there are signs of dehydration. Febrile seizures (triggered by rapid temperature rise) affect 2–5% of young children and, while frightening, are usually harmless. Consult your pediatrician about when fever in your child warrants an office visit versus home management.